The main objective of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge required for the analysis and synthesis of modern engineered structures.

Mechanics of Structures

 
UPON APPLYING, PLEASE SELECT “ENGINEERING – ONLINE” AS THE MAJOR.  THEREAFTER, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SELECT MECHANICS OF STRUCTURES.

Degree: Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Mechanics of Structures

Area Director: Professor Ajit Mal – ajit@seas.ucla.edu

Program Description:
The main objective of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge required for the analysis and synthesis of modern engineered structures. The fundamental concepts of linear and nonlinear elasticity, plasticity, fracture mechanics, finite element analysis, mechanics of composites and structural vibrations will be developed in a series of undergraduate and graduate courses. These concepts will then be applied in solving industry-relevant problems in a number of graduate level courses. Students will develop hands-on experience in using popular finite element packages for solving realistic structural analysis problems.

*Program Statistics

*Data accounts for students in the following programs: Data Science Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechanics of Structures, Sustainable Water Engineering, and Systems Engineering

Degree Requirements:
At least nine courses are required (36 units), of which at least five must be graduate courses at the 200 level (excluding ENGR 299 Capstone Project course), and meet Comprehensive Exam Requirement. The courses should be chosen so that the breadth requirements and the requirements at the graduate level are met. Courses applied toward the degree must be taken for letter grade; S/U grading is not acceptable.

Choose six courses from the following list:

  • MECH&AE 156A Advanced Structural Materials
  • MECH&AE M168 – Introduction to Finite Element Methods
  • MECH&AE M256A – Linear Elasticity
  • MECH&AE M256B – Nonlinear Elasticity
  • MECH&AE 256F – Analytical Fracture Mechanics
  • MECH&AE M269A – Dynamics of Structures
  • MECH&AE 298 – Advanced Design of Modern Aerospace Structures (Seminar in Engineering)
  • C&EE 235A – Advanced Structural Analysis
  • C&EE 235B – Finite Element Analysis
  • C&EE 233 – Mechanics of Composite Material Structures

Please visit the Registrar’s webpage for Course Descriptions.

Field Experience:
Not required.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM REQUIREMENT

Students can meet the Comprehensive Exam Requirement by choosing ONE option below:

Option 1:
Take and Pass ENGR 299 Capstone Project course.

Option 2:
Take and pass three written exams for three different graduate level courses within the student’s area of specialization. The written exams are held concurrently with the final exam of the graduate level courses. Students may select which exams they would like to count towards the Comprehensive Exam requirement.

Electives:
As long as you have met the requirements above, the remaining courses may be selected from other Engineering departments. No approval is necessary.  Please note: Students may not apply electives towards earning an additional certificate.  Certificate programs are intended for non-matriculating students and are categorized as separate programs.

Thesis Plan:
NONE

Time-to-Degree:
Students are expected to complete the degree within two academic years and one quarter, including two summer sessions. The maximum time allowed in this program is three academic years (nine quarters), excluding summer sessions.