Architectural Engineering

In the United States, architectural engineering refers to a licensed engineering professional who’s qualified to apply engineering principles and technology to building design and construction. Architectural engineering is a multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree, sometimes resulting in a six-year program. In contrast to architects, who focus primarily on aesthetics, architectural engineers ensure that the structure is sound, stable, and the systems are functional.

There are a number of optional specializations, including in structural and mechanical integrity, acoustics and lighting, as well as energy conservation and optimization. Often, architectural engineering programs focus on a specific system within a building, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, fire protection, electrical, lighting, architectural acoustics, or structural systems, but there’s also the option for a generalist degree at some institutions. Ideal candidates for an architectural engineering degree are drawn to technology, mathematics, and science.

Baccalaureate

When it comes to choosing an institution for architectural engineering, the most trusted programs are accredited by ABET, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that focuses on the disciplines of applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Post graduating, to become a licensed professional, architectural engineers must pass two exams, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The average entry-level salary is for architectural engineers is $61,000, while average annual pay is upwards of $93,000.

Graduate Level

Postgraduate options include the Master of Architectural Engineering (MAE), a Master of Science (MS) in Architectural Engineering, or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architectural Engineering. Advanced programs such as these can lead to building automation or communication systems, masonry design, or timber design.

Career options for graduates with a degree in architectural engineering include:Architectural Engineer, Architectural and Civil Drafter, Electrical Drafter, Mechanical Drafter, Engineering Technician, Construction Manager.

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Colleges

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its...

“…

This is a school if you want to get your quality education and at the same time, find your own passion for life. 

This school is not only conducive environmentally especially for students, both locals and internationals, but also very supportive...

” – Abdul Aziz from Malaysia
Texas A & M University-College Station

Opening its doors on October 4, 1876, Texas A&M University’s College Station campus was the first institution of higher education in Texas. A&M is home to 17 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 133 undergraduate degree...

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I feel like I've learned more in my first semester at A&M than I had during my entire high school career.

” – Bhagya from Katy, TX
The University of Texas at Austin

A Public Ivy and space-grant institution, the University of Texas at Austin is one of nine academic universities in the UT system, and also the first. Founded in 1883 and home to 18 schools and colleges, it is one of the largest schools in the US but...

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There are a lot of different classes that they offer at UT tha tmight not be towards your degree but are fun and can count towards your elective courses. For instance, there's scubadiving, musical instrument classes, and physical education classes....

” – Jacklyn from Houston, TX
University of Arizona

Founded in 1885, Arizona is the state's flagship 4-year public institution. The University of Arizona features 20 colleges, more than 300 undergraduate degrees, and top-ranked online programs. Committed to innovation and impact, the university's...

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Not all of the learning you do is academic. Much of my first year was personal growth learning. Just be expected for both.

” – Alexis from Phoenix, AZ
University of Miami

Founded in 1925, the University of Miami is a private research institution in south Florida. The U encompasses 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 180 fields of study. Away from the classroom, the Miami campus is home to...

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The Cool thing about UM is the diversity of the school and the city of Miami. I've met people from every corner of the country and the world and that's the best part about college, of course learning in class but also learning from those who are not...

” – Jude from Miami, FL
Auburn University
Auburn University, AL
Auburn University

Auburn University is a 4-year public research institution and the second largest university in Alabama. Auburn encompasses 12 colleges offering undergraduate degrees in over 150 academic majors. Outside of the classroom, Auburn is home to the Auburn...

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The first day you begin your classes at Auburn you immediately start learning—not a second is wasted, and that's the good thing. Many of the professors are tough, but hey. That's college =) The professors care deeply about their students' success...

” – Devin from Conyers, GA
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Founded in 1919, the University of Cincinnati is a 4-year public research institution and the second largest university in the state of Ohio. UC is home to 14 colleges and schools conferring degrees and is renowned as the first school to offer a co...

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I am currently in UC's college of DAAP- Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning. It is a fantastic place to study; the majority of the professors are UC graduates who teach part time. They start from the basics no matter how much previous experience...

” – Caitlin from Akron, OH
University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a public research institution. The main campus is located in Lawrence, Kansas, and is one of five in the University of Kansas system. KU offers more than 200 undergraduate majors in one of the largest college towns in the...

