Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
The architectural engineering (BSAE) undergraduate program is a four-year program requiring 128 credit hours. A one-year master of architectural engineering (MAE) program of 30 credits is also offered. The MAE degree is accredited by ABET, and almost all of our BSAE graduates continue to complete the MAE degree.
Educational Objectives
The following are the BSAE/MAE program educational objectives (PEOs):
- Professional Accomplishment: The AE program will prepare graduates to become licensed professional engineers a few years after graduation.
- Career Accomplishment: The AE program will prepare graduates to contribute to society by working in an occupation related to the built environment a few years after graduation.
Architectural engineering (AE) is the engineering design of buildings. Students have the option to specialize in the design of one of the following:
- Building structural systems
- Building mechanical systems and acoustics
- Building lighting and electrical systems
The first three years are common to all three fields of specialization and include the math and science courses common to all engineering programs. Students take an introductory course in AE in their first semester where they learn about the materials and systems that comprise a building, visit a construction site, and interact with their industry mentors. It provides a preview of the work they can expect to perform after graduation. This introductory course helps students decide if AE is the career path they wish to pursue.
In the second semester, the AE student begins the first of a four-course sequence of courses in AE Design and Simulation Studio. These courses familiarize the engineering student with building information technology (BIM), building systems, and how they support the design process of architects. The AE degree is keenly focused on integrating engineering concepts with architectural features to deliver aesthetic and high performing buildings. Exposure to construction is an important part of the AE student's education. It develops creativity and constructability where AE graduates enjoy a special ability to work effectively with all professionals on the design and construction team.
The AE program develops breadth and depth by requiring a good understanding of all the systems that comprise a building while also providing specialized education in one of the areas listed above. Breadth is provided in the fifth and sixth semesters, where all students take courses in each of the three areas of specialization. Depth is provided in the seventh and eighth semesters where courses are taken primarily in one of the three specialization tracks.
A one-year master of architectural engineering (MAE) degree follows the four-year undergraduate program. This fifth year continues the specialized education in each of the three option areas and provides the professional practice topics that architectural engineers need later in their careers.
The MAE year features a major interdisciplinary design project. The project requires students to practice the design skills and understanding of building systems previously developed. Student teams complete a significant building design in a manner that closely simulates professional practice. Industry and faculty members serve as consultants to the students. Typically, students enter this design into the national Architectural Engineering Institute competition. Traditionally, our students do very well at this competition. Additionally, students complete an individual mastery project in a topic of their choice.
https://catalog.unomaha.edu/undergraduate/college-engineering/bs-architectural-engineering/#text
