<p>I'm in high school and I'm really interested in pursuing a career in architecture. However, I'm not really sure I REALLY know what it is. My question is what type of engineering is architecture? From what I've read about different types of engineering, it seems to fall under civil engineering but I've also read that civil engineering has most to do with the physics of making a building stand up rather than the design of the building. Also, I've heard that architecture is not an engineering but actually fine art? But then I've also heard that it IS an engineering and I'm becoming more confused as I research. So, I'd really appreciate if someone would clear this up for me.</p>
<p>Architecture is not a type of engineering, it’s designing structures (and everything that goes with that). Engineering takes the designs and makes them work.</p>
<p>thank you! @Nitsua24</p>
<p>Architectural engineering is a field of engineering that deals with buildings. The architectural engineering program is usually located in the same department as the civil engineering program at the schools where it is available. It is a different degree program than architecture. </p>
<p>Here’s a nice one and a half minute video on the general philosophy of architecture:</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://vimeo.com/3248803]Architecture[/url”>Architecture on Vimeo]Architecture[/url</a>]</p>
<p>Also would be very helpful to search [url=<a href=“http://ted.com%5DTED%5B/url”>http://ted.com]TED[/url</a>] on the keyword archtiecture for related presentations. Warning…TED is addictive.</p>
<p>I was an architectural engineering major at UT-Austin. I went that route instead of civil engineering because I was not interested in highway design, wastewater treatment, etc. After I got my BS in ArchE, I went on to get an MS in Engineering (concentration in structures).</p>
<p>A lot of times, students will say they want to get degrees in both engineering and architecture, but that makes no sense, really. You need to pick one and stick to it, in my opinion.</p>
<p>@MaineLonghorn I was in the position of wanting a degree in engineering and architecture. I wanted the ability to design, but also the opportunity to make as much money as and have the same capabilities as an engineer.</p>
<p>Several schools cater to this. For example, Cal Poly SLO (my future school), has a 4+1 B.S. Architectural Engineering + M.S. Architecture. I think UT Austin also has a dual B.S. in Architectural Engineering and B.S. in Architecture.</p>
<p>For one, I am not convinced that an engineer working in the building industry makes more money than an architect, but in either case the industry is set up that you either practice one or the other. I’m not sure knowing both dramatically impacts your income in either profession.</p>
<p>rick</p>
<p>thanks everyone for all this great info!</p>