Architectural Engineering

Emphasis areas include structural engineering, construction engineering and project management, environmental systems for buildings, and construction materials.

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.

Mission Statement

The architectural engineering program will provide students with the tools necessary to solve architectural engineering problems critical to our society's well-being. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive, forward-looking and broad-based architectural engineering curriculum emphasizing fundamentals, practical applications, oral and written communication skills, computer applications skills, and professional practice issues and ethics. The program will prepare graduates for entry into the architectural engineering profession, for life-long learning, and to function as architectural engineers in a global society.

Architectural Engineering Program Educational Objectives

Consistent with the mission statement, graduates of the Missouri S&T architectural engineering program will demonstrate:

Technical competency, as evidenced by:

• holding the PE within six years of graduation
• lead responsibility for project tasks including preparation of project documents, preparation of project specifications, and/or overseeing aspects of contract administration
• utilizing and understanding resources including codes, standards, specifications, contracts and business practices within a company
• critiquing or reviewing others' work
• mentoring staff with less professional experience

An ability to communicate effectively, as evidenced by a combination of:

• successful interaction with clients and peers in written and oral form, such as:
  1. leading role in oral communication/interaction at team level project meetings at three years beyond graduation
  2. leading role in oral communication/interaction at client based project meetings at six years beyond graduation
  3. generating written reports, with supervision, related to project documents, project specifications, and/or contract administration at three years beyond graduation
  4. generating full scope written documents with supervision, related to project proposals at six years beyond graduation
• critiquing or reviewing others' work in oral and written form

Continuing professional development, as evidenced by a combination of:

• holding the PE within six years of graduation
• educational development in the form of:
  1. continuing education/professional seminars (in-house or external)
  2. professional workshops
  3. advancement or completion toward advanced degree
  4. advancement in technological developments (LEED, energy start, sustainability, etc.)
• advancement in their chosen field or career path
• participation in professional societies/organizations
• maintain connections to Missouri S&T

Managerial competence, as evidenced by a combination of:

• managing project tasks and/or a small project with limited supervision
• communicate effectively with clients and staff outside of discipline
• critiquing or reviewing others' work
• develop a scope of service and/or generating a schedule for performance of work
• demonstrating responsibility for:
  1. time management
  2. cost management and/or scheduling resources
  3. management of lower level staff members

An ability to work in teams, as evidenced by:

• an ability to function and communicate within a team
• an ability to provide technical knowledge to a team
• critiquing or reviewing others' work

Professional responsibility, as evidenced by a combination of:

• activity in professional societies/organizations
• an understanding of the greater impact of a particular project (aesthetic concerns, environmental concerns, ethical concerns, financial concerns, and long-term concerns)
• an appreciation for the role of various disciplines within your profession
• mentoring staff with less professional experience
• holding the PE within six years of graduation
• community involvement (at six years after graduation)

Consistent with the program educational objectives listed above, the Missouri S&T architectural engineering program graduates will have:

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 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