Best Colleges for Architectural Engineering

Architectural engineers are responsible for designing and building large-scale structures like office buildings, airports, and power plants. These engineers are responsible for everything from the initial concept to the final construction and maintenance of their projects. A degree in architectural engineering can open the door to a rewarding and in-demand career, but it’s important to choose the right program.

To ensure you’re getting the most out of your education and setting yourself up for success, it’s crucial to select an architectural engineering program that fits your needs. We’ve put together this list of the top schools in the country to help you make an informed decision.

As an architectural engineering major, you will learn the principles of designing buildings and planning layouts. It’s a growing field that has many opportunities for those with the right combination of interests and skills. An architectural engineering degree can also lead to several other career options such as owning a business or working for contracting firms. Read on to learn more about the best colleges for architectural engineering majors and what it takes to succeed in this program.

What is Architectural Engineering?

Architecture
Image Credit: career.webindia123.com

Architectural engineering is the branch of engineering that works with designers to create buildings and infrastructure that are safe, sustainable, and cost-effective. An architectural engineer is usually part of a team that also includes architects, designers, contractors, and builders, who all work together to create a successful project.

Architects create the design and engineering disciplines have the responsibility for making sure a building or structure will be safe and durable, whether it’s a bridge, a skyscraper, or a building with a rooftop garden. The structure, as well as the materials to be used in its construction, are designed by designers.

Engineers design the electrical and mechanical systems that will support the building. Architectural engineers work with designers to develop a final structure that can be used for many uses. In short, architectural engineers are the bridge between architecture and engineering.

What are Some of the Most Common Types of Jobs you can Expect to Find as an Architectural Engineer?

  • Architectural engineers work on buildings, bridges, dams, highways, roads, tunnels, and other structures that are typically built using structural engineering techniques such as foundation calculations, structural analysis and design (SAD), and analysis of tensile strength and elasticity.
  • The architecture department at an engineering school may specialize in one or more engineering disciplines such as civil engineering or structural engineering.
  • They also sometimes focus on other areas of design for a particular project like transportation projects or flood control projects.
  • They may also serve as a bridge between different disciplines within an engineering program like civil engineering or structural engineering.
  • An architect may work on interior design for buildings or other structures but usually does not do any construction work on their own projects.

What is a Good Career Path for an Architectural Engineer?

Architectural engineer careers generally involve a variety of jobs, ranging from engineering internships to full-time jobs with prestigious corporations.

There are two types of jobs that an architect can choose from.

One type is called “engineering internship” which is typically a short-term internship lasting three months or less. The internship may last for one day or less and is often done for free.

There are also internships in architecture that include more than one day, sometimes lasting up to ten days.

Most professional architectural internships require an architect to have a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering, but others require only a Master’s degree in architecture or engineering (or even an advanced degree).

Some interns work on small projects while others work on full-time projects with larger corporations. Both types of internships offer the opportunity to apply for graduate school and get started on your career path.

Architecture internships are available at many different architectural firms and companies, including; Architectural firms, Real estate companies, Interior design firms, Construction firms, Housing authorities, etc. Architecture internships are also available at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California.

Internships are also available in the fields of architecture, engineering, and computer science. These internships may be found at universities and other schools of professional architecture or engineering.

How to Become an Architectural Engineer?

Whether you want to go into the professional world or make a career in architecture, an architectural engineer will ask you a lot of questions. They involve both technology and everyday life, basically giving you insight into how architectural ethics are going to be lived every day.

To become an architectural engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering along with licensure, which can be obtained through becoming a licensed architect. A master’s degree can be helpful if you want to become a professor or work in research. Some architectural engineers work as contractors and are responsible for project management, working with the architect and builders on projects like airports, buildings, or highways. Others work for government agencies, designing buildings and infrastructure for the public good. There is also a growing field in virtual reality and augmented reality that is expected to increase in the coming years.

What Qualities Should an Architectural Engineering College Possess?

