<p>I am applying for architecture major for 4 schools, and decided to apply to another one as a candidate for the architectural engineering major.
I 'found out' about this major probably 2 months ago, and I really liked everything I read about it, this is why I am applying to this school. </p>
<p>But I really wanted some input from someone that knows more about this major, because this is how I see it: you are an engineer, studies are more emphasized in maths/ physics and the structural parts of the building, you are not designing (like architects doing interior design) the building aesthetically, but your job is to manage a 'design' for the structure of the building, such as the pipes.</p>
<p>You have the right idea, but HVAC systems would be designed bya mechanical engineer. Here is a link for you, from the University of Texas at Austin website:</p>
<p>ArchE and Architecture are VERY different. Usually (I know, there are always a few exceptions!) a person who has an aptitude for one field wouldn’t in the other. I was an Arch E major - did great in my structural design classes, and abysmally in my architectural design studio! It was a good exercise for me, though, to appreciate the role of an architect.</p>
<p>It was a good major for me, because I knew I was interested in the structural design of buildings. I had no interest in highways, wastewater treatment plants, etc., so I didn’t want to major in Civil. I went on to get my master’s degree in engineering (structural).</p>
<p>My son originally planned to study architecture, but definitely got the engineering gene so ArchE is a great fit for him. He is at PSU. One of the things he really liked about their program was that there is much more collaboration with the department of Architecture than there was at the other schools he visited. (At one school each discipline was almost insulting about the other.) The Arch faculty teaches the design studio courses and last summer he did a study abroad in Rome designed specifically for AE students. He is in the Lighting / Electrical option, which is generally considered the most creative option at Penn State. The others are construction, mechanical (that would include the HVAC) and structural. ArchE is a 5 year program at PSU, as is Arch. Lots more info here-- [Home</a> Architectural Engineering](<a href=“http://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/index.asp]Home”>Architectural Engineering | Penn State Engineering)</p>
<p>Thanks @1moremom and @MaineLonghorn - this really helps me, I am really considering ArchE, because I like the more ‘structural’ things, and as far as I can tell I would get more benefits majoring in ArchE than in architecture…</p>
<p>1moremom - thanks for sharing info on Arch Eng. My daughter has applied to PSU for the same after first considering Arch. One thing that was bumming her out was that the Arch students spent time in Rome and we didn’t hear about about Rome when we visited the Arch Eng department. Prof. Ling only mentioned a trip to China. I know that there is one prof in the dept that likes to study ancient Roman bridges and other structures. So can you tell me more about Rome? It would make my D’s day to know she could still go to Italy.</p>
<p>My son did the summer program after his third year, though some students go a year earlier and some a year later. They left immediately after finals and were there for seven weeks, living in the church on Piazza Navona. (Some stay on and travel on their own afterwards.) The program is very intense, completing twelve credits which I think gives them a minor in architectural history. They spend a lot of time in lectures and studio, but also get out around Rome and take a few longer excursions (Venice, maybe Pompeii). Prof. Boothby was one of the faculty who was with them; could that be who you’re thinking of?</p>
<p>I’m glad you talked with Prof. Ling; he’s great. I think many families don’t realize that faculty are usually happy to meet with them, especially if they set something up in advance.</p>
<p>So I told my daughter that she could still go to Rome if she majored in Arch Eng. She did the biggest happy dance. This sounds so perfect for her. Now she just has to get accepted, do well with her basic courses and be one of the top 100 students. </p>
<p>I think it might be Prof Boothby that I had read about his study of ancient Roman structures but honestly can’t remember. Your description of the summer in Rome sounds ideal for D. Italy, ancient buildings, architectural history, studio time. She couldn’t ask for anything more.</p>
<p>I believe that any student with the required average is accepted into the program, even if there are more than 100, which means the students aren’t necessarily competing against each other. Once they are in it becomes a close-knit group because they have almost all their classes together, especially within the different options. The time in Rome is another bonding experience though I think that, by the end of the program, and after all the late nights in studio, they had seen enough of each other for a while!</p>
<p>Good luck to your D! I’m happy to answer (or at least try to) any other questions you might think of. Feel free to PM me.</p>