Architectural Engineering (B.S.)
This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc., http://www.abet.org.
Professional architectural engineers are concerned with the structural integrity of buildings; the design and analysis of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems; acoustics; lighting; energy conservation; building science and the study of building performance; and the management of construction resources and schedules.
Illinois Tech’s architectural engineering program offers students an opportunity to obtain an engineering education specializing in building architecture, building-system integration, and structural and computer-aided design. Professional architectural engineers are concerned with the structural integrity of buildings; the design and analysis of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems; acoustics; lighting; energy conservation; building science and the study of building performance; and the management of construction resources and schedules.
Graduates of the program will be well prepared for careers as consulting engineers, building contractors, construction managers, structural engineers, and knowledgeable specialists in related areas of building design and analysis.
Our architectural engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Program Overview
Architectural engineering provides breadth in core sub-disciplines (including structures, building systems, and construction management) within all engineering aspects related to the built environment such as mechanical systems (HVAC), electrical systems, lighting systems, construction, and the indoor environment.
The current educational objectives of the undergraduate program in architectural engineering is embodied in the following statements:
- Graduates are prepared to enter the architectural engineering profession.
- Graduates will meet the expectations of their employers.
- Graduates will become licensed professional engineers, and reach positions of leadership in a wide range of professional settings including consulting firms, industry, academia, or government.
- Graduates will begin and successfully complete graduate studies in engineering and/or post-baccalaureate education in a professional degree program.
Career Opportunities
Our accredited architectural engineering degree programs will prepare you for such careers as:
- Design engineer
- Consulting engineer
- Construction manager
- Structural engineer
The undergraduate architectural engineering program curriculum will prepare students within a building-oriented discipline, offering the opportunity to obtain an engineering education specializing in building architecture, building-system integration, and structural and computer-aided design.
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Degree Guide
Admissions requirements ensure that incoming students are well-prepared and qualified to succeed in their chosen program. Prospective students must review each program of interest to determine whether they meet admissions requirements as outlined in the course bulletin.
Krystal McDoom leads project teams, composed of design and construction professionals, and pushes for change in the industry.
Krystal McDoom (ARCE ’14)
Internships prepare Alyssa Thompson for her career
Alyssa Thompson (ARCE, M.Eng. ARCE '23)
Zachary Haney is gaining real-world experience and pursuing his dream career while working on skyscrapers in Chicago. He contributes to the advancement of the field and gives back to the community.
Zachary Haney (Architectural Engineering/M.Eng. Structural Engineering 4th Year)
Demetria Boatright worked on cross-disciplinary research and published a peer-reviewed paper through the Armour R&D PURE program.
Demetria Boatwright (ARCE, M.ENG. STE ’18)
An Armour R&D project has given Samantha Muller a new perspective on her degree program.
Samantha Muller (ARCE 2nd Year)Featured Faculty
Edoarda Corradi Dell'Acqua
Mohammad Heidarinejad
Brent Stephens
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between architects and architectural engineers?
Architects plan and design buildings or structures. Architectural engineers work with architects, other engineers, and other stakeholders to design, build, and operate buildings and their systems more efficiently and sustainably. Graduates of this program are expected to become licensed professional engineers, while architecture graduates become licensed architects.
What extracurricular activities are there for architectural engineering students at Illinois Tech?
Illinois Tech has chapters of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the Society for Environmental Engineers and Scientists. Students also actively participate in regional and national competitions such as steel bridge, concrete canoe, and the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Design Challenge.
Is architectural engineering an in demand career?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in architecture and engineering occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034. There are about 186,500 openings projected each year.