5 Areas of Study
Architectural engineers have the artistic vision to understand what an architect is trying to accomplish, and they use their specialized engineering skills to build structures that are durable, economical, and healthy. They are the “master builders” and thus are indispensable members of the design team: Architectural engineers analyze the site, building orientation, and exposure; design the heating, cooling, lighting, and power distribution systems; ensure fire protection; and determine how water and waste will be managed.
Get on the Fast Track
Complete your undergraduate and master’s studies in just five years with Lawrence Technological University’s Master of Science in Architectural Engineering, an intensive, integrated program that encompasses both undergraduate and graduate studies. With this degree – offered at only a handful of universities in the nation – you’ll be uniquely positioned as a “whole building professional” in the growing field of sustainable design and energy-efficient systems engineering for the built environment. You’ll learn to apply the skills of many engineering disciplines – structural, mechanical, and electrical – to work collaboratively in the building design process.
Lawrence Tech is doing an outstanding job at preparing its graduates for careers in the design of building operating systems. Their commitment to an accredited 5-year Master of Science in Architectural Engineering gives their graduates significant advantages over graduates of other 4-year programs where curriculum content has been cut significantly. LTU graduates are now positioned among the most elite Architectural Engineering programs in the country. Highly sought after, well prepared, and most having impressive experience long before graduation, LTU Architectural Engineering graduates should expect no less than a 100% hiring rate!
B.A. STEIN, Senior Recruiter HENDERSON ENGINEERS
The role architectural engineers play in the building process allows them to make a significant environmental difference by reducing the “footprint” of buildings and promoting carbon neutrality and net-zero energy building. Lawrence Tech, committed to sustainable design with its LEED silver-certified A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center, created the Master of Science in Architectural Engineering to specifically prepare students to be leaders in the rapidly expanding field of sustainable building design.
Lawrence Tech’s Master of Science in Architectural Engineering program blends the expertise of the University’s renowned Colleges of Engineering and Architecture and Design to provide you with the knowledge and skill to succeed as a “green” building-oriented design engineer. The engineering courses you’ll take are specifically designed to meet the ABET requirements for depth in the areas of architectural engineering and breadth in general engineering. Like all Lawrence Tech degrees, the Master of Science in Architectural Engineering incorporates the University’s signature “theory and practice” approach to learning. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience working in project teams and enjoy leadership opportunities through professional organizations.
Furthermore, Lawrence Tech offers the advantages of a technological university and the fertile synergy of its College of Engineering and College of Architecture and Design, both of which collaborated on the creation of the degree. Several of your studios will be team-taught by architectural and engineering faculty and practitioners to provide lectures and topics relevant to industry practice.
Many architectural engineering and construction companies have their headquarters in southeast Michigan with branch offices spanning the globe. This gives you many employment and internship opportunities with some of the world’s finest and most technologically sophisticated professionals. These professionals are also involved in teaching and designing your course work to ensure that the curriculum is current and includes real-world applications.
Educational Objectives
In consultation with the Architectural Engineering Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) consisting of Alumni, employers, and current faculty, following are the program educational objectives (PEO's) for the Architectural Engineering program, as approved during the December 12, 2013 IAB meeting (4-0-0):
- Acquire and articulate through written, visual and oral communication skills, the integration of building design and aesthetics with the knowledge to design mechanical, electrical and structural systems for the built environment.
- Employ problem solving skills and awareness of emerging green technologies to create a culture for the collaborative design process, building systems integration and constructability, with leadership in energy efficiency, to support the worldwide need for skilled building designers and detailers.
- Lead design and construction teams in the process and development of conceptual designs, design drawings, construction drawings and specifications and construction contract administration for building sustainability in a global market.
Student Outcomes
The Architectural Engineering program has documented the following student outcomes that prepare graduates to attain the program educational objectives, as approved during the March 25, 2014 IAB meeting (6-0-0), and amended at the December 9, 2014 IAB meeting;
- an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
- an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
- an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints, such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
- an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
- an ability to communicate effectively;
- the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
- a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning;
- a knowledge of contemporary issues;
- an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modem engineering tools necessary for engineering practice; and
- an ability to integrate building engineering and architectural systems through collaboration and tools to create high-performing solutions.
Enrollment and Graduation Data for the 2017-2018 Academic Year:

A majority of LTU engineering students participate in internships (or co-op’s, depending on their program) starting as early as the sophomore year. Architectural Engineering students pursue work and school in parallel, whereas LTU co-op students may choose to alternate semesters working and attending classes on a full-time basis.
Many architectural engineering firms offer structured summer internship experiences, complete with training, team-building, and social events to discover and explore the city where the company might be located. As an alternative to co-op, internships are known for the flexibility they can provide.
All engineering internships are paid, provide real job experiences, including part-time employment, and can be done during fall, spring, and/or summer. Students who choose internships during the school year usually work part-time and take classes simultaneously. Internships and co-ops can be great confidence builders and strong facilitators of the school-to-work transition. They help students literally "test drive" working in their field and provide insights about potential employers, their projects, and work environment.
Visit LTU's Office of Career Services
- Architectural engineer
- Building inspector/engineer/manager
- Construction engineer/manager
- Design engineer/consultant
- Design firm manager/owner
- Electrical and lighting systems engineer
- Green building designer/energy engineer
- Mechanical heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) engineer
- Professor/researcher
- Project Manager
- Sales/applications engineer
For more information visit the Career Services page.
Lawrence Tech’s Office of
Admissions at 800.CALL.LTU or admissions@ltu.edu.
For specific questions about the Master of Science in Architectural Engineering program or contact Lawrence Tech’s College of Engineering at 248.204.2500 or engrdean@ltu.edu.
Curriculum
Masters of Science in Architectural Engineering Flowchart 2020 PDF
164 credit-hour program consists of:
First Semester
Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
---|---|---|
COM 1103 | College Composition | 3 |
EAE 1081 | Intro to Arch Eng | 1 |
CHM 1213++ | University Chemistry 1 | 3 |
CHM 1221 | University Chemistry 1 Lab | 1 |
MCS 1414++ | Calculus 1 | 4 |
EGE 1102 | ENG Computer Applications Lab | 2 |
ARC 1213 | Intro to Visual Communications | 3 |
Second Semester
Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
---|---|---|
SSC 2413 | Foundations of American Experience | 3 |
EGE 1001 | Fund of Eng Design Projects | 1 |
PHY 2413++ | University Physics 1 | 3 |
PHY 2421 | University Physics 1 Lab | 1 |
MCS 1424 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
EAE 1093 | Architectural Engineering History | 3 |
ARC 1223 | Visual Communication | 3 |
FE Exam
Candidates for degrees in civil, electrical, mechanical, and architectural engineering are strongly encouraged to complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
The architectural engineering program is accredited by
the Engineering Accreditation Commission
of ABET, http://www.abet.org
Learn more about ABET accredited programs in the College of Engineering