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Architecture school allows students to gain a strong knowledge
base and education for a rewarding career. An
architecture degree is designed to provide both hands-on
training and lectures for ongoing study. Architectural
engineering is an attractive and lucrative industry, with
engineers focusing on the design, development, analysis,
production, and testing of various designs and
layouts received from architects. Architecture course programs
provide extensive computer training and a thorough understanding
of efficient processes in buildings, construction, and
structures.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Architecture School Graduates
Graduates are often involved with many construction and building projects.
They can be found:
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Working with a team of
architects and architectural planners
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Providing pre-design services
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Conducting environmental
impact studies
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Developing construction plans
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Learning building codes,
zoning laws, and local ordinances
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Making changes and developing
architectural systems processes
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Working with customers and
clients to learn about specific needs
Architecture programs are
designed to help students learn about both local and national ordinances, laws,
and regulations, along with hands-on training in a variety of subjects.
Career Options After Architectural Engineering Training
Training can be completed at a variety of schools. A licensed
architect can choose supervisory or managerial positions at an established
firm, or pursue even further education with a more comprehensive
architecture degree. Students can pursue a career as a:
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Technical Architects
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HVAC Systems Specialist
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Sales Engineer
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Plant or Facilities Engineer
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Consulting Engineer
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Electrical Systems Engineer
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Construction Estimator
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Construction Project Manager
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Building Inspector
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Professor or Researcher
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Drafters
Architectural engineering
students may also choose to specialize in a particular field mid-career. Many
choose to pursue specializations through programs such as:
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Green building
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Construction management
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Fire protection engineering
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Lighting
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Building transportation
systems
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Acoustics design and
construction
Architecture School
Courses and Training Programs
Schools offer a
variety of courses and training programs for a well-rounded education. While an
architecture degree can help a student gain employment after graduation, many
choose to pursue further education with a bachelor's degree program
specialization or master's studies. Typical courses include:
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Statics and Dynamics
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Thermodynamics
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Heat Transfer
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Structural Analysis
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Fluid Mechanics
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Computer-aided Design and
Drafting (CAD)
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Computer Programming
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Engineering Economics
The demand for these
degree programs is most prevalent in the Midwest and Plains States, and many
educational institutions offer specialty engineering design courses for
supplementary training. Students who focus on mathematics, drafting, sciences,
woodworking, and construction during high school can better prepare themselves
for the comprehensive architectural engineering bachelor's degree program.
Architecture schools prepare
students with a variety of subjects that may also include a course
program in:
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Renewable energy
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Building construction
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Solar energy
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Thermal comfort
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Indoor air quality
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Autonomous buildings
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Intelligent buildings
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Energy conservation
The quickest option for
architectural programs in engineering is to pursue a 5-year Bachelor's or Master
of Architecture program. Still, a four-year bachelor's degree can be enough to
get started in a rewarding career.
Each state sets licensing rules
and regulations for its specific territory, and licensure can require up to eight to ten years of study and internships. The internship can be as long as three years
where the student works with supervisors
at a firm. After passing a comprehensive examination, the state can grant
licensure or registration. Students must obtain satisfactory scores on the
Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to meet the basic requirements.
Architecture Schools Accreditation
The National Architectural
Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the accrediting body for all professional
architecture degree programs in the United States. Not all boards require a
pre-professional degree to pursue architecture programs.
Architecture School Graduates Earning Potential
and Employment Prospects
Employment prospects and job opportunities for architectural
engineering employees and supervisors are expected to grow faster than average
through 2014. Architectural designers, engineers, and teams work in a
competitive industry and architecture is a popular major for many college
students.
Architectural engineers earned a median salary of $60,300 in 2004.
This ranges depending on skill level, experience, and educational background.
Related occupations include:
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