Architectural Engineering PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.0401
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9041
About the Program
Students in the Architectural Engineering PhD program gain technical expertise and research skills in specialized areas of architectural engineering including one or more of the following sub-disciplines: building energy efficiency, alternative energy, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable design. Through this foundation, students develop an integrated understanding of the engineering principles that govern the design, construction, and operation of buildings. Graduates of the program possess advanced analytical, modeling, and design skills while emphasizing system-based thinking and the interactions among architectural, structural, mechanical, and environmental engineering considerations. Graduates also develop professional judgment, ethical awareness, and the ability to evaluate tradeoffs among performance, sustainability, cost, and occupant experience in complex building projects.
The Architectural Engineering PhD program emphasizes research through an independent dissertation. Research is supported through core coursework and elective classes.
Graduates of the PhD program are well prepared for professional careers in academia, consulting, research, industry, and public-sector organizations related to building systems, building performance, and sustainable design. For students pursuing professional licensure, the curriculum supports preparation for licensure examinations and continued professional development consistent with industry expectations.
Drexel’s signature experiential learning model is applied in the PhD in Architectural Engineering through applied research, experiential learning, and close engagement with industry. Students gain exposure to practice-informed instruction, real-world projects, and professional networks that connect academic learning with important engineering challenges. This integration of advanced technical education with experiential learning prepares graduates to transition effectively into professional roles and to contribute meaningfully to the development of functional, efficient, healthy, and sustainable built environments.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Admission Requirements
PhD admission is based on an academic record demonstrating adequate preparation and potential for successful graduate study. This typically includes a BS from an engineering curriculum accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the equivalent from a non-U.S. institution. Submission of results from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is usually required. Graduates who do not have a bachelor's degree in either Civil, Architectural or Environmental Engineering may be required to take preparatory undergraduate courses.
The application package should include:
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts as applicable
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can evaluate the applicant’s promise as a graduate student
- GRE scores (optional)
- A written statement of career and educational goals
For more information, visit the School of Engineering Graduate Admissions webpage.
Degree Requirements
Post-Bachelor's PhD Students
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| Select three of the following courses: | 9.0 | |
| Data-Based Engineering Modeling | ||
| Risk and Reliability | ||
| Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Artificial Intelligence for CAEE Systems | ||
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Select four of the following courses: | 12.0 | |
| HVAC Design | ||
| Indoor Air Quality | ||
| Computational Fluid Dynamics in Buildings | ||
| High Performance Buildings | ||
| Intelligent Buildings | ||
| Research 1 | 33.0-120.0 | |
| PhD Research | ||
| Dissertation | 6.0 | |
| PhD Dissertation Writing and PhD Defense | ||
| Electives | 0.0-9.0 | |
Select any AE (Architectural Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any CIVE (Civil Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any ENVE (Environmental Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any courses within the 5000-9999 level with graduate advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 60.0-156.0 | |
- 1
Number of required research credits may be reduced based on the number of Elective credits required.
Post-Master's PhD Students
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Research 1 | 24.0-120.0 | |
| PhD Research | ||
| Dissertation | 6.0 | |
| PhD Dissertation Writing and PhD Defense | ||
| Electives | 0.0-9.0 | |
Select any AE (Architectural Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any CIVE (Civil Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any ENVE (Environmental Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any courses within the 5000-9999 level with graduate advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 30.0-135.0 | |
- 1
Number of required research credits may be reduced based on the number of Elective credits required.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the analysis and integration of building systems, including energy performance and indoor environmental conditions.
- Apply advanced mathematical, computational, and modeling tools to evaluate and predict building behavior and performance.
- Design and assess building solutions that balance technical performance, sustainability, and occupant needs within real-world constraints.
- Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences and function effectively on interdisciplinary teams.
- Conduct independent research using theory, modeling, simulation, and/or experimentation to address advanced architectural engineering problems.