Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
A master's in architectural engineering from Drexel University prepares professionals for applying deepened skillsets that will further careers in research or industry. Graduate study will have you take on the advanced needs and requirements of the complex systems found in today’s building designs.
Apply creativity and gain an understanding of the challenges in construction and the environment so that you are empowered to make decisions relating to not only building sustainability and efficiency but to the important implications of urban planning, community development and resilience decision-making. Learn about the advances in industry, gain a global viewpoint, build entrepreneurial and teambuilding skills needed to advance your career or graduate prepared for entry into a PhD program in architectural engineering or related fields.
Delivery
- On-campus
- Full-time or Part-time
- The program will take two years to complete on a full-time basis or can be completed on a part-time basis in approximately 3-4 years.
Areas of Specialization
The architectural engineering graduate degree allows you to tailor study to your interests. Students can elect to study a broad range of knowledge or one that is more targeted to a concentration area.
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Building energy efficiency and alternative energy
Focus on the design of buildings that will create an overall reduction of energy needed to operate, heat or cool a building or facility – including the incorporation of best practices in alternative energy sources to provide those functions.
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Indoor environmental quality
Examine the interior air quality of a building’s environment, while taking into consideration the factors relating to the health of the persons in the space and how the space is utilized – including lighting, ergonomics, air flow, humidity, thermal conditions and others.
Curriculum and Requirements
- The master's degree requires a total of 45 credits, of which 24 credits must be in the major field of interest and 6 credits for math requirements. The remaining credits are taken as electives or as a thesis.
- Study track options include taking coursework only, a report (mini-thesis, not for committee), or a full MS thesis (presented to two committee members)
- Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management — earn an additional credential without adding credits to your plan of study. Using electives, you will gain skills to lead projects and teams. Learn more.
Learn more about our admissions requirements or visit the Drexel Catalog for more information about the curriculum.
About Drexel Engineering
The Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (CAEE) Department is a leader in the field and one of few colleges with a focus in architectural engineering. The department places an emphasis on a a well-rounded education that has you emerge as a highly capable contributor on interdisciplinary teams, developing creative solutions and technological advances in the field.
The focus of our programs is to equip you with the tools for finding achievable outcomes to solve for society’s biggest challenges, while making them relevant to your career goals.
Faculty
Drexel places a high value on industry connections and experience at every level. Faculty in the CAEE department are experts with industry experience or are at the forefront of research and teaching.
CAEE Professor Franco Montalto uses research to identify areas of need using practical and data-driven recommendations.
Franco Montalto, PhD CAEE
Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia is our campus – a diverse urban environment with a variety of social, cultural and learning opportunities that will enrich your educational experience. Philadelphia is also a draw for talented instructors and researchers, meaning you will engage with some of the best minds in engineering and other disciplines. Learn more.
Research
All graduate students are may engage in research as part of their degree or as extra-curricular activity. Full-time master’s degree students are encouraged to base their master’s thesis on some aspect of faculty research.
Current CAEE faculty research is always evolving, with a focus on areas that are of great importance in our society. A sample of research at Drexel Engineering includes:
- Restoration and repair of society's infrastructure,
- Indoor and outdoor air quality,
- Building energy efficiency
- Water needs and quality,
- Green design, sustainability in construction, evaluating impacts of energy strategies, green infrastructure planning
- Recycled materials in geotechnics, biofuels,
- Structural health monitoring
- and modeling for climate resilience, among others.
Visit research areas for more about research activity at the College of Engineering.
Career Opportunities in Architectural Engineering
The architectural engineering career path will benefit from advanced study in a graduate program. You will be prepared for continuing your education in a PhD program or for pursuing advanced technical positions or management in industry. Many graduates of this program have started consulting and construction firms in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Others hold prominent positions in public utilities, government or in business.
Generally, employees with graduate degrees can earn up to 28 percent more than bachelor’s degree holders over the course of their career. The outlook for architectural engineering jobs is good, with demand for employment expected to grow over 4% for architecture and engineering occupations through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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