<p>Hello! I'm currently a high school senior and I'd like to plan early what I'd like to do in college. I've already applied to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo early decision for Architectural Engineering and I was wondering if I was admitted if it'd be advantageous to double major in architecture and architectural engineering? Especially to take advantage of SLO's architecture department. I don't mind if I have to study a year longer for this to happen but I find that many of the classes overlap already. And I have so much AP credit from already passing 6 tests (taking 5 this year) I could probably get out of most of my GE classes anyways. I have an interest in both the design and logic involved in designing a building, but I also want a more well-rounded education as well. From an employers standpoint, could this make me more marketable in the job market? Would you suggest to rather double major in Architecture and Civil Engineering instead? I know it's hard to change majors in SLO, but I would do so even if it was difficult. I'm very determined in anything that I set my mind to! Any type of input would help! My stats currently in HS are a 3.94 CPSLO (9-11) GPA, 1280 SAT (but I just retook the SAT again today), and 12 AP classes with 7 Honors classes (if you were interested in my course rigor). </p>
<p>I originally considered the same thing last year when I was a senior. However engineering and architecture are the complete opposite of each other. Engineering focuses on math, physics, and how it works, while architecture is about the aesthetics, how it looks, and following building codes. UT Austin has a similar program as well if you want other options.However a dual major in architecture and engineering won’t help you much in your career or finding a job. I would focus all of your time on one or another. If you like problem solving, calculus, physics, chemistry, and mechanics then go with engineering, if you like design, history, theory, art, business, construction and how things look then choose architecture. I myself am a artsy person so I went with architecture. Most people either lean in the science side (engineering) or the humanities side (architecture). If you are absolutely in the middle and want to pursue a license in architecture and engineering then do the dual major. If you do the duel major then stick with architectural engineering. It is a branch of civil engineering that specializes in building structure design. Civil itself focuses on structures but water and the environment as well and won’t relate to architecture as well as architectural engineering. Also keep in mind that a license in architecture requires 5500 IDP credit hours for NCARP to get your license. This is about 6 years of internships, lectures, and community service that you must do to get your license. You can get these hours while you are in school but it will be hard to do with engineering also. After you get a accredited degree and your IDP hours you will have to take 7 tests just to get your architecture license. Engineering licensing take time as well, (not as long though) and requires internship. Because of this I would try to chose one. But it is possible to do both even though it won’t be easy. I am only in architecture and I have long nights drafting and making models out of cardboard. Good luck on your decision and if you have any more questions just ask.</p>
<p>@jritch thank you for such a long message! You’ve given me more to think about – I really appreciate it! Thank you again… I’m not sure what I’ll do yet but if I put my mind to a dual major I’ll definitely work hard to follow through. </p>
<p>Trying to double major would not be allowed. It would take 8-9 years. These are two of the most rigorous majors offered here.</p>
<p>You CAN major in Architecture and minor in Architectural Engineering. You basically just have to take a few more structures classes. Consider that.</p>
<p>I was an Architectural Engineering major at UT-Austin; my dad is still a professor in that department. He has had a few students do the dual major. He told me he doesn’t understand why anyone would do it! They are SUCH different fields, as jritch pointed out. I liked the ArchE major because I knew I wanted to design BUILDINGS, not roads or wastewater treatment plants. And I had to take a couple of semesters of architectural design, which showed me that I was NOT cut out to be an architect! </p>
<p>Engineering employers would much prefer that you take additional engineering design classes - they could not care less if you took extra architectural design studios! There is SO much to learn in order to be a structural engineer!</p>
<p>@nitsua24 and @MaineLonghorn
Thank you for your replies! I think I’ll stick with architectural engineering and minor in city and regional planning because that also interests me. And if I really want to pursue it when I’m done I guess I could always get a MArch? But then again I’m looking too far ahead thank you so much again for your thoughts!!</p>
thank you so much again for your thoughts!!</p>