<p>I planned to take up architecture as my major for college studies. But then I came across this thing "Architectural Engineering". Some posts on this site said that architectural engineers have greater job prospects than architects and are paid more. So I got interested in it and searched the internet for "what an architectural engineer does" but could not find anything concrete. We all know that architects design buildings and overlook their construction as well and it is the civil or structural engineers who do the construction job. Now where do architectural engineers fit in?? Can they do both?? I dont think so, as for that, four years of college is not enough I guess. However, I am not sure (maybe its exclusively for genius students). </p>
<p>MSOE says "Architectural engineers are the engineers who make buildings function. Among their duties, they design and create the heating, air conditioning and electrical systems of buildings. Architectural engineering graduates pursue careers in the construction industry or related areas."</p>
<p>However, under the title program the same college says "The four-year bachelor of science degree program prepares you for a career in the design and construction of buildings and building systems."</p>
<p>I am interested only in designing buildings. So, if the first one is true then I am not going for it. But if the second one is true then I may think about it.</p>
<p>One more factor which is deterring me from choosing this course is that it is offered by very few universities and this list does not include more well-known and big names.............I m confused!!!!! Please help me!!!</p>
<p>In more years in this profession than I care to admit I have never seen an architectural engineer. I have worked with dozens of Structural engineers, mechanical engineers, Electrical engineers, civil engineers, acoustical engineers, but no architectural engineers. So perhaps this is a degree that leads you into one of those engineering fields, but don't imagine that you are going into a special field that allows you to do both.</p>
<p>As far as construction careers, we are part of a large construction firm and for construction we hire folks with architecture, engineering, and construction technology/engineering degrees and have had equal success with all of them.</p>
<p>There was a time when an architecture graduate would have fewer job prospects than an engineer and would start at a lower salary. That is not the case today. I would say that even architecture and construction jobs have become pretty equal. A new graduate in our architecture group would start at about $46k, a new graduate in construction would start at $53k. However the architect typically gets responsibility a little faster and by the end of the third year they are equal in compensation. </p>
<p>My suggestion is that rather than basing your career choices on outdated comments about compensation, go figure out which career is going to get you out of bed excited to go to work for the next 40 years. Try to spend some time at an engineering firm, an architecture firm, and a construction job trailer. They are very different careers that attract very different people. Follow your heart.</p>
<p>My husband graduated with a bachelor of architectural engineering, 5 yr program from Penn State in 1982. He is now an EVP of development and construction for a major NY developer. There are three areas of concentration: Project or construction mgmt, lighting design and structural engineering. Its true that you do not meet to many AEs out in the workplace. From what I understand, these degrees are well sort after in the marketplace. Its hard find these people to hire since they are snapped up quickly.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot all of u for ur valuable advices. So, now i have made up my mind for Architecture. As i am from India which is a developing economy i dont think i will have any problem in landing myself a good job. But i feel innovation is always welcome so there wont be any shortage in US too i guess!!!</p>