Postgraduate Diploma in Structural Engineering and Seismic Design
Program Overview
Diploma de PostĒtulo en IngenierĒa Estructural y Dise±o SĒsmico
The Diploma in Structural Engineering and Seismic Design is a postgraduate program aimed at providing advanced training in the field of structural engineering, with a focus on seismic design. The program is designed for civil engineers, structural engineers, or related professionals with at least 2 years of experience in design projects.
Objective
The objective of the program is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and analyze structures that can withstand seismic forces, ensuring the safety and functionality of buildings and infrastructure.
Target Audience
The program is targeted at civil engineers, structural engineers, or related professionals with at least 2 years of experience in design projects.
Organization
The program is organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Chile.
Value
The program has a value of 140 UF (approximately 5,700 USD). A discount of 30% is available for early registration until January 31, 2026.
Duration and Schedule
The program will take place from April 7, 2026, to November 26, 2026, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Online Modality
The program will be delivered online, with synchronous classes. Recordings of classes will be available in case of justified absences.
Teaching Team
The teaching team consists of experienced academics and professionals in the field of structural engineering and seismic design, including:
- Rubķn Boroschek K., Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley
- Pablo Heresi V., Ph.D. from Stanford University
- Ricardo Herrera M., Ph.D. from Lehigh University
- Leonardo Massone S., Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles
- Felipe Ochoa C., Ph.D. from Purdue University
- Francisco Pinto V., Ph.D. from the Pontificia Universidad Cat¾lica de Chile
- Fabißn Rojas B., Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (Academic Coordinator)
- Rodrigo Retamales S., Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo
- Thomas Sturm M., Ph.D. from the Universidade do Minho
- Mario Wagner M., Civil Engineer, University of Chile
Evaluation and Approval
To approve the program, participants must:
- Attend at least 75% of the classes
- Obtain a final grade above 4.0 (on a scale of 1.0 to 7.0)
- Complete individual and group assignments, exercises, and projects A digital certificate of approval and a certificate of grades will be awarded upon completion of the program.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the program, candidates must:
- Submit a photo of their ID or passport
- Provide a certificate of their relevant degree
- Include a CV with relevant professional experience (at least 2 years in design projects)
- Write a motivation letter
- Demonstrate technical English reading skills
Payment Methods
Payment can be made:
- In cash with a national or international bank transfer
- Online with a debit card through the WebPay system
- In up to 10 installments with a credit card (national or international) through the WebPay system
- With an order of purchase, invoice, and payment by transfer for companies in Chile
- With an order of purchase, international transfer, invoice, and invoice issuance for companies outside Chile
Discounts
- A 30% discount is available for early registration until January 31, 2026
- A 25% discount is available for members of the AICE (not cumulative with other discounts)
- Other discounts may be available; please check the program's website for more information
Course Plan
The program consists of 188 hours of classes, divided into 15 courses:
- Analysis and Dynamics of Structures Applied to Seismic Design (12 hours)
- Instrumentation, Monitoring, and Structural Identification (12 hours)
- Non-Linear Analysis of Structures (14 hours)
- Geotechnical Characterization, Thrust, and Containment Systems (12 hours)
- Seismic Hazard (14 hours)
- Seismic Design of Structures (20 hours)
- Design of Wood Structures (12 hours)
- Design of Masonry Structures (12 hours)
- Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures (12 hours)
- Design of Steel Structures (12 hours)
- Design of Foundations, Containment Systems, and Soil-Structure Interaction (14 hours)
- Analysis and Design of Structures with Energy Dissipation Systems (11 hours)
- Analysis and Design of Structures with Base Isolation Systems (11 hours)
- Performance-Based Seismic Design (14 hours)
- Project Workshop (6 hours)
Minimum Number of Students
The program will only be delivered if a minimum of 10 students are enrolled.
