Structural Engineering, B.S.

The Saint Louis University Department of Civil Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering that provides students with an in-depth experience focused solely on structural engineering. The curriculum emphasizes professional practice to better prepare students for the structural engineering licensure exam after graduation using project-based, hands-on learning methods.

As a student in the structural engineering program, you will develop critical thinking and leadership skills to address society’s needs at local, regional and global levels. Students also have the opportunity to join many student clubs, such as the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers and participate in project competitions like the AISC National Student Steel Bridge Competition. 

Curriculum Overview

SLU’s structural engineering program provides a solid foundation of coursework in the engineering sciences, including solid mechanics and fluid dynamics. The program primarily focuses on the structural engineering side of civil engineering, including a broad range of topics related to structural analysis and advanced structural analysis, structural dynamics, reinforced concrete and steel design, advanced courses in reinforced concrete and steel design, masonry and timber structures, and bridge design along with complimentary courses in construction, materials, and geotechnical engineering. In addition to the core technical content, the curriculum features a unique hands-on learning environment that illustrates real-world applications.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Students at SLU can engage with industry through various internship opportunities and/or undergraduate research experiences. Internship opportunities include the public and private sector and students can arrange for their internship experience to count toward a professional development elective under the direction of a faculty mentor. Undergraduate research opportunities include the SURGE and FIRE programs that allow students to work on collaborative projects under the direction of a faculty member in a university research lab.

Careers

Students with a B.S. in structural engineering can pursue graduate or professional school or enter industry. Some examples of career paths related to structural engineering include but are not limited to:

• Private consulting
• Architectural and engineering firms
• Bridge engineering
• Forensic engineering
• Construction industry
• Government agencies
• Aerospace industry

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission and matriculation requirements of Saint Louis University, applicants to SLU’s engineering programs must meet the following requirements:

• GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.00 high school GPA for freshmen applicants and 2.70 college GPA for transfer applicants.
• Coursework: Strong applicants will have 15 total units of high school work, including three or four units of English; four or more units of mathematics, including algebra I and II, geometry and precalculus (Algebra II with Trigonometry is not sufficient). 

Admission to the School of Science and Engineering’s degree programs is based on a combination of secondary school grades, college admission test scores, co-curricular activities and attempted college coursework, as well as other indicators of the applicant’s ability, career focus and character. This process respects the non-discrimination policy of the University and is designed to select a qualified, competent and diverse student body with high standards of scholarship and character, consistent with the mission of the University.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex structural engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply structural engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. 
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in structural engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions in structural engineering.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
8. An ability to design a system, component, or process using more than one structural engineering material.
9. An ability to explain basic concepts in management, business, public policy, and leadership.

Non-Course Requirements

All School of Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program. 

Students are required to obtain the C- or better in designated prerequisite courses. Students who do not obtain a C- or better in a designated prerequisite course must retake the course and will not be permitted to progress to the following course(s).

Continuation Standards

Students are required to maintain a 2.00 overall GPA. Students whose overall GPA drops below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Carroll, Ph.D., P.E.
     Department chair
     chris.carroll@slu.edu