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Architectural Engineer
Have you ever wondered how a house or building is built, about the materials it is comprised of, or in what order its construction is orchestrated?  Are you interested in building-restoration projects and "flipping" houses?  If so, and if you are gifted in Math, Science, and Art, then you should consider becoming an Architectural Engineer.

Architectural Engineers apply mathematical and scientific principles to building design, concentrating on structural demands and functionality while taking into account economic and safety factors. Combining engineering with architecture, they create designs for required systems within a building (HVAC, structural support, lighting, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, acoustical, etc.) to support the building and its operations, while Architects design buildings with a focus on aesthetics and function.  Diagramming designs manually and through computer-aided drafting (CAD) are the means they employ in order to turn Architects' design concepts into reality.  Some Architectural Engineers choose to specialize (focus) in remodeling buildings, designing specialized buildings (schools, hospitals, etc.), or energy systems design. 

Duties of an Architectural Engineer include but are not limited to:  coordinating efforts with Architects and other engineers to prevent difficulties in building and make sure plans are structurally feasible; examining blue prints and plans for potential construction problems; working with all components of the construction process to ensure buildings remain functional and safe; examining cost effectiveness of different options; recommending and integrating structural and systems upgrades/changes that adapt comfortably with the physical appearance and purpose of buildings and to increase efficiency; ensuring building plans comply with code; determining structural integrity, safety, and efficiency of buildings; understanding how different construction methods work and which materials are best utilized to solve specific construction problems; renovating existing buildings; conducting research; and teaching at universities.

High school students interested in becoming an Architectural Engineer benefit from taking Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Art, and Computer Applications.  Students entering Architectural Engineering Bachelor's of Science programs from high school with no previous Architectural Engineering training should expect a period of five years to complete said program.  A Professional Engineer's license (or PE) is required for those who wish to establish their own Architectural Engineering consulting firm in an effort to provide services directly to the public.  Candidates for licensure must pass two exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying:  the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, taken by students about to graduate from an engineering program, and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, taken after four years of work experience. 

Due to the recovery of the housing market, increased restoration/renovation activities on old houses and buildings, and the rise in specialty buildings (hospitals, schools, prisons, etc.), employment of Architectural Engineers is projected to grow 20 percent over the next decade.  Job prospects will be particularly good for those with expertise in sustainable energy systems in architecture design.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
​Median Salary:  $74,000

Salary Range:  ~$40,000 - $120,080+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
​More conventional routes to becoming an Architectural Engineer have been to major in Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Design, Architectural Studies, Engineering Physics, and Architectural Technology.

Five-year, ABET-accredited, Architectural Engineering bachelor's degree programs incorporate design labs and specialized courses needed to design and build buildings.  Coursework includes:  Lighting; Fire Protection; Engineering Aspects of Building Design and Construction; Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering; Construction Materials, Methods, and Techniques; Computer-Aided Design (CAD); Design Analysis; Modern Structural Systems; and Engineering Physics.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
​Colleges and universities that have Architectural Engineering and related majors are:  North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina); Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas); Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida); University of the District of Columbia (Washington, DC); Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tennessee); Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia); ​Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland); ​Howard University (Washington, DC); Norfolk State University (Norfolk, Virginia);​​Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama); and Bluefield State College (Bluefield, West Virginia).
Available Scholarships