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The Structural Mechanics and Design track of the Master of Engineering (MEng) degree program offers students the opportunity to explore the forefront of structural engineering. Through a rigorous, fast-paced curriculum and hands-on research, students delve into areas such as structural mechanics, computational design and optimization that bridge engineering and architecture. This track is ideal for those passionate about shaping the built environment through innovative, interdisciplinary, sustainable approaches. Many graduates go on to pursue careers in structural engineering, architectural design, construction technology, and consulting.
Within the SMD Track, students must take at least 66 units of graduate-level coursework, including two core subjects (24 units), and two additional graduate level subjects (24 units) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Students are also required to complete a thesis (24 units) and two unrestricted elective subjects (18 units) in or outside of CEE.
Students are required to choose two graduate-level subjects (24 units) from the CEE department. In addition to (18 units) of unrestricted electives in or outside of CEE. Suggested options include:
Elective Subjects, Fall 2025
1.361 Advanced Soil Mechanics (9 units)
1.364 Advanced Geotechnical Engineering (9 units)
1.38 Engineering Geology (12 units)
1.462 Entrepreneurship in the Built Environment (6 units)
1.550 Engineering Mechanics (12 units)
1.564 Environmental Technology in Buildings (9 units)
1.573 Structural Mechanics (12 units)
1.581 Structural Dynamics (12 units)
1.813 Technology, Globalization, and Sustainable Development (12 units)
1.834 Exploring Sustainability at Different Scales (12 units)
3.371 Structural Materials (12 units)
4.130 Architectural Design Theory and Methodologies (12 units)
4.140 How to Make (Almost) Anything (18 units)
4.463 Building Technology Systems: Structures and Envelopes (9 units)
4.481 Building Technology Seminar (3 units)
4.580 Inquiry into Computation and Design (12 units)
4.604 Understanding Modern Architecture (12 units)
11.401 Introduction to Housing, Community, and Economic Development (12 units)
11.450 Real Estate Development Building Systems (3 units)
Elective Subjects, Spring 2026
(Please note, not all available and subject to change)
1.001 Engineering Computation and Data Science (12 units)
1.121 Advanced Mechanics and Materials via Machine Learning (12 units)
1.142 Robust Modeling, Optimization, and Computation (12 units)
1.202 Demand Modeling (12 units)
1.351 Theoretical Soil Mechanics (12 units)
1.472 Innovative Project Delivery in the Public and Private Sectors (6 units)
1.541 Mechanics and Design of Concrete Structures (12 units)
1.C51 Machine Learning for Sustainable Systems (6 units)
4.252 Introduction to Urban Design and Development (12 units)
2.081 Plates and Shells: Static and Dynamic Analysis (12 units)
3.207 Innovation and Commercialization (12 units)
3.371 Structural Materials (12 units)
4.123 Architectural Assemblies (9 units)
4.163 Urban Design Studio (arranged)
4.244 Urban Design Seminar: Perspectives on Contemporary Practice (9 units)
4.453 Creative Machine Learning for Design (12 units)
4.570 Computational Design Lab (arranged)
Search the full subject listing catalog at: http://student.mit.edu/catalog/extsearch.cgi
The MEng thesis is the result of an individual research project conducted by each student in the program in close collaboration with their faculty thesis supervisor. Thesis research begins immediately upon arrival at MIT, and concludes in May with the submission of the signed thesis. Research plays an integral role in the graduate degree, and research effort is tracked through enrollment in 1.THG. Graduate students are required to register for 1.THG every semester, including Independent Activities Period (IAP) in January, and meet with their supervisors on a regular basis. We recommend students take 10 units of 1.THG in Fall, 4 units over IAP, and 10 units in Spring.