Areas of Practice

To advance in a career in structural engineering, a Professional Engineer’s (PE) license is generally a requirement.
To become licensed, the structural engineering student should take the Fundamental Examination as a junior or senior. In most states (including Texas), after at least four years of relevant experience one can take the Principles and Practice Examination in either Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering (see the subject list from a recent “Structural I” P.E. exam). Upon passing this exam, the structural engineer becomes a licensed Professional Engineer. In some states, such as Illinois, California, and Washington, in order to practice all aspects of structural engineering, an additional examination is required for registration as a Structural Engineer (S.E.)
For a career in structural engineering, a master’s degree is encouraged, and is almost essential to pass the Principles and Practice Examination. Some employers encourage continuing education, even paying for a portion of tuition to obtain a master’s degree while working; however, many employers require students to complete their education prior to commencing work. With a master’s degree, one can generally take the Principles and Practice Examination after three years of experience.
To be prepared for the exam and a career in structural engineering, student should take as many Level I and Level II electives in structural engineering as possible, along with a course in foundation engineering.