Architectural Engineering Major (Bachelor of Science)

Experience Counts, and You’ll Get it Here.

According to Tom Taylor, Principal of Datum Engineering, to work at one of the leading structural engineering firms, such as Datum, an undergraduate degree in Architectural Engineering with a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering is highly recommended. This combination prepares someone to work on structural engineering for architecturally significant buildings.

Students are encouraged to complete a co-op or internship to gain practical work experience prior to graduation, and they’re often hired by the companies they intern with. You can find your own opportunity, or the Engineering Co-op/Internship Office can help.

Finally, all students complete a capstone course prior to graduation, finding solutions to real-world problems. Students work with professionals on real projects while gaining the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to actual projects with the engineering, architecture and construction professionals who are leading the projects.

Architectural Engineering vs. Architecture

A degree in Architectural Engineering prepares a student to become a licensed engineer while a degree in Architecture prepares a student to become a licensed architect. Most courses in Architectural Engineering are engineering courses which focus on science, math and engineering. Some courses in Architecture are intended to introduce architectural engineering students to the graphic and verbal language of architecture, as well as the process of architectural design. Architects and architectural engineers often work together, though they have different roles on building projects.

What does an Architectural Engineer Do?

Architectural Engineers work for engineering firms, construction companies or architecture firms to apply engineering to the design and construction of buildings. They are specially trained to effectively communicate with both engineers and architects and their project roles include structural engineer, construction management, construction administration, building information modeling, project management, façade design and more.

What do Architectural Engineers Study at UTA?

UTA’s Architectural Engineering program focuses on structural engineering with a secondary emphasis on construction management. Students in this program take courses that span engineering, science, math, construction management and architecture, with the majority of courses in civil engineering. Architecture courses introduce students to the graphic and verbal language of architecture and the process of architectural design.

The curriculum provides a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering science; technical competence in the structural engineering area of civil engineering; and an understanding of the importance of ethics, safety, professionalism, and socioeconomic concerns in resolving technical problems through synthesis, planning, and design.

Elements of engineering design are introduced at the freshman level, followed by an analysis and design component in professional program courses, culminating in a comprehensive architectural engineering design experience.

Qualified students have the option of continuing for one additional year to complete a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering.

Can I Become a Licensed Engineer with this Degree?

Yes! To become a Licensed Engineer in Texas, a student must graduate from an accredited Engineering program. The Civil Engineering Department went through the ABET accreditation process in fall 2019 and are awaiting final approval from ABET. This means that all graduates of the program, including those who have already graduated, will have a degree from an accredited program. Successful completion of the Architectural Engineering program will prepare students for Engineering in Training (E.I.T.) and Professional Engineering (P.E.) exams.

Requirements for Licensure or Certification

All discipline specific programs in the College of Engineering meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia.