Architectural Engineering: What to Expect

Architectural engineering students take courses from both the engineering and architecture faculty. The BS ARCE degree requires 165 semester credit hours for graduation. ARCE students take four semesters of architectural design studios from the architecture faculty along with the architecture students. Additionally, ARCE students take the three architectural history courses and two building technology courses from the architecture faculty. Engineering science and design courses are taught by the engineering faculty and ARCE students take the same required structural analysis and design courses that the civil engineering students take. In addition, ARCE students take courses in environmental systems that include heating ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, power systems, and illumination systems. ARCE students also have required courses in construction management and engineering economics.

In the third year, ARCE students are encouraged to declare an emphasis in structural systems, electrical and mechanical systems, or construction management. This helps the student's advisor recommend architectural design, engineering science, and engineering design electives as well as mentor the student about study abroad opportunities, internship opportunities, graduate education, and career opportunities. ARCE students at KU have a wide range of elective courses to choose from in a variety of areas beyond structural systems, environmental systems, and construction management. Courses are also available in the areas of acoustics, fire protection, energy management, among others. All ARCE students are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam as a graduation requirement and the first step toward registration as a professional engineer (PE).

ARCE students have two capstone design courses. In the fall of their fifth year all ARCE students take the team taught Architectural Engineering Design I where they do the complete structural and environmental system design for a building including calculations, material and equipment specification, and construction drawings. This is followed in the spring with the required Architectural Engineering Design II. Individual sections of this course are offered in structural system design, environmental system design, construction management, and acoustics by faculty members that specialize in each of these areas. In this course, students tackle advanced design problems, perform research, and participate in national design competitions.