Accreditation of the Bachelor of Science and Honors Bachelor of Science degrees in Architectural Engineering by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET will occur after the first class of students has graduated. Pending accreditation, which is expected in 2021, the degrees earned by the first class of students will receive retroactive ABET accreditation.

Architectural engineering is a diverse professional field with discipline specialties in building structures, mechanical, lighting, and electrical systems, and construction management. All AE students receive basic instruction in the various disciplines, with the option for additional elective courses in desired areas. The program is supported by highly qualified faculty and staff that maintain the programs and facilities at the highest level of quality.

The architectural engineering curriculum within the School of Civil and Construction Engineering (CCE) includes the basic sciences, social sciences, humanities, communication skills, engineering sciences, and engineering design to teach students an integrated approach to finding practical solutions.

Mission and Program Objectives

The mission of the architectural engineering program is to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art education to prepare students for professional and responsible engineering positions with business, industry, consulting firms or government.

Degree Requirements

Program Educational Objectives 

The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET requires stated program educational objectives and student outcomes that support them. Oregon State University’s undergraduate program in Architectural Engineering is designed to produce graduates who, within a few years of graduation, are expected to be:

  1. Demonstrating a commitment to a sustainable built environment and applying their knowledge to contemporary societal issues with sensitivity to the challenge of meeting social, environmental, and economic constraints within a global community;
  2. Progressing in their professional careers by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information in one or more areas related to the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings, including but not limited to: construction management; electrical systems; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems; lighting systems; structural systems;
  3. Participating in modern professional practice or a graduate program in a specialty area of architectural engineering, demonstrating effective communication, collaborative work and leadership in diverse teams, ethical decision-making, successful management of personal and professional career objectives, and continual development through lifelong learning and professional involvement;
  4. Attaining credentials appropriate for their career path, such as certifications, accreditations, and professional licenses.

Approved by CCE’s AE Committee on August 24, 2020

Student Outcomes

The Oregon State Architectural Engineering program prepares its graduates to achieve the Program Educational Objectives listed above when they are several years into their careers. This is achieved by having students able to perform the following upon graduation, preparing them for immediate and lifelong service in the profession:

1.    An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. 
2.    An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. 
3.    An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. 
4.    An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. 
5.    An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6.    An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7.    An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Design is the essence of architectural engineering. Junior and senior level courses include extensive design content, culminating in a team approach to the solution of open-ended, realistic problems, including capstone design and professional practice courses. The Advising Guide, which may be viewed on the school’s website, contains additional information.