Structural Engineering
Minor

Students who minor in structural engineering will learn all about the framework of structures, and how to design those structures to withstand the stresses and pressures of their environment, and how to keep them safe, stable and secure throughout their use.

The minor in structural engineering is designed for students in: Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Materials, Geology, and Physics.

This minor is not available to civil engineering majors.

Program Type

Minor

Program Format

On Campus

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Alumni Story

John Kissinger, ’79 BSE Structural Engineering and CEO of GRAEF, is one of only 20 people who know the secret of how the brise soleil at the Milwaukee Art Museum works. He’s also helped to build iconic Midwestern structures including the Wisconsin Center, the Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Chicago’s McCormick Place West addition and the renovation of Lambeau Field. Read more here.

What to Expect:

The minor in structural engineering will provide you with a broad technical background in the framework of structures.

Requirements:

  • 18-credit minor requires Civ Eng 335, 360, and 372, and one of the following two courses: Civ Eng 571 or 572.
  • Two additional courses from the following: Civ Eng 401, 431, 456, 463, 502, 560, 566, 571, 572, 573, 574, 578, 579; and Arch 301, 510, and 516.

Honors:

Students at UWM have many opportunities to earn honors recognition. Click here for more detail.

UWM Engineering students designing and fabricating a structurally sound Steel Bridge to compete at the annual competition for American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science program provides many opportunities to pair classroom learning with hands-on experiences outside the classroom. The college’s location in Wisconsin’s largest city, with a broad network of industry partnerships, gives you easy access to well-paid internships and co-ops, as well as other important opportunities to enhance your resume. 

Did you know? 

  • 93 percent of UWM engineering and computer science students complete paid, work-related experiences including internships, co-ops and research opportunities 
  • 91 percent land a job or commit to graduate school before graduation. 

SOURCE: UWM First Destination Survey 2019  

Internships & Co-ops

Students in civil and structural engineering have had many hands-on opportunities to develop their skills, determine what type of career experience they would like after graduation, while often earning a significant paycheck over summer breaks and even during the academic year.

Here are some of the businesses where our civil engineering students have had internships, co-ops or careers:

  • AECOM
  • City of Milwaukee
  • CSD Structural Engineers
  • GRAEF
  • HNTB
  • Jacobs
  • JP Cullen
  • RA Smith
  • WEC Energy Group
  • Wisconsin DOT
Learning Labs

Advanced Structures Laboratory (ASL)

The ASL seeks to advance the field of intelligent structures by researching critical issues that currently inhibit their use adoption including:

  • Sensor design to reduce data and simplify interpretation
  • Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and automated damage detection
  • Ultrasonic signal transmission
  • Self-healing materials
Student Organizations

Here are a few of the student organizations specifically related to structural engineering.  

For full descriptions and contact information of all engineering and computer science related student organizations and clubs, click here.

American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

AISC gets students involved with the process that goes into designing and constructing a steel frame.  Members will have the opportunity to learn about structural design, fabrication, and more things related to steel construction.  The main focus of the organization is to prepare for the Student Steel Bridge Competition each Spring.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

ASCE presents students with the opportunity to participate in engineering related activities and competitions, and network with other engineering students and professionals.

Construction Leadership Council – Student Chapter (CLC)

CLC is a student led organization that provides young professionals with an opportunity to observe and develop their skills with current industry leaders.

Structural Engineering Society at UWM (SES-UWM)

SES-UWM expands the experience and knowledge of members in structural related fields through attending relevant events and inviting well-known speakers to hold technical workshops.

We’re Here to Help

We have a dedicated Career Services Director at the College of Engineering & Applied Science who works exclusively with our students to prepare them for a career after graduation. You’ll receive help to prepare a resume, learn interviewing skills, meet prospective employers at our career fairs in the spring and fall, and secure paid internships or co-ops that align with your career goals.

What You’ll Do

Structural engineers often work alongside civil engineers and architects as part of a construction team to create drawings and specifications, perform calculations, review the work of other engineers, write reports and evaluations, and observe construction sites.

Most practicing structural engineers design and analyze buildings, bridges, power plants, electrical towers, dams, and other large structures that are essential to life as we know it.

Advising

Megan Wisnowski
Bauski, Megan
  • Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names M-R
Brandon Clark
Clark, Brandon
  • Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names A-E
Tina Current
Current, Tina
  • Senior Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names beginning F-L
  • Prospective Transfer Student Liaison
Jennie Klumpp
Klumpp, Jennie
  • Senior Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names beginning S-Z
  • Prospective Student Liaison

Tutoring Center

Steven Anderson
Anderson, Steven
  • Retention Coordinator, Tutoring
  • Student Support Center Coordinator
  • Freshmen Orientation Instructor

Faculty

Academic Catalog
All Academic Resources
Take a Virtual Tour of Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Mechanical Engineering
Contact Info: ceas-me@uwm.edu

Street Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
3200 North Cramer Street
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Mailing Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
P.O. Box 784
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0784