Architectural Engineering in USA

The four basic architectural engineering curriculum areas are building structures, building mechanics systems, building electrical systems, and construction/construction management. Graduates are expected to reach the synthesis (design) level in building structures, application level in construction/construction management, and comprehension level in building mechanical and electrical systems.

Students will apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom in real-world settings through internships or co-ops and course projects, including the capstone project.

The 120-hour curriculum leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural engineering. Transfer students may receive credit for courses listed in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Field of Study Curriculum.

Illinois Tech’s architectural engineering program offers students an opportunity to obtain an engineering education specializing in building architecture, building-system integration, and structural and computer-aided design. Professional architectural engineers are concerned with the structural integrity of buildings; the design and analysis of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems; acoustics; lighting; energy conservation; building science and the study of building performance; and the management of construction resources and schedules.

Graduates of the program will be well prepared for careers as consulting engineers, building contractors, construction managers, structural engineers, and knowledgeable specialists in related areas of building design and analysis.

The architectural engineering major prepares graduates for professional work in the analysis, design, construction, and operation of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. The program develops engineers familiar with all aspects of safe and economical construction. Students study the principles of structural support and external cladding, building environmental systems, and project management and develop depth in at least one area.

The program integrates building disciplines, including coordination with architects, construction managers, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and others. Students use computer-aided design tools to understand system interactions, perform analysis, design, scheduling, and cost analysis, and present their work.

Architectural engineers plan, design, and supervise construction of many essential facilities and structures for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. These building systems include electrical, communications and control, lighting, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, fire protection, plumbing, and structural systems. Architectural engineers are problem solvers applying the latest in high-tech equipment and sophisticated procedures to address challenges concerning our environment and infrastructure. The diversity of architectural engineers complements the use of multiple systems to the intent and purpose of the project’s design.

The bachelor of science in architectural engineering (BSAE) degree requires satisfactory completion of 129 credit hours. In your first two years, you will complete mathematics, physics, English, architectural design and other prerequisite courses. In your third and fourth years, most of your course work will be in engineering sciences. Also in your fourth year you will complete engineering design courses in general and specific areas.

Courses in structural, electrical, mechanical and lighting design are directed toward providing reliable and efficient structures such as stadiums, retail complexes, office buildings and airports. Courses in construction engineering include studies in construction techniques, cost estimating, quality control/quality assurance, and contract administration. History, architectural design and humanities provide the necessary tools to appreciably coexist in the fabric of society.

Architectural engineering is a broad field of endeavor. Because of this breadth, courses are required in each of the above areas. Although you, as an architectural engineer, may specialize within a given area, by the very nature of the profession you will be required to interact with specialists in the other areas. You will find that you will be working with architects and engineers in the other disciplines in the planning, design, and construction of complex facilities.

Architectural engineers also must be effective in communicating with the public. You may be expected to work with property owners, concerned citizens, city officials, attorneys, and even medical doctors for concerns related to public health measures. The results of your work as a architectural engineer will be seen everywhere. Projects in which you will become involved must be economical, appreciable to self and community, and provide a reasonable life expectancy. Use of computer hardware and software is a key component of the BSAE program of study.

The Architectural Engineering curriculum provides an integrated educational experience in mathematics, basic sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering sciences, and architectural engineering design. The Architectural Engineering program integrates design applications across the curriculum, beginning with building construction and architectural design in the sophomore year, and continuing with structural, building mechanical and electrical systems design, and construction management in the junior and senior years. The curriculum culminates with a major comprehensive design experience that includes applications from the major specialty areas of architectural engineering.

The architectural engineering technology program educates future architectural engineering technologists in the process of producing and documenting design projects from schematics through construction. The program is designed to prepare its graduates for employment in architecturally related firms, including architects' offices, design-build firms, engineering firms, governmental agencies, real estate development firms, planning offices, and materials suppliers and manufacturers. Major courses of study include architectural design, architectural history, architectural working drawings, building materials, computer-aided design and drafting, electrical systems, estimating, mechanical systems, specifications, structural design, and building information management. Students desiring to transfer to a school of architecture should consult with their advisor early in their courses of study.

Architectural engineering students are interested in how buildings are designed, how they stand up against the forces of nature, and how they are built and maintained. Students are also concerned with how buildings function as a coordinated set of structural, electrical, communication, and mechanical systems. Architectural engineers are also interested in how these systems support a building’s mission and its occupants’ needs in a sustainable manner. They are creative problem solvers addressing national and international challenges of energy needs, sustainable new and reconditioned building systems, urban development, and community planning.