
The Risk Engineering (Materials and Structures) master’s program at University of Duke offers a 1.5-year curriculum designed to provide students with advanced knowledge in materials science, structural integrity, and risk assessment. Students gain expertise in structural analysis, failure prevention, and safety management while learning to apply engineering principles to complex materials and structural challenges. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing learners to evaluate risks, design resilient systems, and implement safety-focused engineering solutions in real-world scenarios.
Participants benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty, hands-on laboratory work, and collaborative projects with industry partners. The curriculum emphasizes materials analysis, structural engineering, risk assessment and failure prevention, enabling students to design safer and more reliable systems. Through applied projects, simulations, and research-based exercises, learners strengthen analytical, technical, and professional skills, preparing them for careers in engineering consulting, safety management, and structural design.
Semester 1 – Foundations in Risk Engineering
• Materials Science Fundamentals
• Structural Analysis and Design
• Risk Assessment Principles
• Seminar in Engineering Safety
Semester 2 – Advanced Materials and Structural Applications
• Structural Reliability and Resilience
• Failure Analysis and Prevention
• Elective in Specialized Materials or Structures Topic
• Applied Project / Lab Work
Semester 3 – Capstone & Professional Integration
• Advanced Risk Management Techniques
• Structural Design Optimization
• Research Project / Applied Study
• Professional Portfolio Development
Graduates of this program are prepared for professional roles in structural engineering, risk management, materials analysis, and safety consulting. Common career paths include structural engineer, risk analyst, materials consultant and safety engineer. Additional opportunities exist in engineering firms, research institutions, construction companies, and industrial organizations. The program also provides a foundation for students pursuing advanced studies or doctoral research in materials and structural engineering. By combining applied engineering expertise with risk-focused problem-solving, graduates are equipped to design resilient and safe systems.
This 1.5-year master’s program is ideal for students seeking a practical and applied approach to risk engineering. The curriculum emphasizes materials analysis, structural engineering, risk assessment and applied problem-solving, allowing learners to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world engineering applications. Students engage in applied projects, lab work, and faculty-guided research that strengthen analytical, technical, and professional abilities. The program’s intensive structure ensures graduates are prepared for careers in structural design, risk management, materials engineering, or further academic study. For those aiming to advance expertise in resilient systems and safe engineering practices, this program provides a focused and highly practical pathway.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 (919) 684-8111
Email: admissions@duke.edu
Address: University of Duke, Durham, North Carolina, United States