
Preparation
Architectural
Engineering graduates will enter a field that has a great deal in common
with both civil and mechanical engineering -- but architectural
engineers have chosen to concentrate on building projects. They will
work on building system design, structural and computer-aided design,
and address challenges such as earthquake and hurricane preparedness.
Architectural
Engineering Programs
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all
entry-level engineering jobs. Accredited architectural engineering programs usually provide broad studies in
mathematics and
physics in addition to course work
in civil engineering. It is important to select a program that is
accredited in
Architectural Engineering.
Admission
Requirements
Admissions requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a
solid background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and
calculus) and science
(biology, chemistry, and physics), and courses in English, social
studies, humanities, and computer and information technology. Having
calculus in high school can provide a substantial advantage when working
toward an architectural engineering degree. Bachelor's degree programs in engineering typically are
designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4
and 5 years to complete their studies. Some Architectural Engineering
programs are five years, instead of four. In a typical 4-year college
curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic
sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In
the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a
concentration in one branch. For example, the last two years of an
architectural engineering program might include courses in architectural
design, engineering economics, fluid mechanics, structural design and
analysis, and thermodynamics.
Co-ops
Internships and Coops
provide students with a great opportunity to gain real-world experience
while still in school. Many universities offer co-op and internship
programs for students studying Architectural Engineering.
Click here for more
information.
Courses
of Study
Students specializing
in Architectural Engineering will explore engineering design,
structures, mechanical and electrical systems, and construction
management. They need to be proficient in mathematics (differential
equations, probability and statistics) along with calculus-based physics
and general chemistry. Students will study the strength of
materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electric circuits, and
engineering economics. Students will also learn about the history
of architectural design. Teamwork is also a key part of the study
of architectural engineering as architectural engineers will interact
with the other design professionals in the execution of building
projects.
Accredited
Programs
Those interested in a
career in Architectural Engineering should consider reviewing engineering programs that are
accredited by
ABET, Inc. If you choose to attend a program that is not ABET accredited, you should be sure that the university is
regionally accredited.
The following is a current list of universities offering accredited degree programs in
Architectural
Engineering. You may also download
a PDF of this list.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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