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As with other colleges, freshman year generally means class sizes in the hundreds. However, the professors and teaching assistants do a relatively good job on relaying information to classes of these sizes. Most of my classes used PowerPoint slides...

” – Nik from Kansas City
Drexel University

Named for a prominent 19th century philanthropist, Drexel University is a 4-year private research university in Philadelphia. Drexel offers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic majors with an emphasis on experiential learning. Additionally, the...

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Drexel offers a plethora of classes and programs. Campus is clean and stacked to the brim with state of the art tools to assist in your education. The teachers are very knowledgeable, well educated and invested in your success.

” – Kathrine from Willingboro, NJ
University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains and ranks #90 in National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. They offer Residential Academic Programs (RAPs), multiple honors programs, and an Education...

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There are tons of options as far as classes and degrees go. I really feel like I'm getting a quality education and the teachers are willing to work with all the students and help them out. There are lots of opportunities to work with other students...

” – Athena from Spring Creek, NV
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

One of two polytechnics in the CSU System, the California Polytechnic State University, more commonly known as Cal Poly, has a competitive admissions process for its programs, which focus in arts, technology, and sciences. The university is located...

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I LOVE CAL POLY!! The great thing about this school is starting from freshmen year you jump right into your Major courses instead of having to go through only GE's for your first year or two. Here, you start learning about your interest in the first...

” – Ashley from Sun City, CA
Tufts University

Tufts University is a 4-year private institution with three campuses in the Boston area. Tufts is home to 12 colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 90 academic majors and minors. The school is known for their popular a capella...

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Tufts is often called a baby-ivy meaning that the quality of education here is at par with or better than what students receive at Ivy League schools. The only difference is that it isn't quite as famous as schools like Harvard or Yale. Classes are...

” – Caitlyn from Plainville, MA
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a 4-year public institution in central Oklahoma. OU offers bachelor’s degrees in 170 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom space, the OU campus hosts the National Weather Center featuring a...

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I did learn a lot. The lecture classes are large but the harder classes like science and math have smaller groups were you get more attention and practice. The English classes are even capped to be under 20 students! It's an awesome set up they have...

” – Samantha from Lewisville, TX
Kansas State University

Founded in 1858 as Bluemont Central College, Kansas State University is a 4-year public institution in northeast Kansas. K-State hosts 11 colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 250 academic majors. In addition, the Kansas State...

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There are large lectures and small group classes so everyone can learn in an environment right for them. The professors are smart and well educated. Lots of them take them time, if you come see them, to personally help you when you need it.

” – Victoria from Topeka, KS
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Oklahoma State University is a public institution with university establishments in all 77 of Oklahoma’s counties. The school is a designated land-grant university and one of six US universities with a designated sun-grant. OSU's campus is home to...

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The professors here are wonderful and the actually care about your success in their classes.

” – Wendi from Broken Arrow, OK
University of Wyoming

Located on the high Laramie plains near the Snowy Range Mountains, the University of Wyoming is a land-grant institution and the state’s flagship institution. UW encompasses nine colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in over 80 areas of...

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I am a sophomore level engineering student and have learned a great deal through my classes at the University. Professors go out of the way to make sure concepts are understood and are more than willing to put in time outside of class and office...

” – Margaret from Lakewood, CO
Tennessee State University

With two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee State University is the only state-funded Historically Black College and University in the state of Tennessee and part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. TSU grants bachelor’s and graduate degrees in 77...

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Tennessee State University is truly a school for everyone. My experiences so far have been amazing and I haven't regretted a single one of them. If you're interested in a beautiful school with great and involved teachers, friendly students and...

” – Paris from Las Vegas, NV
The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington is a world-class university of established excellence providing the tools and guidance necessary to succeed in a globally competitive world. Here, it’s students first, excellence always. Classified as a Carnegie R...

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Yes this school has some very knowledgable professors, if you have to take General Psychology or History 1 I would highly recommend Dr.Cox and Dr.Cole both excellent professors. But there are some professors who will simply waste your time and do not...

” – Samantha from Plano, TX
Illinois Institute of Technology

Created by the merger of Lewis Institute and Armour Institute, The Illinois Institute of Technology is a scientific and technical research institution in Chicago. IIT hosts eight colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 40 fields...

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the illinois institute of technology is a small, close-knit, diverse community of ambitious students from around the world, coming together to enhance society and further develop innovation in the stem field. through specialized classes and hands on...

