MSc in Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering and Mechanics in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Amherst

Structural Engineering and Mechanics (SEM) is a specialized division within UMass Amherst's Civil Engineering Program at the College of Engineering. Faculty and students in SEM engage in cross-disciplinary research aimed at enhancing infrastructure safety and performance, advancing sustainable construction methods, and studying the mechanical properties of solid materials.

Our research involves experimental work carried out in SEM's dedicated facilities (the Gunness Structural Engineering Laboratory and Robert B. Brack Structural Testing Facility), field studies, and computational analysis using our in-house computing resources. These include cutting-edge software, multi-processor workstations, and access to the high-performance Cyclops cluster with 608 processors. We conduct comprehensive testing ranging from full-scale structural components to material science investigations, along with on-site instrumentation.
Civil engineering encompasses the planning, building, and upkeep of both man-made structures and natural environments. Professionals in this field use mathematical and scientific principles to optimize resource use and harness natural forces, benefiting society while preserving ecosystems. The master's program in Structural Engineering and Mechanics equips graduates for careers across industry, government, and academia through customized study plans developed with faculty advisors. The curriculum combines essential courses in structural mechanics with specialized electives that align with each student's career aspirations. Students can choose between a thesis track, which cultivates research expertise through relevant projects, or a non-thesis option requiring six additional credit hours instead of a research component.