Degree Programs
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Please take a moment to review our Educational Program Objectives.
There are three undergraduate degrees that you can obtain through the AE Department. The first is a 5 year professional degree. The other two are integrated undergraduate and graduate degrees:
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering (B.A.E.)
The architectural engineering major is a five-year program that includes a senior
thesis project done throughout the 5th year. The majority of students will graduate
from the major with a B.A.E.; a limited number of students each year enter the
combined B.A.E./M.A.E. program. Architectural Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012; 410-347-7700; www.abet.org.
Integrated Bachelor and Master of Architectural Engineering
(B.A.E./M.A.E.)
Select students will be able to participate in a combined B.A.E./M.A.E. program.
Successful completion of twelve additional credits at the graduate level will
allow students to graduate with these two degrees.
Integrated Bachelor and Master of Science (B.A.E./M.S.)
University Scholars may elect to perform an integrated B.A.E./M.S. program through
the Schreyer Honors College.
Undergraduate students may also wish to obtain a Minor on their degree.
Graduate Degree Programs
The Architectural Engineering Department offers five graduate level degree programs:
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Undergraduates in Penn State's AE Program may also participate in the Integrated Bachelor and Master of Architectural Engineering (B.A.E./M.A.E.) program. Schreyer Scholars have an option of entering the B.A.E./M.A.E. program or an Integrated Bachelor and Master of Science (B.A.E./M.S.) degree program.
| General Information |
Architectural Engineering is a specialized field of study and research aimed at developing creative professionals for the building industry. Architectural engineers are involved in all facets of building design and operation, including management, planning, design, construction, and facility operations. Graduate study in architectural engineering involves study in the design, analysis, construction and operation of buildings and building systems.
The following subject areas are available for study at the graduate level: Construction, Lighting, Mechanical, and Structural Systems. The impact of ever-changing social, economic, political, energy, regulatory and technical boundary conditions has created significant opportunities for architectural engineering research. Research and professional activities conducted by Penn State faculty and students are advancing the building industry, one of the leading industries in the United States.
| Degree Program Descriptions |
The M.S. degree program contains a mix of research and coursework. An M.S. student will take a minimum of 30 credits which consists of 24 credits of courses and a 6-credit research thesis. A student’s program of courses in the M.S. program is developed in cooperation with the student’s academic adviser with a minimum of 12 credits at the graduate (500) level. Students that obtain an M.S. degree will be well prepared for positions in the Building Industry or may continue their education in a Ph.D. program.
The Ph.D. degree program is primarily focused on the development of critical thinking skills based on extensive coursework and a thesis that displays a student’s ability to conduct high-quality original scholarly research. Students gain valuable in-depth knowledge and experience in the building industry and related fields with their coursework. The student’s program of courses is developed in cooperation with the student’s Ph.D. committee. It is recommended that the course plan contain approximately 30 credits of courses beyond a Masters degree, although there is no established minimum or maximum. Ph.D. graduates are prepared for positions in academia, at research laboratories, or within companies or associations within the building design and construction industry.
The M.Eng. degree program is primarily focused on coursework. A candidate for the M.Eng. degree will complete 30 credits of coursework with a minimum of 12 credits at the 500-level. Students will follow the approved program of courses for one of the four available specialty areas, with minor modifications permitted for special student interests with the approval of the Graduate Program Officer. Each student must also submit a professional quality technical report, which is generally derived from work performed in one of the student’s courses.
| Admission Requirements |
For a complete list of admission requirements, please visit our graduate application page.
Students with a 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) and with appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission to the AE graduate programs. Students accepted into the Architectural Engineering program generally have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, architectural engineering, science or architecture.
| AE Graduate Courses |
Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 599. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements. Courses below the 400 level do not count toward graduate degree requirements. A graduate student may register for, or audit, these courses to make up deficiencies or to fill gaps in their previous education, but not to meet requirements for an advanced AE degree.
| Funding |
Top graduate students will be considered for financial aid. Please see the Graduate Student Funding page for more details.
Master of Engineering (M. Eng.)
The Master of Engineering program is a 30-credit, practice-based degree designed
for individuals who wish to further their knowledge in the building design and
construction areas. The program focuses on advanced design and construction
theory and its application to modern buildings. The M.Eng. is designed to permit
full-time students to earn their degree in less than one year. A student must
select one of four concentration areas in which to study - construction, lighting/electrical,
mechanical, or structural systems.
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering (M.S.)
Graduate students in Architectural Engineering generally come into their program
of study with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering, civil engineering, architectural engineering, or architecture.
Students with a 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) and
with appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission to the
Ph.D. and M.S. programs.
Doctor of Philosophy in Architectural Engineering (Ph.D.)
Penn State's Architectural Engineering Department is only one of two in the U.S.A. presently offering the Ph.D. Each candidate for the Ph.D. degree must satisfy the associated research and communication skills requirements established by the department.