Program Director

Dr. Christopher Raebel, P.E., S.E.
Office: CC-60B
Phone: (414) 277-7302
Email: raebel@msoe.edu

This four-year bachelor of science degree program prepares engineers for careers in engineering and designing buildings and building systems. Lecture and laboratory courses integrate theory and the practical application of design principles, practices, methods and materials.

Program Educational Objectives

The objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering (BSAE) program are as follows:

• Graduates of the BSAE program who choose to pursue registration as a Professional Engineer can, after attaining the required years of work experience stipulated by the Board of Examiners, achieve that distinction.
• Graduates of the BSAE program who choose to pursue a graduate degree can achieve that distinction.
• Graduates of the BSAE program will pursue opportunities to advance their professional skills through lifelong learning (e.g. graduate studies, conferences, seminars, short courses and specialty certifications).
• Graduates of the BSAE program will demonstrate a commitment to their profession by participating in one or more professional societies in their area of technical specialty.
• Graduates of the BSAE program will demonstrate, in their professional practices, an appreciation for sustainable design.

In accordance with these objectives, the following educational program outcomes have been formulated.

Student Outcomes

Program graduates will:

• Be knowledgeable in the mathematics and sciences areas listed below:
  1. Mathematics: calculus through differential equations, probability and statistics
  2. Pure sciences: calculus-based physics, general chemistry
  3. Engineering sciences: statistics, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electronic circuits, engineering economics
• Be able to apply knowledge of mathematics, sciences, and engineering principles to:
  1. Design and conduct experiments;
  2. Analyze data; and
  3. Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
• Be knowledgeable in each of the basic architectural engineering curricular areas listed below that will facilitate communication and interaction with other design professionals in the development and execution of building projects.
  1. Architectural design and architectural history
  2. Building electrical systems (MSOE AE design specialty)
  3. Building mechanical systems (MSOE AE design specialty)
  4. Building structural systems (MSOE AE design specialty)
• Be proficient in:
  1. Systems design in one of the three MSOE AE design specialties;
  2. Building construction/construction management issues; and
  3. The techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary to enter the architectural engineering profession in a productive manner.
• Be proficient in oral and written communication.
• Be able to work effectively in a team environment.
• Be knowledgeable of the responsibilities, both professional and ethical, that are required of the architectural engineer.
• Be knowledgeable of the need for lifelong learning, and have the motivation to pursue it.
• Be knowledgeable in the humanities and social sciences and of contemporary issues necessary to understand the societal and environmental impact of the architectural engineering profession.

Design Specialties

There are three design specialties offered in the architectural engineering program beginning in the junior year. Students must select one of the design specialties:

• Building electrical systems
• Building mechanical systems
• Building structural systems

Graduates pursue diversified careers in engineering design or construction-related areas. Opportunities specific to each design specialty include the following:

Building Electrical Systems

Electrical Systems Engineer - Designs and specifies electrical power, lighting and communication systems for buildings. Employed in an electrical consulting design office or in electrical design-construct offices.

Electric Utility Engineer - Coordinates new building construction with building owners, design engineers and contractors, and updates customers on conservation and cost-saving opportunities.

Building Mechanical Systems

Fire Safety/Protection Engineer - Designs various types of fire protection systems within the building. Systems include sprinkler, chemical suppression and detection devices.

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Engineer - Designs the HVAC systems and prepares the specifications.

Plumbing Engineer - Designs the water, processing fluid and waste systems for the building and for the site.

Building Energy Manager/Facilities Engineer - Manages building HVAC and plumbing systems so as to optimize performance, save energy and save money.

Building Structural Systems

Structural Engineer - Analyzes, designs and selects structural systems and components for various structures. Graduates are employed within the building industry (e.g., consulting engineering firms, pre-engineered building industry, steel fabrication and precast concrete systems, and other structural design areas such as construction equipment manufacturers).

Common Positions for All Design Specialties

Building-Insurance Appraiser/Engineer or Architectural/Construction Appraiser - Provides valuation of real, tangible and intangible personal property; conducts feasibility studies; and prepares maintenance of property records for industrial and commercial owners.

Construction Engineer - Manages the construction of a building project or within a specialized area (e.g., electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection). Responsibilities include the scheduling of labor trades, material and equipment for the most economical and expeditious mode of constructing the building. Employed by general electrical or building environmental contractors.

Plant/Facilities Engineer - The owner’s management liaison person interacting with architects, contractors and engineers in the design and construction of remodeling projects, additions and new facilities. Manages and develops such programs within the plant as energy conservation and preventative maintenance. Usually involved with fiscal budgeting, scheduling and prioritizing the facilities construction projects.

Sales/Applications Engineer - Provides technical advice and application of products to the building industry’s architects, engineers and constructors. Suppliers and manufacturers of the product depend on the applications engineer to understand and communicate technical product information to the above diversified customer base.

View Annual Student Enrollment and Graduation Data