Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering

Architectural engineering at KU is a challenging ABET-accredited four-year course of study that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering (BS ARCE). At KU, the BS ARCE program is administered by the School of Engineering in consultation with the School of Architecture & Design. Undergraduate students in the ARCE program have full access to the resources in both schools including scholarships, courses, computer and instructional laboratories, shops, student organizations and activities, and libraries.

ARCE students that have an interest in architecture as well as engineering can get both the professional ABET-accredited BS ARCE degree and NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture (MARCH) degrees at KU in six years, which includes a required summer of study. This dual degree option is possible because of the architectural design, history, and building technology courses that ARCE students are required to take from the architecture faculty as well as the close relationship between engineering and architecture at KU. Architectural engineering is a rigorous degree program. Entering students should be prepared to have their studies and studio activities consume most of their time and energy. However, graduates find rewarding and fulfilling careers upon graduation.

Additional Information

ARCE students that have an interest in architecture as well as engineering can get both the professional ABET-accredited BS ARCE degree and NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture (M ARCH) degrees at KU in six years, which includes a required summer of study. This dual degree option is possible because of the architectural design, history, and building technology courses that ARCE students are required to take from the architecture faculty as well as the close relationship between engineering and architecture at KU.

Students in good standing who want to earn a professional Master of Architecture degree in addition to the B.S. in architectural engineering should notify the School of Architecture, Design and Planning of their intention to pursue both degrees before the third year and discuss it with their ARCE advisor so that electives can be chosen carefully.

Architectural Engineering - Typical Schedule

The current Core 34 schedule for students starting fall 2024 or later can be found in the KU Catalog.

General Electives

Applying for Admission

All engineering students should come to college with math, science, communication skills, and computer abilities. 

Freshman Admission:

  • Must be admissible to the University of Kansas by assured admissions or individual review AND
  • Have a 3.0+ high school GPA AND
  • Demonstrate mathematics preparedness by:
    • Obtaining a mathematics ACT score of 22+ (or math SAT score of 540+), OR
    • Achieving a ‘B’ or better in ‘college algebra’ or a more advanced mathematics course, OR
    • Achieving a ‘C’ or better in a high school calculus course; OR
    • Earning credit via IB or AP credit for the above-mentioned courses in accordance with KU placement credit requirements; OR
    • Achieving at minimum a qualifying score for MATH 104 on the ALEKS mathematics placement exam.

Students should also be ready for the challenges presented in architectural studio courses. It is helpful to have completed a course in computer-aided design (CAD) as well as a course in freehand sketching. More detailed information on admission can be found at Undergraduate Admissions 

Scholarships

The CEAE department is pleased to announce the availability of multiple scholarship opportunities for the academic year.

ACEC Scholarships - ACEC Scholarship Program. Email applications to acecscholarships@wilsonco.com.

ARCE and other undergraduates - A variety of scholarships and project grants in HVAC/energy/solar/green/etc. engineering. ASHRAE Scholarships

ARCE and other graduate students - One-year grants for HVAC or related research projects. ASHRAE Grant-in-Aid Program

ASHRAE-KC Scholarships - Applications can be found on the ASHRAE KC website

Dr. Thomas Glavinich Memorial Scholarship Fund - Any students interested in the electrical construction industry. Dr. Glavinich Memorial Scholarship Application (fillable pdf) Deadline is July 31

Fire Protection Engineering - Fire Protection Engineering Application. Deadline is April 15

Professor Thomas Mulinazzi Family Scholarship Professor Thomas Mulinazzi Family Scholarship Application Form

Information about the School of Engineering's scholarships can be found at Scholarships

 

 

  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.

Professional Registration and Licensing

Engineers are involved in projects that directly affect the health and safety of the public. Graduates are strongly encouraged to become registered Professional Engineers as soon as possible after graduation. This involves completing an ABET-accredited B.S. degree in civil or architectural engineering, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering examinations, and obtaining 4 years of satisfactory engineering experience. Students in both civil and architectural engineering must take the FE examination before graduation. Some architectural engineers also practice as architects after completing an NAAB-accredited professional undergraduate or graduate architecture degree program and becoming Registered Architects. Students with this interest should consider Track II and III master of architecture degree programs after completing their B.S. in architectural engineering.

Professional Opportunities

Architectural engineering focuses on building systems analysis and design, including structural, mechanical, energy, lighting, and electrical systems, and construction methods applied to buildings. Increasingly, architectural engineers are interested in specializations such as green buildings, acoustics, and fire protection. Architectural engineers center their attention on the performance, safety, cost-effectiveness, and construction methods of these systems. They typically work for engineering consulting firms, construction companies, or government agencies.