Architectural Engineering

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.

The first two years of the curriculum cover fundamentals necessary for all engineers. The pre-junior and junior years emphasize building systems and the principles governing their performance. In addition to the core engineering and science, students learn architectural approaches through studio design. Seniors focus on either structural or building environmental systems design, or develop skills in digital building and construction management, as well as a full-year realistic design project. The academic program is complemented by exposure to professional practice in the co-op experience.

A special feature of the major is senior design. A group of students works with a faculty advisor to develop a significant design project selected by the group. All architectural engineering students participate in a design project.

Mission Statement

The civil and architectural engineering faculty are responsible for delivering an outstanding curriculum that equips our graduates with the broad technical knowledge, design proficiency, professionalism, and communications skills required for them to make substantial contributions to society and to enjoy rewarding careers.  

Program Educational Objectives

Architectural engineering graduates will become responsible professionals who analyze, design, construct, manage, or operate various types of buildings and their systems, and/or advance knowledge of the field.

Student Outcomes

The department's student outcomes reflect the skills and abilities that the curriculum is designed to provide to students by the time they graduate. These are:  

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of the engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Concentration Options

Mechanical Concentration (HVAC)

Students who choose the mechanical concentration (HVAC) prepare for careers dealing with the building environment. As co-ops and graduates, they will be involved in the many design aspects of building environmental control, including:

• building load definitions
• equipment selection and design
• distribution system design
• control systems design
• energy analysis and system optimization
• building operation for safety, economy and maximum performance

Structural Concentration

Students who choose the structural concentration prepare for careers dealing with the building structure. As co-ops and graduates, they will be involved in the design of the many aspects of building structure including:

• building load definitions
• structural system design
• foundation system design

Digital Building Concentration

Students who choose the digital building concentration prepare for careers dealing with the role of computer technology in building design, construction and operation. As co-ops and graduates, they will be involved in:

• development and use of Building Information Models (BIM) and databases
• configuration and operation of building sensor and actuator networks and monitoring systems
• developing and maintaining construction schedules, databases and monitoring systems

The Architectural Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

For more information about this major, contact the program head:
Simi Hoque, PhD
Professor
Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering
[email protected]

The major in architectural engineering prepares students for professional work in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial building systems, in cooperation with architects and other engineers.

Sample Co-op Experiences

When students complete their co-op jobs, they are asked to write an overview of their experiences. These brief quotes are taken from some recent student reports:

Project technician, major university: "Studied and surveyed existing buildings and facilities for: their compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, heating and air conditioning equipment sizing, electrical loads, and their planning and usage of space. Designed improvements from the field surveys taken, and developed construction drawings. Worked closely with the workforce in implementing these changes."

CAD technician, private engineering firm: "Prepared computer generated construction plans for various water and sewer reconstruction projects...Was able to expand my knowledge of Auto CAD to include Advanced Design Modules."

Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.