Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering

B.S. in Architectural Engineering Program

Students in the B.S. in architectural engineering (ARCE) program are admitted by and must fulfill the graduation requirements of the School of Engineering. The program is administered by the School of Engineering's Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (CEAE).

In KU's ARCE program students learn to analyze and design the engineered systems that make buildings perform their intended functions. At KU the ARCE areas of emphasis are 

  1. Structural design and analysis,
  2. Building mechanical and energy systems,
  3. Illumination and power systems,
  4. Construction management, and
  5. A hybrid such as sustainability, acoustics, or fire protection.

To use this knowledge, the graduate must have a good foundation in engineering science and design as these relate to building engineered systems and construction, as well as an appreciation for architectural design and history.

B.S. ARCE Mission Statement

Graduates who pursue a career in Architectural Engineering will be successfully engaged in professional engineering practice or graduate study in the analysis, design, construction, and operation of building engineered systems.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Careers

Professional Registration and Licensing

Architectural engineers are involved in building projects that directly affect the production, comfort, health and safety of the public. Graduates are strongly encouraged to become registered professional engineers as soon as possible after graduation. In Kansas, and many other states with similar registration laws, this involves completing an ABET-accredited B.S. degree in architectural engineering, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) examinations, and obtaining four years of satisfactory engineering experience under the supervision of a professional engineer. Students in architectural engineering must take the FE examination before graduation. Architectural engineering graduates can also practice as architects after completing an NAAB-accredited professional undergraduate or graduate architecture degree program and becoming registered architects. Students with this interest should consider the available tracks leading to a Master of Architecture degree in addition to their B.S. in architectural engineering.

Professional Opportunities

Architectural engineering focuses on building engineered systems analysis and design, including structural, mechanical and energy systems, illumination, power, and construction methods applied to buildings. Increasingly, architectural engineers are interested in specializations such as energy efficient buildings, acoustics, and fire protection. Architectural engineers center their attention on the performance, safety, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and construction of these systems. They typically work for engineering consulting firms, construction companies, or government agencies.