Selabu Karya

How to 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.

Steps

1

Take classes that emphasize mathematics and science such as algebra, geometry, biology and physics before graduating high school or receiving your GED.

2

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.

3

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).

1. 
   4
   Take the second half of the licensing examination when your internship has ended. You must pass this test in order to work as a structural engineer in your state.
2. 
   5
   Continue your education to stay up to date on new technology. Many states require this for relicensing. Some options for furthering your education are listed below. 
   • Receive drafting or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) training or certification. Take other computer courses as necessary.
   • Obtain a graduate degree in structural engineering or a related field. You will also need a higher degree if you want to enter the research area of this occupation.
   • You may also choose to obtain an MBA in business or management if you decide to pursue a management position or wish to open your own engineering company.