” – jennifer from prairie village, ks
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Founded in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the oldest university in the state and flagship of the NU system. Nebraska is home to nine colleges conferring undergraduate degrees. In addition to classroom facilities, the NU campus hosts The...

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UNL is big, but not as big as it initially seems. There will definitely be something that interests you. Find your niche or enjoy exploring all your options.

” – Christina from Omaha, NE
North Carolina A & T State University

Founded in 1890, North Carolina A&T State University is a public Historically Black College and University and the state’s first land-grant university for people of color. N.C. A&T is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees...

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North Carolina A&T, is a great school, and has outstanding engineering programs. I am a current Mechanical Engineer major, that plans to graduate in 2016, and i have absolutely no complaints at all about the school; the people here are great and...

” – Jonathan from Durham, NC
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a school of engineering and technology in central Massachusetts. WPI grants bachelor’s degrees in 32 technical and scientific fields of study. In addition, every academic program is centered around...

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Coming in as a freshmen, engineering or technology major, you will be required to take the calculus series (calculus 1-4) which covers everything from differentiation and integration, to series and partial derivatives/integrals. You will also take...

” – Student from RI
The University of Alabama

Established in 1831, The University of Alabama is a four-year research institution in Tuscaloosa and the oldest and largest public university in the state. UA features 12 colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 70 fields of study...

“…

I'm a senior, and looking back, I've had a great experience. I've been able to be involved in many more opportunities than I would have gotten at my state's flagship school, or any other 'name' school for that matter. UA is becoming much more well...

” – Engineering Major
University of Detroit Mercy

The University of Detroit Mercy is a private institution based in Detroit, Michigan. The school is sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus. The school operates three campuses, McNichols, Riverfront, and Corktown, making...

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The classes that I have been enrolled in have been challenging, yet reasonable. I feel as though I am learning a lot of material very thoroughly, but I am able to keep up with it. The small class size helps students learn more especially in...

” – Allison from Shelby Township, MI
Lawrence Technological University

With the guidance of Henry and Edsel Ford, Lawrence Technological University developed during an innovation explosion that would change the world. LTU is still changing the world by preparing students in colleges of Arts & Sciences, Architecture &...

“…

So far, LTU has been amazing to me as an individual student; the faculty are very personable and inviting. Thought the tuition is intimidating, I've found that it is well worth its money; putting theory and practice together and making practicality...

” – Samantha from Davison, MI
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology, Missouri S&T, is a 4-year institution that was founded in 1870. The Rolla-located university houses two colleges, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business, as well as the College of Engineering and...

“…

The Professors really push you to the hardest extent. They expect you to do your homework the first time and take school very seriously. However, if you finish your homework and work at it you will learn more than you expected and the way most...

” – Julie from Camdenton, MO
Milwaukee School of Engineering

With campus a short walk from the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee School of Engineering is an engineering and science college in downtown Milwaukee. MSOE confers undergraduate degrees in 18 science and business-related fields of...

“…

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a much smaller school than many of the other top engineering universities in the Midwest. The size of the class is a major factor for getting a better education. Because of the smaller number of students...

” – Jeff from Carol Stream, IL
Texas A & M University-Kingsville

Chartered in 1917, Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a 4-year public school and the oldest institution of higher learning in south Texas. Texas A&M Kingsville is home to six colleges granting undergraduate degrees. In addition to classroom space...

“…

All the professors here know how to teach students very well and keep learning interesting. I have a really awesome professor for History 1302, who I chose again for enjoying his 1301 class last semester, who constantly challenges us and keeps us...

” – Preston from Portland, TX
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Springfield Technical Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in the state of Massachusetts. STCC is the only technical community college in the state, making its catalogue of over 90 career programs particularly unique to the...

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Usually people that go to community colleges have to pay out of pocket and i can compare with them and will learn alot because we will all go threw the same experience.

” – Abigail from Springfield, MA
Concordia University-Montreal

Concordia University in Montreal is the best university in Canada under 50 years old, according to the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, and among the largest, with 50,000 students. Montreal is the number one student city in North...

University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool is an institution located in the city of the same name. Founded in 1881, the redbrick university is proud of their founding mission, ‘for the advancement of learning and enoblement of life,’ which they still maintain today...

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