About the Concentration
Architectural Engineering (ArchE) deals with integrated design, construction, and operation of buildings. This concentration is multi-disciplinary and includes all engineering aspects related to the built environment: building envelope, mechanical systems (HVAC), electrical systems, lighting systems, construction, indoor environmental quality and human comfort.
Buildings in the U.S. account for more than one third of the total energy use and associated Greenhouse Gas Emissions. With increasing concern about climate change and energy prices, Architectural Engineers have a critical task for the following decades. In Civil Engineering’s Architectural Engineering area of emphasis, students have the opportunity to study the integration of different building systems and to learn how to design for sustainability and energy efficiency. The area of emphasis provides flexibility and offers several courses on energy and buildings, design of electrical/mechanical systems, lighting systems, as well as on building envelope, building controls, renewable energy sources, indoor air quality and energy modeling.
Required Courses (33 credits)
At the master’s level, both a non-thesis and a thesis option are available. The 30-credit requirement for a master’s degree is satisfied by completing 30 course credits (non-thesis option) or 21 course credits plus a thesis (9 credits) for the for thesis-option.
