Why Choose Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering?

Creativity in Engineered Systems

Architectural engineering is a challenging yet rewarding profession. It is a course that requires inquisitive attitude, creativity, and analytical skills. The BS Architectural Engineering course combines the study of architecture with classes in mechanical, electrical, building development, and structural engineering. People who would like to study architectural engineering can concentrate on one of the four traditional areas of this study; structural designs and evaluation, mechanical systems, lighting and electrical system, building development and breakthroughs including sustainability or fire safety, as an example.

In the United States, to be an Architectural Engineer, you need to finish Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering degree, complete your internship and should pass the required exams and evaluations for this profession. Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or ABET is the institution that provides accreditation for architectural engineering. While on the other hand, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI) provide certifications and education credits to those who want to develop their skills and further demonstrate their competency in engineering.

To secure a permit and be a professional engineer (PE), the requirements are the following:

1. You need to complete your Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering or BA Architectural Engineering degree from any accredited programs of ABET

2. Four years of related work experience

3. A passing score on your licensing examinations. The very first assessment is known as the Principles of Engineering (FE) which you can take right after your graduation. Once you passed this first examination, you are considered as engineer in training or EIT. The second assessment is the Principles and Practice of Engineering which can only be taken after you completed the four years of related work experience.

The entire BS Architectural Engineering course requires 165 hours to complete including specialization of your chosen major. Throughout the five years of the undergraduate program, designing skills is enhanced beginning with all the introductory class and continuing with needed architectural, structural, electrical, HVAC, and building management classes. Nevertheless, the four to five years spent studying is all worth it because your career opportunities are endless once you earn your license.

What Architectural Engineers do?

Most architectural engineers work in office buildings, laboratories, and industrial plants. Like all engineers, they employ the principles and theories of science and math to analyze and develop alternatives to technical difficulties. Their work is the connection between scientific discoveries and commercial applications. They employ engineering principles to the building, planning, and design of buildings and other constructions. Most of the time they collaborate with several other engineers and architects to develop sustainable solutions. Their work also includes structural planning, building cost estimation, design and other construction related tasks.

Salary of Architectural Engineers

The architectural engineering business is closely related to the construction business, and although they do not always pay more, the areas with high construction rates like western and southern regions have more employment opportunities for architectural engineering positions. Fresh graduates of architectural engineering can earn anywhere from $17,000- $70,000 annually depending on the position of the engineer. On the other hand, architectural engineers with nine to ten years of expertise have an average wage of $74,000 per year based on Career Cornerstone using information from the Engineering Workforce Commission.

One of the contributing factors of their salary rates is the firm or institution wherein they are employed. For instance, working with well known businesses or organizations like NASA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Halliburton entails a higher wage and better benefits compare to other organizations.

Good compensation is just one of the reasons why Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering is actually a great choice for college education. What really inspiring about this profession is that, you get to be part of the history of every structure you build.