Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering - STEM Designated

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc.

Professional architectural engineers are concerned with the structural integrity of buildings; the design and analysis of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems; acoustics; lighting; energy conservation; building science and the study of building performance; and the management of construction resources and schedules.

Illinois Tech’s architectural engineering program offers students an opportunity to obtain an engineering education specializing in building architecture, building-system integration, and structural and computer-aided design. Professional architectural engineers are concerned with the structural integrity of buildings; the design and analysis of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems; acoustics; lighting; energy conservation; building science and the study of building performance; and the management of construction resources and schedules.

Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for careers as consulting engineers, building contractors, construction managers, structural engineers, and knowledgeable specialists in related areas of building design and analysis.

Program Overview

Architectural engineering provides breadth in core sub-disciplines (including structures, building systems, and construction management) within all engineering aspects related to the built environment such as mechanical systems (HVAC), electrical systems, lighting systems, construction, and the indoor environment.

The current educational objectives of the undergraduate program in architectural engineering is embodied in the following statements:

• Graduates are prepared to enter the architecturall engineering profession.
• Graduates will meet the expectations of their employers.
• Graduates will become licensed professional engineers, and reach positions of leadership in a wide range of professional settings including consulting firms, industry, academia, or government.
• Graduates will begin and successfully complete graduate studies in engineering and/or post-baccalaureate education in a professional degree program.

Located in the great global city of Chicago, Illinois Tech is a top-tier, nationally ranked, private research university with programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, design, science, business, human sciences, and law. As Chicago’s only comprehensive tech-focused university, Illinois Tech offers a bachelor of science, master of science, professional master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as certificates, in in-demand STEM fields and other areas of innovation. Options include in-person, hybrid, and online courses. Undergraduate students can take part in dual-degree and pre-med/pre-health programs, as well as Illinois Tech’s Accelerated Master’s Program, which allows them to receive both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as few as five years.

Illinois Tech is the only university to offer all students the Elevate program. Elevate guarantees that students participate in hands-on experiences—internships, research, competitions, study away, career-focused short courses, and more—that empower them with the twenty-first-century skills that employers seek. Elevate also ensures students receive personalized academic and career mentorship from a team of advisers and are uniquely career-ready upon graduation.

Illinois Tech is ranked #1 in Illinois among private colleges for return on investment (after aid, PayScale) and is the #44 ranked best value school in the United States (U.S. News & World Report). Illinois Tech graduates achieve a 92.8% employment rate within six months of graduation (2021 class). Its alumni include the inventor of the cell phone, the pioneer of barcode technology, and the head scientist for Amazon Alexa, among other leaders.

Students enjoy studying and living on a historic campus just minutes from downtown Chicago, which offers networking, internship, and career opportunities. Less than a mile from Lake Michigan’s stunning beaches, Illinois Tech’s campus has been acclaimed as “one of America’s most beautiful college campuses.” Illinois Tech students come from more than 106 countries and all 50 states.