The Structural Engineering major at UC San Diego prepares students to design and analyze structures that support modern society, from bridges and buildings to aerospace and marine systems. The program blends theory and hands‑on learning in areas such as mechanics, materials, structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and advanced technologies like composites and earthquake engineering. Students benefit from world‑class research facilities, innovative faculty, and opportunities to tackle real‑world engineering challenges. UC San Diego’s program emphasizes creativity, problem‑solving, and societal impact, equipping graduates to become leaders in shaping safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure.
Specializations (available after enrollment):
- Aerospace Structures
- Civil Structures
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Health Monitoring/Non-Destructive Evaluation
Program Highlights
- UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering ranks #6 among public institutions in the nation.
- World class research facilities, including the Structural Components and the Advanced Composite Structures Laboratories.
Structural Engineering
This page is intended to give some highlights about the program. If you are interested in learning more about the major and its curriculum, visit the department website.
Experiential Learning
Co-curricular Programs
Learn how to make the most of your experience at UC San Diego within the context of your major.
Research
Conduct research in your field of study with one of the many research programs available. Research opportunities in this major include, but are not limited to:
Center for Extreme Events Research (CEER) Summer Research Program
- Available during summer (8 weeks).
- Self-funded research program.
- Available winter and spring, possible summer component.
- Open to transfer students only.
- Stipend Available.
Guided Engineering Apprenticeship in Research (GEAR)
- Available fall, winter, and spring quarters (3 quarter commitment).
- Open to first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
- 2 units of ENG 20; possible 199 and/or co-curricular credits.
For more details, eligibility, and to explore more programs, visit our Undergraduate Research website.
Internships
UC San Diego offers strong internship pathways for undergraduates through the Academic Internship Program (AIP) and the Research Experience and Applied Learning (REAL) Portal. AIP enables students to earn academic credit while gaining professional experience in fields across all majors, supported by faculty mentorship and an academic component. The REAL Portal serves as a centralized hub for finding research, internships, service learning, and other hands‑on opportunities on and off campus. Together, these resources help students explore career interests, build professional skills, and connect academic learning with real‑world experience.
Find a Program
- Academic Internship Program: https://aip.ucsd.edu
- REAL Portal: https://real.ucsd.edu
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to explore study abroad opportunities which allow students to experience the culture and history of another country and gain a global perspective, all while earning academic credit toward their degree.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities for Structural Engineering.
Student Organizations
With over 600 student organizations, students are able to connect with other students who share similar interests. And, if you can't find something that interests you, it's easy to create a new one with just a few other students. Explore UC San Diego student organizations.
Be sure to check out these organizations related to your major:
- Society of Civil and Structural Engineers (SCSE)
- Engineering World Health (EWH)
- Triton Engineering Student Council (TESC)
What can I do with this major?
Learn about how you can apply your major to various opportunities after you graduate. The information below is based on recent surveys from alumni in this (or similar) majors and is not an exhaustive list.
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Recent Employers - Top 10 employers alumni reported working for.
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Job Types - Industries and types of jobs that alumni reported.
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Skills - Common skills and skills specific to the major that alumni reported gaining from this major.
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Graduate Programs - The types of graduate programs alumni reported going to (if applicable)
Recent Employers
- KPFF Consulting Engineers
- Clark Construction Company
- Degenkolb Engineers
- Turner Construction Company
- Northrop Grumman
- University of California
- Thornton Tomasetti
- City of San Diego
- Caltrans
- Raytheon Technologies
Job Types
- Structural Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Project Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Research Assistants
- Graphic Designers
- Industrial Engineers
- Teaching Assistants
- C-Suite Executives
Graduate Programs
- Structural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Aerospace
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Statistics
- Aerospace
- Data Science
Skills
Common
- Research
- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Communications
- Microsoft Office
- Management
- Operations
Specific
- Structural Engineering
- AutoCAD
- Project Engineering
- Project Management
- SolidWorks
- Construction
- MATLAB
- Finite Element Methods
- Abaqus
- Civil Engineering