Student sitting in front of computer displaying virtual building modeling software
 

Prospective Undergraduate Students

The Department of Architectural Engineering at Penn State is widely acknowledged as the top architectural engineering program in the country. It emphasizes the scientific and engineering aspects of planning, designing, and constructing of buildings. The goal of the program is to provide engineering graduates with the best education available for careers in the building professions.

The undergraduate architectural engineering program at Penn State is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Architectural Engineering Program Criteria.

Department of Architectural Engineering Program Education Objectives

The undergraduate program in Architectural Engineering is designed to produce graduates who, within a few years of graduation, are expected to be:

  • Progressing in their professional careers in the building industry or other related fields by applying expertise in one or more areas related to the integrated planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of sustainable, resilient, and high-performance buildings and infrastructure;
  • Demonstrating strong: ethical leadership, communication, collaborative, and interdisciplinary skills;
  • Advancing the building industry and engaging in lifelong learning through activities, such as graduate-level study, professional development, mentoring, and involvement in professional organizations and other industry service roles;
  • Attaining credentials appropriate for their career paths, such as professional licenses, registrations, or certifications.

The architectural engineering undergraduate program at Penn State delivers high-quality education and creative inquiry on the fundamentals of engineering, and their application to the built environment. The program produces graduates with a broad understanding of building systems and their integration, as well as in-depth knowledge of the construction, lighting/electrical, mechanical, or structural sub-disciplines. The program focuses on improving the quality of life through the built environment by emphasizing the dynamic interactions among multiple building functionalities, and their effects on building occupants, that dictate overall performance. Graduates of the program become leaders in the building industry and exhibit awareness of global issues and an appreciation of diverse perspectives.

Department of Architectural Engineering Student Outcomes

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. 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
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies


**Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the 
Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map. 


“The AE program is a fantastic program to be in. I felt very prepared coming out of school after completing two internships while a student. I was ready to work on projects right away after graduating.”
Victoria Riedinger, CannonDesign
BAE/MAE 2016, Lighting/Electrical Option


“The construction management classes I had really did help me in the workplace. They taught me how to read a drawing, review contracts, put together pay applications and be able to make sense of that. In general, the AE classes really do prepare you for the workforce.”
Lori Farley, Turner Construction
BAE 2008, Construction Option


“I think the AE program is a well-rounded, broad education in the construction field and AE grads are in the position to do really good work in our field. There are great grads from other schools, but Penn State AEs have that leg up because they have experience in all the subfields of mechanical, construction management, structural, and electrical. That breadth of experience is a key advantage in a project setting and especially when you’re interacting with an architect or owner, you have to pull from that background all the time.”
Andrew Rhodes, Southland Industries
BAE/MAE 2007, Mechanical Option


We accept transfer students!

  • Contact Moses Ling at mdl5@psu.edu if you are interested in transferring to Penn State AE to finish your degree!

 
 

About

Globally recognized as a leading architectural engineering department, the mission of the Department of Architectural Engineering at Penn State is to advance the built environment through the development of world-class architectural engineers and research. The vision of the Department of Architectural Engineering at Penn State is to lead the world in innovative education and research to achieve high-performing built environments. Our program emphasizes the scientific and engineering aspects of planning, designing, and constructing buildings, providing our architectural engineering graduates with outstanding education and research opportunities. 

Department of Architectural Engineering

104 Engineering Unit A

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-6394