  • The best colleges for architectural engineering majors offer an excellent curriculum and provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the field. 
  • Architecture programs usually require students to have a strong foundation in math, physics, and engineering.
  • An architectural engineering college must have a curriculum that focuses on the theory and practice of architecture and engineering.
  • Moreover, the college must have a good reputation and must be accredited by a recognized board. 
  • Architectural engineering colleges exist to provide students with the tools and knowledge to succeed in their future careers. 
  • A good architecture school will equip its students with the tools and knowledge needed to start their own business and earn a living, as well as provide them with the skills to work in architecture firms as architects and engineers. 
  • The curriculum of every top architecture school also must include courses in architecture, engineering, business, and all other areas of study that will help students to succeed in their future careers. Students must receive a top-notch education that will prepare them for entry into the workforce.

What to Consider When Looking for a College to Study Architectural Engineering?

When looking for a college to study architectural engineering, you should consider a few key factors. 

  • Firstly, you should make sure the program you choose is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. 
  • Secondly, you should make sure the program you choose offers a concentration in architectural engineering.
  • Also, when looking for a school to study architectural engineering, make sure that it meets your needs. 
  • Some of the most important qualities to look for when choosing a school also include flexibility of degree programs, affordability, and the quality of education. Flexibility is important as most architectural engineering degrees require at least four years of study.
  • Another important consideration is the location of the college. Students must determine whether the location of the college is convenient for them. 
  • Students must ensure that the college they choose has a good reputation. 
  • Students must also evaluate the cost of studying at different colleges and must choose an affordable college.
  • Students should look for a school with a strong curriculum in architectural engineering. Students at such a school can expect an education that is both broad and deep, providing them with the knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers.

10 Best Colleges for Architectural Engineering Majors

The following 10 colleges are ranked among the best for architectural engineering majors:

1. Arizona State University(ASU) – ranked #1 for architecture and #5 for architectural engineering

Arizona State University(ASU) is located in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. ASU has a reputation for being a great party school, but it’s also a great school for architecture and architectural engineering majors. If you want to study architecture but don’t want to live in a big city, ASU is a perfect choice. ASU’s School of Architecture is widely regarded as one of the top architecture schools in the country. In addition to its architecture program, ASU also offers a graduate program in architectural engineering that’s widely considered to be one of the best in the country. In fact, the U.S. News & World Report ranked ASU’s graduate program as the best in the country.

2. Carnegie Mellon University – ranked #4 for architecture and #11 for architectural engineering

CMU’s School of Architecture and Architectural Engineering is home to one of the world’s best architecture programs. Students will learn from award-winning faculty who are actively publishing and working in the field. You can choose from multiple concentrations, including history, theory, and technology in architecture. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to your interests. In addition to coursework, students will complete a capstone or thesis project. You will graduate with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and a degree that will open the door to a wide range of careers.

3. Cornell University – ranked #8 for architecture and #5 for architectural engineering

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university in Ithaca, New York. It is one of the few universities in the United States that offers a doctorate in architectural engineering. ​ The School of Architecture provides undergraduate and graduate education in architecture and architectural science, as well as architectural engineering. It is one of the top schools for architecture in the country. ​​ Students can choose from a variety of degree programs, including architectural engineering, architecture, architectural studies, historic preservation, real estate, and urban planning. ​​ The School of Architecture’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world experience. Students are required to spend time in at least one architecture firm during their college career.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology – ranked #2 for architecture and #9 for architectural engineering

Georgia Tech is one of the top schools in the country for architecture, offering two undergraduate degrees (B.S. and B.A.) and two graduate degrees (M.Arch and Ph.D.). Students can choose from multiple concentrations, such as architectural materials, computational design, and engineering, historic preservation, or urban design. The School of Architecture at Tech is an internationally recognized institution, offering an undergraduate architecture program that is the only one in the country to be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

5. Harvard University – ranked #3 for architecture and #6 for architectural engineering

Harvard University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture and Architectural Engineering as well as a Ph.D. in Theory and Policy of Architecture. Students can also choose to pursue a Master of Architecture degree. All of these programs are offered through the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Students who choose to enroll in the Ph.D. program can focus on one of the following areas of study: Architectural Theory and Philosophy; Design and Technology; or Social, Cultural, and Communications Aspects of Architecture.

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – ranked #10 for architecture and #2 for architectural engineering

MIT has an incredibly strong reputation for research and education in architecture, with almost obsessive attention to detail, which has led to many top awards for its graduates. MIT’s architecture program is a selective one, with an acceptance rate of just 19%. Students who do get in, however, will have access to all of the same resources and facilities as those in other departments, including a state-of-the-art architecture studio, a materials library, an urban research lab, and an advanced computer graphics and visualization lab. You can view MIT’s architecture degree plans here.

