Architectural Engineering BSAE
Degree Awarded: BS in Architectural Engineering (BSAE)
Minimum Required Credits: 127.0
Co-op Option: Three Co-op, Two Co-op, One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.0401
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2199
About the Program
The Architectural Engineering BS program prepares students for professional practice in the analysis, design, construction, and operation of buildings. Students develop a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals while gaining an integrated understanding of building systems, including structural support and enclosure systems, building environmental systems, and project delivery considerations. The program emphasizes safe, economical, and high-performing building design, while developing analytical thinking, technical problem-solving skills, and professional responsibility within the context of the built environment.
The Architectural Engineering BS program combines rigorous engineering coursework with applied, design-centered learning experiences that reflect professional practice. The curriculum integrates architectural design principles with engineering analysis and system performance, emphasizing how building systems interact across disciplines. Students use contemporary computer-aided design, analysis, and modeling tools to evaluate system behavior, coordinate designs, and assess scheduling and cost implications. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students to work effectively with architects, construction managers, and civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers. Students progress through a multi-year design sequence that develops design skills incrementally and culminates in a senior design experience, where teams work under faculty supervision, often with input from industry partners, to complete a substantial building design project.
Graduates of the Architectural Engineering BS program are prepared for professional roles in building design, construction, consulting, and related industries. The degree also provides strong preparation for graduate study in architectural engineering or related fields. With advisor approval, students may take select graduate-level courses during their senior year to support specific career objectives. As an ABET accredited program, the curriculum supports progress toward professional licensure and continued professional development.
The Architectural Engineering BS program is distinguished by deep industry integration within the CAEE department. Through practice-informed instruction, industry-engaged design projects, and Drexel’s experiential learning model, students gain sustained exposure to professional expectations and real-world building challenges. This close connection between academic preparation and industry practice equips graduates to transition effectively into the profession and contribute meaningfully to the design and delivery of functional, efficient, and sustainable buildings.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Introductory Core Competency Courses: | 6.0-9.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage course requirement is satisfied by ENGR 1010 in the College Requirements below. | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| The College of Engineering and Computing requires a one-semester first-year design course and a two-semester senior capstone project sequence. Analogous courses across the college may be used as substitutes for the specific courses below; for the senior capstone sequence, college approval is required for any substitutions. | ||
| ENGR 1010 | Introduction to Engineering Design | 3.0 |
| CAEE 4998 | CAEE Design: Capstone I | 3.0 |
| CAEE 4999 | CAEE Design: Capstone II | 3.0 |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Select one (1) of the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Computing in CAEE | ||
| Programming for Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Computer Programming | ||
| AE 3110 | Mechanical Systems Design | 3.0 |
| AE 3120 | Electrical and Lighting Systems Design | 3.0 |
| ARCH 1101 | The Architectural Design Process | 3.0 |
| ARCH 2401 | Architectural History I | 3.0 |
| or ARCH 2402 | Architectural History II | |
| CAEE 2110 | Statistical Analysis of Engineering Systems | 3.0 |
| or MATH 2801 | Probability and Statistics I | |
| CAEE 2910 | CAEE Design: Methods and Tools | 3.0 |
| CAEE 2920 | CAEE Design: Project Management | 3.0 |
| CAEE 3910 | CAEE Design: Integrated Systems | 3.0 |
| CIVE 2410 | Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics | 4.0 |
| CIVE 2510 | Construction Materials | 4.0 |
| CIVE 3210 | Structural Analysis | 3.0 |
| CIVE 3220 | Structural Design | 3.0 |
| MEM 2310 | Thermodynamics | 3.0 |
| or MEM 2510 | Dynamics | |
| MEM 2410 | Statics | 3.0 |
| MEM 2420 | Mechanics of Materials | 4.0 |
| Select a minimum of 9 (nine) credits from the following couses: 2 | 9.0 | |
| HVAC Design | ||
| Indoor Air Quality | ||
| Computational Fluid Dynamics in Buildings | ||
| High Performance Buildings | ||
| Intelligent Buildings | ||
| Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy | ||
| Geotechnical Engineering | ||
| Advanced Structural Analysis | ||
| Reinforced Concrete Design | ||
| Steel Design | ||
| Math and Science Requirements | ||
| CHEM 1030 | Chemistry for Engineers | 4.0 |
| or CHEM 1040 | General Chemistry I | |
| ESS 1001 | Introduction to Earth and Environmental Science | 4.0 |
| MATH 1201 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
| MATH 1202 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| MATH 2901 | Matrix and Differential Systems I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 1201 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 1202 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II | 4.0 |
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 127.0-130.0 | |
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A complete list of eligible Introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
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To best align with their career goals, students should consult with their academic advisor when selecting electives.
Program Learning Outcomes
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An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
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An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
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An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
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An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of the engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
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An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
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An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
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An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies