Engineer Buildings That Work
Architectural engineers design the structures and technical systems that make buildings safe, efficient, healthy, comfortable, and resilient. They work where engineering, architecture, construction, and building operation come together.
Architects primarily shape a building’s space, form, and use. Architectural engineers focus on how the building stands up, performs, and supports its occupants’ health, comfort, and productivity.
Across the program, students learn how structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and construction systems interact.
What You Will Do at Drexel
Move between engineering analysis and integrated building design through technical courses, laboratories, design projects, senior capstone, and co-op. Students build design skills progressively, from early exploration to professional-scale building work.
Philadelphia offers a rich setting for studying historic buildings, high-rise construction, adaptive reuse, building energy, and complex urban systems. Students can also join research in structures, materials, HVAC, building energy, ventilation, indoor air quality, controls, human-building interactions, and circular construction.
Where the Degree Can Take You
Structural engineering; mechanical and HVAC design; building energy and performance; building controls and commissioning; digital design and BIM; construction and project management; sustainability and facilities engineering; research and graduate study.
Review the curriculum and concentrations to see the full program structure.
Drexel Engineering Co-Op
Co-op crystallizes understanding of your chosen field. You come away knowing more about the options for a career path, your preferred work environment, and become more confident about the focus within your chosen discipline. The context you gain provides you with the ability to start your career ready to make a difference. Learn more about co-op
Hometown: Levittown, Pennsylvania
Major: Architectural Engineering
Class Year: 2026
Rhythm’s Story
Career and Job Outlook
Careers in architectural engineering provide many opportunities, with job titles such as architectural engineer, building engineer, construction estimator, project manager and structural engineer. Professionals in this field earn a median salary of $167,740, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some other outcomes for Drexel graduates include:
- 97% of architectural engineering majors employed or in graduate school
- $71K+ average salary one-year after graduation
- 50% receive job offers from former co-op employer
Student Experience
Apply Now Undergraduate Admissions Department Page