7. Rice University – ranked #9 for architecture and #7 for architectural engineering

Rice has two top-ten programs: architecture and architectural engineering. The architecture program is one of the best in the country, with many graduates going on to work at top architecture firms such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The architectural engineering program also receives high marks, with a hands-on curriculum that focuses on structural engineering and design.

8. University of California, Berkeley – ranked #7 for architecture and #6 for architectural engineering

UCal Berkeley is renowned for its top-ranked programs in engineering and architecture, making it a top choice for students interested in pursuing careers in these fields. Students can choose from a variety of degree options, including a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in architectural history and theory, a B.S. in architectural engineering, or an M.S. in architectural engineering. All programs are offered on campus in Berkeley, CA. Students can choose to focus their education on one of three areas: architecture, engineering, or urban design. Architecture students can choose between a BA or a MA in architecture. MA students can pursue a concentration in architectural theory and history. Students can also pursue a dual degree, earning an MA in architectural theory and history alongside a BA in architectural engineering.

9. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – ranked #6 for architecture and #8 for architectural engineering

U of I offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in architecture and architectural engineering, including a dual degree option. Students can choose from concentrations in building technologies, computer applications, sustainable design, or architecture. Illinois’s architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Agency (NAA); architectural engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technical Schools (EAC).

10. The University of Virginia – ranked #12 for architecture and #7 for architectural engineering

UVA’s School of Architecture and Environmental Design offers a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree that is widely regarded as one of the top architecture programs in the country. The curriculum at UVA includes architectural history, theory, and design, as well as engineering courses in materials and structures, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and computer-aided design. UVA’s architecture program has an active student chapter of the American Institute of Architecture.

3 Key Requirements for Becoming an Architect

Architects design buildings, industrial complexes, infrastructure, and sites, while architectural engineers oversee the construction and ensure that buildings are built correctly and safely. Becoming an architectural engineer is not as simple as earning an architectural engineering degree. If you want to become a licensed architect, you need to meet certain requirements that differ from state to state. Some of the requirements include; having a bachelor’s degree in architecture, 2 years of architectural experience, and passing the Architectural Registration Examination

1. Having a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

This is the first and most significant step toward your career in this industry. To become an architectural engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. Most programs require a Bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering or a related field with a focus on math, science, and engineering. It’s also recommended that you get to experience through an internship or co-op during your undergraduate studies. Getting your degree in architecture qualifies you to work in the architecture and engineering industry. There are many job opportunities in this sector, and the competition is not as fierce as it is in other sectors. The average annual salary of an architect is around $80,000, and you can earn even more if you have advanced degrees. 

To pursue a degree in architecture, you will need to meet the same requirements as other students in this program. You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Most universities and colleges require you to have a GPA of at least 3.0. You must also have excellent writing and communication skills, as these are vital for this degree.

2. 2 Years of Architectural Experience

You will need to have at least 2 years of experience in the field of architecture. This is where you will need to go beyond your undergraduate education and graduate school experiences, and you will need to work on projects that are related to your current job responsibilities. You can get this experience by working as an intern or a student. You must be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skill with respect to the subject matter you are studying.

3. Passing the Architectural Registration Examination 

The Architectural Registration Examination (AREX) is a national exam that is administered by the American Institute of Architects. It is a test of your knowledge and skills in architecture. You must pass this exam to be eligible for the program. You can get this exam by taking the AREX online course from the AIA website.

Although the licensing process varies by state, the best way to learn more is by contacting your state’s architectural licensing board.

Conclusion

An architectural engineering degree can be a great choice for someone who is both interested in engineering and architecture, or for someone who wants to explore a career that crosses between the two disciplines. Architectural engineers design buildings, bridges, and other structures, collaborating with architects to create beautiful and functional designs that meet the needs of their communities.

Additional Contents

  1. Best Colleges For Art History
  2. Best Colleges For Microbiology
  3. Best Colleges For Biotechnology
  4. Best Colleges For Orthodontics
  5. Best Colleges in Alaska