Top Architectural Engineering Degree Program

Selecting a school to pursue your higher goals can be intimidating. With so many different factors to consider, choosing the perfect architectural engineering degree to pursue is no easy task. Keep reading this guide to learn more about the top Architectural Engineering Programs so you can make the best choice!

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What is Architectural Engineering?

Architectural Engineering is a field of study in business focused on fusing engineering and technology to building design and construction. The Architectural Engineering degree pathway can include a variety of engineering specialties such as structural engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, plumbing, and fire protection engineering.

An architectural engineering major will gain academic knowledge and hands-on experience to understand many of the following: seismic design, earthquake engineering, MEP, HVAC, plumbing, gutter systems, telecommunication, power distribution, fire alarm, control systems, signalization, and lighting systems.

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2022 Best Architectural Engineering Degree

1. Purdue University

2. Wentworth Institute of Technology

3. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

4. Farmingdale State College

5. Rutgers University - Camden

6. New England Institute of Technology

7. University of Hartford

8. SUNY College at Buffalo

9. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

10. Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

11. Brigham Young University - Idaho

12. Ferris State University

13. University of Southern Mississippi

14. Fairmont State University

15. Northern Kentucky University

16. Indiana University - Purdue University - Fort Wayne

17. Norfolk State University

18. University of Alaska Anchorage

19. Baker College of Flint

20. Zane State College

21. Ranken Technical College

22. Western Technical College - La Crosse

23. North Dakota State College of Science

24. Nicolet Area Technical College

25. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

1. Purdue University

• Location: Stanford, CA
• Graduation Rate: 81.95%
• Acceptance Rate: 59.83%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1

The top-ranked architectural engineering degree at Purdue University deals with integrated design, construction, and operation of buildings. The program includes all engineering aspects related to the built environment. Students have the opportunity to study the integration of different building systems and to learn how to design for sustainability and energy efficiency.

The faculty consists of dedicated instructors to research and teaching, with a deep focus on Building Science and the design/operation of energy-efficient buildings. The program focuses on the use of information technology for both the government and business sectors.

2. Wentworth Institute of Technology

• Location: Wellesley, MA
• Graduation Rate: 72.91%
• Acceptance Rate: 68.55%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

Wentworth Institute of Technology's architecture engineering program highly focuses on the tangible and material realities of design and building. The institution is a nonprofit campus offering a variety of program options, allowing students to choose majors that are right for them. Students develop creative confidence, technical knowledge, professional skills, and expanded perspectives through integrated and applied learning experiences. They work intensively in small groups under the guidance of a faculty member.

3. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

• Location: Loch Sheldrake, NY
• Graduation Rate: 59.87%
• Acceptance Rate: 66.74%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred offers a Construction Engineering Technology program that includes a well-designed balance of theoretical and laboratory studies. The program provides students with a broad knowledge of civil engineering technology and the construction fields. One of the learning outcomes for students under the program is they will have the ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve well-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.

Graduates may enter directly into either the construction management BS, the construction supervision BTech, the interdisciplinary studies BTech, or the technology management BBA degree program.

4. Farmingdale State College

• Location: Cobleskill, NY
• Graduation Rate: 52.08%
• Acceptance Rate: 54.89%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 29:1

Farmingdale State College's degree in Architectural Engineering Technology program synthesizes the aesthetic, technical, and functional elements of building design and construction. Students will be educated in the process of building design concepts to completion. The institution offers a suburban setting for students to study in.

The purpose of the program is to prepare students for careers in the architectural, structural, and mechanical aspects of the design and construction of buildings. Graduates will have a broad background in one or more areas of design.

5. Rutgers University - Camden

• Location: Lawrenceville, NJ
• Graduation Rate: 64.57%
• Acceptance Rate: 79.2%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1

Rutgers University-Camden's School of Engineering offers an Applied Sciences in Engineering major (ASE). ASE is an individualized interdisciplinary program that is subject to accreditation by the Middle States Commission. The institution is a public university that has a large number of programs available for students to choose from. Some possible focus areas in the program include construction management, operations research, IT, packaging, and premed.

6. New England Institute of Technology

• Location: Providence, RI
• Graduation Rate: 51.01%
• Acceptance Rate: 63.2%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1

New England Institute of Technology's Architectural Building Engineering Technology associate degree program provides students with knowledge on how to create and construct buildings. The program offers fundamentals of architectural design, structural engineering, and environmental systems, including green technologies. It provides answers to today's economic, safety, technical, sustainability, and aesthetic requirements. Graduates will have careers in the future as drafter/designers, CAD drafters, and structural designers.

