Architectural Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Architectural engineering is a specialized discipline that integrates advanced mathematics, physical sciences, and design innovation to solve complex challenges in building construction and functionality. This field equips students with the technical expertise to develop safe, efficient, and sustainable built environments that meet the demands of modern society.
- Structural Analysis and Design: Focuses on the behavior of building components under various loads, ensuring stability, strength, and resilience in frameworks and foundations.
- Building Systems Integration: Involves the planning and coordination of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems within architectural contexts.
- Thermal and Energy Performance: Examines heat transfer, insulation, and energy efficiency to optimize indoor comfort and reduce environmental impact.
- Construction Materials Science: Explores the properties, performance, and application of materials such as concrete, steel, composites, and sustainable alternatives.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): Utilizes digital tools to create intelligent 3D models that support design, construction, and facility management across project lifecycles.
- Sustainable Design Principles: Applies eco-conscious strategies to minimize resource consumption, emissions, and environmental degradation throughout a building’s life cycle.
- Code Compliance and Safety Standards: Ensures all designs meet local, national, and international regulations governing structural integrity, accessibility, and occupant safety.
Architectural Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Architectural Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Architectural Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 410,120 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1031 | $101,480 | $59,590 - $166,720 | 9,120 | N/A |
Architectural Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $97,110 in Arkansas to $146,640 in California—a 51% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Alabama, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 410,120 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Architectural Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 29 institutions offering Architectural Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Architectural Engineering is found at Auburn University (AU) (253 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (197 graduates), University of Nebraska (UNL), Lincoln (61 graduates), California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (57 graduates), and The University of Texas, Austin (56 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,183 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
253 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
197 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
61 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
57 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
56 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
44 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
40 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| North Carolina A & T State University (NC A&T) |
Bachelor's
|
39 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | ncat.edu |
| Drexel University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
39 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Bachelor's
|
38 | Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
37 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | msoe.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
35 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
33 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
30 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
22 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | iit.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
22 | Kingsville, Texas | Public | tamuk.edu |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | wpi.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
21 | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Lawrence Technological University (LTU) |
Master's
|
8 | Southfield, Michigan | Private | ltu.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Tennessee State University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Nashville, Tennessee | Public | tnstate.edu |
| University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Detroit, Michigan | Private | udmercy.edu |
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Architectural Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Architectural Engineering degree?
Salaries for Architectural Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineers, All Other earn around $117,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $146,640 compared to $97,110 in Arkansas. Approximately 410,120 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Architectural Engineering programs?
Currently 29 accredited institutions offer Architectural Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Auburn University (AU) (253 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (197 graduates), and University of Nebraska (UNL), Lincoln (61 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Architectural Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 959 in 2010 to 1,183 in 2023-24. This represents a 23% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Architectural Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 410,120 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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