All about architectural engineering

Try several architectural options while in class and co-op. There are three main uses for an architectural engineering degree:

• Structural: Structural engineer
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP): MEP engineer
• Architecture: Architect 

At UC you can pursue any one of these possibilities, especially on co-op. Co-op helps you decide which way to take your degree as you could co-op within each of the three disciplines while in architectural engineering.

If you are interested in designing buildings, you may want to work as an architect. An architect focuses on the spatial designs of buildings and have more of an artistic view of the process. However, architectural engineering does not focus as much on the design part of buildings like an architecture undergraduate degree does. Which means you’ll probably have to take a few extra classes or get a masters degree to work in an architecture firm.  

If you are interested in the construction environment, you may want to work as a structural engineer. This would mean working with buildings, bridges, walls, and equipment supports. Structural engineers ensure that buildings are built strong enough to withstand all possible loads. This could also entail spending time on construction sites and overseeing the work while it is being done.

If you are interested in the building design fields, you may want to work at a MEP firm. MEP stands for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing and houses both mechanical and electrical engineers. Mechanical engineers design HVAC, which is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or they design plumbing. Electrical engineers design lighting systems, power distribution, telecommunication, fire alarm, and building controls. 

There are so many options within architectural engineering. UC gives you the chance to learn about structural loads, HVAC and lighting, and architecture all within the architectural engineering undergraduate degree. If you're interested in working on some part of the construction process but don’t know what, architectural engineering might be exactly what you are looking for. 

Featured image at top: Architectural engineering student Abby Hans plays on the UC volleyball team. Photo/Provided