7. University of Hartford

• Location: Hartford, CT
• Graduation Rate: 58.67%
• Acceptance Rate: 76.35%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1

The University of Hartford has curated a top-rated architectural engineering degree program for qualified students. UH’s rigorous academic program is a discipline that prepares students for a variety of professional careers in the design and building industries. The program is designed to provide a foundation in math and the basic sciences. Students who pursue this program of study will have a broadly based education that prepares the graduate for continued education in architecture or entry into architecture or the building industries. One of the objectives of the program is to provide students with the proper laboratory and studio experiences that are part of pre-architecture programs.

8. SUNY College at Buffalo

• Location: Brockport, NY
• Graduation Rate: 46.44%
• Acceptance Rate: 67.01%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1

SUNY College at Buffalo's Architecture provides students with knowledge about design, construction technologies, digital arts, the humanities, social sciences, and aesthetic expression. The Institution is a public college that provides a large number of program options for students. The goal of the program is to introduce architecture as a profession and a way of understanding the natural and built environments. Allowing students to complete all prerequisites for eligibility to enter a two-year accredited professional Master of Architecture (MArch degree) program.

9. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

• Location: Canton, NY
• Graduation Rate: 47.6%
• Acceptance Rate: 72.03%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi's Architectural Technology degree provides students the foundation they need to start working in architecture and related fields or to transfer to a bachelor's degree program with their Architectural Technology associate degree program. Providing equal emphasis is placed on the preparation of detailed residential and commercial construction drawings. The courses are taught by professional architects, engineers, and construction individuals with extensive work experience. Their faculty maintain broad contacts within the industry regionally and advise and assist graduates in finding employment.

10. Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

• Location: Fort Wayne, IN
• Graduation Rate: 50.16%
• Acceptance Rate: 80.73%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis School of Engineering and Technology program offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare students for careers in a global economy. The institution is known predominantly through the years as a research and health sciences university and has expanded to include many innovative and interdisciplinary programs. It is a distinctive combination of the best of Indiana's two major universities - Purdue University and Indiana University. The School of Engineering and Technology offers degrees from both universities and allows their academic departments to offer programs in their respective disciplines.

11. Brigham Young University - Idaho

• Location: Chubbuck, ID
• Graduation Rate: 59.6%
• Acceptance Rate: 95.77%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1

Brigham Young University-Idaho's Architectural Technology degree provides students with a strong foundation in the processes of architecture. Allowing them to explore numerous areas of construction technology while learning how to use design and presentation software. The program prepares them for further studies in architecture or entry-level positions in drafting with engineering or architectural firms. Teaching students that architects need technical and design skills as well as an understanding of the culture.

12. Ferris State University

• Location: Flint, MI
• Graduation Rate: 47.16%
• Acceptance Rate: 86.64%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1

Ferris State University offers a highly competitive major in Architectural Technology that provides students with a strong focus on digital drawing and building technology that builds proficiency in critical thinking and technical skills. The program is recognized among architects as producing qualified, employable graduates with valued technical skills. Studio classes provide students with experience in the area of building materials, construction methods, building codes, architectural digital graphics, presentation techniques, and architectural design and history. After graduation, graduates enter the workplace to become architectural technicians.

13. University of Southern Mississippi

• Location: Summit, MS
• Graduation Rate: 48.99%
• Acceptance Rate: 96.94%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1

The University of Southern Mississippi's major in Architectural Engineering Technology provides an innovative education that prepares graduates to be responsible and viable professionals. Preparing students for successful careers in the design and construction industry and also prepare students for advanced study in professional Master of Architecture programs. The institution is a public university that has various programs available for students to choose from. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

14. Fairmont State University

• Location: Elkins, WV
• Graduation Rate: 41.3%
• Acceptance Rate: 85.36%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1

Fairmont State University has a highly regarded Architecture Program is designed to educate aspiring architects as creative thinkers who pursue architecture as a process of integration. The focus of the program is to address the built environment of the American small city and the regional uniqueness of its surroundings. Providing instruction to the discipline and profession of architecture. Completing the program will prepare students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to enter the profession or pursue a graduate degree in architecture.

15. Northern Kentucky University

• Location: Florence, KY
• Graduation Rate: 45.55%
• Acceptance Rate: 90.18%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1

Northern Kentucky University's Engineering Technology provides students with the knowledge and application of concepts from mathematics and natural sciences used in the implementation and extension of existing or emerging technologies. The institution also offers the new Mechatronics Engineering Technology (MET). Their large number of programs ensures that students will be able to pursue their academic and professional goals. These programs provide the knowledge and practical skills required to gain professional employment in electronics, mechanical systems, and manufacturing industries.

