Become a Structural Engineer

Pursuing a career in structural engineering takes hard work and time. This field is considered a specialty in civil engineering. These professionals are responsible for designing buildings, water and sewer systems and bridges and roadways. Sometimes they help engineers in other specialties design items like medical equipment or vehicles. This article will tell you how to become a structural engineer.

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   Take classes that emphasize mathematics and science such as algebra, geometry, biology and physics before graduating high school or receiving your GED.
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   Obtain your bachelor's degree in civil or architectural engineering from an accredited college. You should select courses in your last 2 years that emphasize structural engineering.

   • Some 4-year colleges only offer a general engineering degree, whereas others allow you to graduate with a specialty.
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   Become an apprentice under an experienced structural engineer. These apprenticeships last 4-to-5 years. They may also include formal classroom training in larger companies.

   • You may also take the first part of your state's licensing test after graduation. If you pass the first part, you are considered an engineer in training (EIT) or an engineer intern (EI).