The optimal design for stiffened laminate composite cylindrical shells under combined loads is studied by a nonlinear mathematical search algorithm. The optimal design is accomplished with the CONMIN. several types of buckling modes with maximum allowable stresses and strains are included as constraints in the optimal design process, such as general buckling, panel buckling with either stringers or rings smeared out, local skin buckling, local crippling of stiffener segments. Rectangular or T type stringers and rectangular rings are used for stiffened laminate composite cylindrical shells.