What Are the Required Courses for Architectural Engineering?

A career as an architectural engineer requires advanced coursework in design, measurements and other related subjects. Several of the courses in this degree program depend on your concentration, so different fields of architectural engineering require different courses. However, the basic framework for this degree is the same.

General Education Requirements

Like most other degrees, a degree in architectural engineering requires many general education credit hours. Depending on the university, students will have to study different kinds of writing and reading, calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, laboratory skills, thermodynamics, linear and dynamic engineering and general design software skills.

Architectural Engineering Major Requirements

Courses specific to an architectural engineering degree focus more on the actual design process and inner workings of architecture. Major courses may include HVAC studies, architectural history classes, advanced measurement studies, advanced design, engineering systems analysis and engineering economics.

Mechanical Concentration Courses

A mechanical engineer primarily focuses on the inner workings of structures. He or she will oversee the design of HVAC flow designs and plumbing designs. If a student chooses to concentrate on the mechanics of architectural engineering, he or she will have to complete courses like structural analysis and design, heat transfer and advanced heating and air conditioning courses.

Structural Concentration Courses

Structural engineers oversee the outer workings of the buildings they design and they can also be in charge of building outdoor structures like towers and bridges. For students that concentrate on the structural aspect of architectural engineering, additional coursework will include the theory of structures, soil mechanics, structural design and foundation engineering.