Graduate Programs - Degrees Offered Within SEMM

Programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science, Master of Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Engineering are available to graduate students in the SEMM Program. Students consult with their graduate advisor to select a program of study that, subject to programmatic and University requirements, meets their educational goals.

Master of Science Program

The Master of Science program consists of a minimum of 24 semester units of course work with a comprehensive examination or a research project. Of the 24 units at least 14 must be graduate level courses in SEMM with the balance from approved graduate or advanced undergraduate courses. The program stresses application of fundamental principles of science and engineering to the formulation and solution of complex engineering problems. With an adequate undergraduate background, students should complete the program in two semesters.

For more information, please check Master of Science

Master of Engineering Program

The Master of Engineering program consists of 44 semester units of course work including independent study with an emphasis on professional practice. It includes a technical core combined with technical and non-technical breadth areas emphasizing technological, social and economic constraints in design, analysis and operation of engineering systems. The independent study must culminate in a written report. The length of the program is four semesters.

For more information, please check Master of Engineering  

Doctoral Program

Students are admitted normally to the doctoral program following attainment of a Master of Science degree in civil engineering or in a related field. The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Ph.D.) is a research degree in the Engineering Sciences appropriate for students emphasizing analysis. The Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) degree is a professional degree awarded for a program of study and research on the same level as that for the Ph.D. degree.

Doctoral studies consist of selected courses, examinations and independent research culminating in a thesis. Final programs are individually formulated through consultation with a faculty guidance committee. Each doctoral student must satisfy, through course work, a major within the SEMM program. In addition, two minor areas of course work are required that are appropriate for the student's area of research. The first minor is mathematics or statistics. The second minor is selected to broaden the student's technical base, and provide background for research.

Soon after admission to the doctoral program the student is required to take a written Preliminary Examination to assess his/her academic preparation. After completing the course work, the student must pass a written and oral Qualifying Examination. The doctoral degree is awarded upon completion of a thesis describing research related to the SEMM program. The thesis is supervised by a guidance committee consisting of three faculty members.

For more information, please check Doctoral Degree

Areas of Emphasis within SEMM

Students may choose from a wide variety of graduate and undergraduate courses offered within the SEMM Program. In addition, students may take related courses offered in other programs of Civil and Environmental Engineering as well as in other departments of the University. By working closely with their Graduate Advisor students can formulate programs of study uniquely satisfying their needs.

• Theory of structures, finite element methods, linear and nonlinear computer methods of analysis, computer aided engineering
• Structural dynamics and random vibrations
• Earthquake engineering design and analysis
• Design and behavior of reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel, composite, timber and other structures
• Experimental analysis, including non-destructive evaluation of structures
• Mechanics of solids, structural mechanics, computational mechanics, thermomechanics of deformable bodies, micromechanics and mechanics of composite materials
• Structural reliability, risk analysis, decision theory
• Fire protection engineering
• Structural materials, behavior of concrete and cementitious materials and plastics
• Advanced concrete technology.

Within the Department students may choose additional courses in: Construction Engineering and Management, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering. Outside the department, students may take courses in Architecture, Bioengineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, Geophysics and Seismology, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Material Science and Mineral Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture, Nuclear Engineering, Public Policy, Statistics, and other related disciplines.

Other Graduate Programs within SEMM

Special programs are available for students emphasizing the Structural Materials Area and an interdisciplinary program is available for students interested in Fire Protection Engineering. In addition, a joint Master's Degree program has been established between the SEMM program and the Department of Architecture. These programs are detailed in separate publications that may be requested from the Academic Affairs Office, 750 Davis Hall, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-1714. Students having an undergraduate background outside of civil engineering may be eligible for graduate study in the SEMM program.