Architectural engineers focus on construction and building design, including heating and air conditioning, electrical systems and structural design. In many colleges, architectural engineering is part of the civil engineering department. As of 2011, civil engineers, including architectural engineers, averaged $82,710 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Architectural engineers need an accredited bachelor's degree at minimum, and many have licenses or graduate degrees.
The entry requirements for engineering school include a high school diploma with a strong foundation in math and science. Take biology, physics, chemistry, geometry, trigonometry and algebra. The addition of high school calculus will make you better prepared for college-level math and engineering classes. Also take computer science, social studies, English and humanities.
Bachelor's degree programs in architectural engineering are accredited by ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. A bachelor's degree takes at least four years of study, and some programs require five years. The first two years usually include general studies plus classes in math, science and engineering, such as engineering physics and statics. The upper-division requirements typically include structural design, structural analysis, fluid mechanics, architectural design, thermodynamics and a senior design project.
An architectural engineer who supervises others or offers services to the public must have a state license. In most states, engineers must first complete an accredited degree and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. They must then fulfill other state requirements, including work experience, and pass a Principals and Practice of Engineering exam from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. The NCEES offers exams in related specialties, including structural engineering, but most states accept the architectural engineering exam.
An architectural engineer who wants to advance to supervisor can increase his chances by completing a master's degree. A typical master's program in architectural engineering requires approximately 30 semester units of advanced study, often including a thesis or thesis option. Jobs in research institutions and universities usually require a Ph.D. This degree requires approximately 30 units after the master's program and includes research and a thesis.
Continuing education helps architectural engineers keep up with advances in technology and design. In many states, you must complete continuing education units to maintain your status as a licensed professional engineer. The Architectural Engineering Institute website provides links to the state boards of engineering, the best sources for continuing education requirements. The institute's website also provides information on continuing education opportunities.
- ASCE Architectural Engineering Institute -- Frequently Asked Questions
- Career Cornerstone Center: Architectural Engineering
- The University of Texas at Austin: Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: How to Become a Civil Engineer
- University of Texas at Austin: Architectural Engineering 2012-2014 Catalog Degree Plan
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2011: Civil Engineers
- University of Miami: Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering -- MS Degree Options
- Penn State University: Department of Architectural Engineering -- Graduate Degree Programs
- ASCE Architectural Engineering Institute -- Has Your State Approved the AE Exam?
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying: Continuing Education
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