16. Indiana University - Purdue University - Fort Wayne

• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Graduation Rate: 40.23%
• Acceptance Rate: 81.43%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1

Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne's Architectural Engineering Technology provides students the appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of their disciplines. Students have the opportunity to utilize modern instruments and research techniques for site development and building layout.

The mission of the institution is to provide employers and the public of northeast Indiana with educated, technologically equipped graduates, able to serve the varied construction industries and advance the solutions to problems facing the public and private sectors. The program helps students prepare for technical employment with architects, engineers, builders, materials suppliers, and related government agencies.

17. Norfolk State University

• Location: Norfolk, VA
• Graduation Rate: 35.81%
• Acceptance Rate: 91.69%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1

The Norfolk State University construction management engineering technology is a bachelor’s degree at NSU. The overarching emphasis of the program is focused on providing students with a solid understanding of both residential and commercial construction. The basis for understanding includes architecture, building codes, supervision, scheduling, materials management, legal considerations, and business acumen. Most students will be required to complete a capstone course in addition to comprehensive exams, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities.

18. University of Alaska Anchorage

• Location: Jasper, AL
• Graduation Rate: 28.21%
• Acceptance Rate: 82.96%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1

The University of Alaska Anchorage's Architectural and Engineering Technology combines creative design thinking with digital, state-of-the-art 3D modeling to prepare students for jobs in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries. Graduates from UA’s program will set up students to compete for jobs in private industry, public agencies, and a variety of government agencies involved in construction. Students may pursue vocational or two-year degree programs through the school's community college subdivision or extension.

They are prepared for a wide array of employment opportunities from entry-level designers to drafting technicians. The program is dedicated to providing the industry with skilled and talented individuals who will design and build the future.

19. Baker College of Flint

• Location: Grand Rapids, MI
• Graduation Rate: 17.58%
• Acceptance Rate: 73.16%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1

Baker College of Flint's College of Engineering and Information Technology is focused on engineering or information technology that can help open the door to a wide variety of career opportunities and they are here to help students learn the skills they need to start their careers. From electrical and mechanical engineering to web development and server administration, the world depends on individuals who have strong technical skills.

Students have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals as they gain various meaningful hands-on training experiences. Enrolling in the program is the first step to reaching the student's full potential and gaining a brighter future in the field.

20. Zane State College

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Graduation Rate: 53.67%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

Zane State College's Engineering Training Program provides students with the education they need to begin a rewarding career in engineering. This technical program in the College is designed to equip students with the necessary technical and vocational skills for a professional career. Providing hands-on training with thorough foundational instruction. The courses are taught by industry professionals to prepare them to serve their community. Upon completion of the ETP program, students will be postured to compete for jobs in a variety of industries across myriad sectors of the economy.

21. Ranken Technical College

• Location: Poplar Bluff, MO
• Graduation Rate: 52.57%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1

Ranken Technical College is a highly regarded school for those focused on making a quick impact on their career path of choice. The architectural engineering degree program at RTC helps students think creatively and practically while understanding the strategic and technical aspects of those decisions.

In addition to the online degree in architectural engineering, RTC offers a bachelor of science in addition to an associate of science and an associate degree in technology in architectural technology. Each program has its own unique curriculum and classes which lead to these degrees.

22. Western Technical College - La Crosse

• Location: Pewaukee, WI
• Graduation Rate: 47.92%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1

Western Technical College-La Crosse's Architectural Technology program is a blend of art and science, of beauty and practicality. Students will learn how to design residential and commercial buildings that are not only functional and fit into their environments but also how to build them economically. The institution aims to provide excellence in student education based on the diversified needs of different students.

The program heavily focuses on Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), with the practical aspects of choosing building materials, estimating, structural principles, and building systems also covered.

23. North Dakota State College of Science

• Location: Grand Forks, ND
• Graduation Rate: 46.18%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1

North Dakota State College of Science offers a major in Architecture that is nationally accredited and recognized by every state architectural board. The program is a studio-based model of education where students have high contact hours with their professors and learn problem-solving techniques and design methodologies.

They are dedicated to transforming their students into great designers and leaders who engage the dynamic end emerging problems of the world with beautiful and thoughtful designs. Providing students with hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment gives them an edge over the others.

24. Nicolet Area Technical College

• Location: Nashotah, WI
• Graduation Rate: 46.09%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1

The myriad trade and technical programs offered at Nicolet Area Technical College help to prepare students for careers in various trades across various industry sectors. The degree programs reveal a wide variety of vocational pathways for qualified students. NATC is located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin nestled near the pristine Lake Julia. The liberal arts education offered at NATC provides a solid academic foundation for students heading off to make their respective dent in the universe. Learn more about the NATC difference today by requesting information from their admissions department.

25. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

• Location: Whitewater, WI
• Graduation Rate: 45.72%
• Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College's Architectural Commercial Design degree emphasizes the science of construction knowledge and communicates that knowledge in drawings through efficient use of building information modeling (BIM) and computer-aided design (CAD) programs. Students gain a deeper understanding of the building process, building connection details, and programs like Revit and AutoCAD. The program teaches them how to create sets of drawings, or blueprints, which is at the heart of a successful career in the field. Graduates will be able to develop construction documents and evaluate building materials, just to name a few skills.

Top Degrees in Project Architecture Engineering

Architectural engineering schools and the degree programs available in this field of study will vary from school to school. You may find architectural engineering courses and degrees for architectural engineering technology listed as ArchE or by its full, proper name in a course catalog. In either case, it is important to understand what it stands for as a discipline before you study architecture.

Students in ArchE will learn all aspects of a building environment including the building envelope, lighting systems, HVAC, electrical systems, mechanical systems, indoor environment, construction, and research methodologies. Degrees you may find in a school's course catalog include an associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree in ArchE.

Architectural Engineering Bachelor & Master's Degree

The architectural engineering bachelor's degrees required in ArchE will depend on the school's curricular design, resources, and teaching methodologies. A bachelor's degree, master's path, or associate degree trajectory will depend on your career aspirations. In addition to campus programs, you may elect to research online bachelor's degrees and online master's degrees.

The degree program information can be readily attained from a variety of world-class universities. However, deep dive into a large cross-section of universities reveal a common set of classes for those ready to study architectural engineering and architecture degree focus. These classes include the following niche-focused courses:

• Building Design
• Thermal Loads
• Building Controls
• Building Audits
• Electrical Systems & Design
• Sustainable Building Design & Construction
• Lifecycle Engineering
• Building Information Modeling
• Air Quality Controls
• Statistical and Economic Models
• Noise & Acoustics
• Radiation Heat Transfer
• Solar and Thermal Engineering
• Boundary Layer Theory
• Momentum Transfer
• Convection Heat and Mass
• Systems and Controls Optimization
• Numerical Analysis
• Applied Regression Analysis

Associate degrees in the architectural engineering program will typically take two years to complete and bachelor's degrees will take about four years. Both undergraduate degree programs in ArchE will couple core curricula with general education courses such as English composition, sociology, psychology, creative writing, and philosophy. To goal of liberal arts classes is to provide students with holistic thinking tools regardless of their specific major or field of study.

Niche Courses in Architecture Engineering

In terms of educational requirements, Architectural Engineering students will have typically studied a core list of the following courses while in college:

• English Language
• Structural Engineering
• Business Management
• Computational & Applied Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Statistics
• Construction Engineering
• Art History
• Mathematics
• Architecture
• Engineering
• Communications

Master Architectural Engineer Jobs

Architectural engineer majors will graduate from college with a special set of skills. The ability to perform technical calculations coupled with design prowess and construction know-how is highly marketable. Most architectural engineers will find gainful employment in their area of specialty after college.

Some may choose to leverage those marketable skills into careers similar to their major. Examples of adjacent trades can include architect, operation technician, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, drafting specialist, electrical engineer, fire protection engineer, chemical engineer, civil engineer, electromechanical engineer, industrial engineer, geological engineer, nuclear engineer, and construction project manager.

Architectural Engineering Careers

The employment outlook for architecture engineers is expected to be 8% slightly outpacing the national average composite of 6% growth. In this niche industry, an eight percent growth will translate to around 9,900 new jobs. The mean annual income for an architectural engineering manager is currently $137,720 which is $66.21 an hour. This represents a way in excess of three times the national average for AE managers.

Careers for architecture engineers can be in stand-alone corporations or part of other entities. Examples of industries in which you will find architectural engineers include aerospace, automotive, commercial building construction, residential building design, and industrial architecture.

Resources in Architectural Engineering

For students seeking industry-specific information in ArchE, the premier organization in the field is the AEI or Architectural Engineering Institute. The AEI boasts a membership base in excess of 8,000 with a variety of technical literature, educational opportunities, nationwide chapters, and professional advocacy.

As the industry continues to evolve with technological advances, it is vital to get plugged into nationwide organizations to keep abreast of industry changes for all professionals. In addition, the ASCE provides professional support and networking opportunities for engineers across the country.

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