B.S. in Architectural Engineering

Program Overview

The B.S. in Architectural Engineering is a comprehensive undergraduate program that integrates the disciplines of architecture and engineering. The curriculum is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of how to design and analyze building systems for efficiency, sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Students delve into subjects like structural analysis, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical systems, and plumbing, all within the context of architectural design and construction practices. The program culminates in practical applications through laboratory courses and often incorporates senior design projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The rigorous nature of the program prepares graduates for professional licensure as engineers.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering program at Milwaukee School of Engineering is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for all students, particularly international students, as it qualifies them for the STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension. This allows eligible F-1 visa holders to extend their post-completion OPT by an additional 24 months, providing up to three years of valuable work authorization in the United States after graduation. The STEM designation clearly reflects the program's strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, aligning with the critical needs of the modern construction and building design industries.

Curriculum: The B.S. in Architectural Engineering curriculum is robust and interdisciplinary, covering a wide range of subjects essential for designing and analyzing building systems. Core coursework includes foundational engineering sciences such as physics, calculus, and differential equations, alongside specialized courses in mechanics of materials, structural analysis, steel design, reinforced concrete design, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and electrical circuit analysis. Students then specialize in one of three tracks: building electrical systems (e.g., power distribution, lighting design), building mechanical systems (e.g., HVAC design, plumbing), or building structural systems (e.g., advanced structural analysis, seismic design). The curriculum also incorporates essential skills in building information modeling (BIM), construction methods, and project management, often through laboratory sessions and design projects.

Research Focus: While the B.S. in Architectural Engineering is primarily an undergraduate professional degree focused on practical application and design, MSOE fosters an environment where students engage in "applied research" through their hands-on projects and senior design experiences. The university emphasizes connecting theory with real-world problems. For architectural engineering students, this means applying engineering principles to optimize building performance, explore sustainable design solutions, or analyze structural integrity in their coursework and capstone projects. MSOE's dedicated faculty often have industry experience and may be involved in their own research, which can inform the curriculum and provide students with insights into current industry challenges and innovations, preparing them to contribute to R&D efforts in their future careers.

Industry Engagement: Milwaukee School of Engineering places a strong emphasis on industry engagement for its Architectural Engineering program, leveraging its deep connections within the engineering, construction, and architectural sectors. The faculty frequently comprises experienced professionals who bring current industry practices and case studies into the classroom. The curriculum is regularly updated to align with industry demands, and the "hands-on" learning approach, including extensive laboratory work and real-world projects, ensures graduates are highly practical. MSOE facilitates numerous opportunities for student interaction with industry, including career fairs, guest speakers, and potential internships or co-op experiences. The strong employer relationships contribute to the program's exceptional graduate employment rate, with alumni routinely joining leading firms in the architectural and engineering fields.

Global Perspective: While the B.S. in Architectural Engineering program at MSOE primarily focuses on North American building codes and practices, it cultivates a global perspective through its curriculum and diverse student body. Modern architectural engineering projects often involve international collaboration, and the program introduces students to universal engineering principles, sustainable design practices, and emerging technologies that have global relevance. The presence of international students enriches classroom discussions with varied perspectives on building practices and challenges from around the world. MSOE graduates are prepared to work in a globally interconnected industry, understanding that the principles of efficient, safe, and sustainable building design are increasingly applied across international borders.