Architectural Engineering Technology
Program Summary
Students in the Architectural Engineering Technology program prepare for career opportunities pertaining to engineering systems used in the design and construction of buildings.
The program offers four areas of emphasis, including:
- Electrical/lighting engineering;
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineering;
- Structural engineering; and
- Construction/facilities management.
(Please note that emphasis areas do not affect the course requirements. They pertain to the choice of concentration in a senior project that students are required to complete.)
Vermont Tech's Architectural Engineering Technology program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Areas of Study
Specific areas of study include:
- Structural and materials engineering;
- Heating;
- Ventilating;
- Air conditioning design;
- Electrical and lighting design;
- Plumbing;
- Fire protection;
- Construction management; and
- Facilities operation, maintenance, and management.
The scope of the curriculum also includes such topics as:
- Structural engineers;
- Mechanical engineers;
- Electrical engineers engaged in building construction projects;
- Facilities managers;
- Construction project managers; and
- Sales representatives for building construction products.
Students who complete the program may choose to pursue graduate-level degrees, such as Master's in Engineering or a Professional Architecture degree. (Please note that the program is not designed specifically to prepare students for graduate-level studies in architecture.)
Enrollment Information
Students may enroll as traditional freshman candidates, or may first enroll as Associate's degree candidates in a related program, then pursue the Bachelor's program following the second year. Related Associate's degree programs at Vermont Tech include Architectural and Building Engineering Technology and Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology.
Additionally, transfer students from other two-year and four-year architecture- and engineering-oriented programs are encouraged to apply.
Transfer students from other programs or schools may be required to make up certain introductory courses. Placement is evaluated on a student-by-student basis.
Certifications
After meeting state requirements for appropriate work experience (currently eight years in Vermont; varies in other states) graduates may also pursue Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, which requires graduation from an accredited program and passing a national examination.
Vermont Tech's Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology program is accredited by the ABET, and the curriculum is designed to help students prepare for national engineering licensure examinations (graduates may take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in most states).
Prerequisites and Other Requirements
Students are required by the ABET, the accrediting organization for engineering technology programs, to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in the area of social sciences and humanities ("liberal studies") including courses in written and oral communication.
Campus Locations
The Architectural Engineering Technology program is offered at Vermont Tech's main campus in Randolph Center.
Other
Many students choose to affiliate with student professional organizations such as:
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); and
- Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).
These organizations provide students opportunities to network with practicing professionals, as well as take field trips and attend professional meetings with people who have selected similar careers.