Architectural Engineering
Integrated Baccalaureate-Master's Level Program

Home » All Programs » Architectural Engineering

Program Overview

Designing Structures That Endure

You have the power to shape the buildings of tomorrow—structures that are functional, safe, and energy-efficient. As an architectural engineer, you’ll master the design of systems like heating and cooling, fire protection, and power, ensuring buildings not only endure but thrive.

With the Integrated Baccalaureate-Master’s program, you can earn both undergraduate and master’s degrees in just five years. One of the few programs of its kind in the nation, it prepares you to lead in sustainable design and energy-efficient systems, giving you the skills to collaborate seamlessly in building a better future.

» Why LTU?

  • Build expertise in sustainable design and integrated building systems.
  • Develop a solid foundation in architectural and engineering principles.
  • Apply skills in a capstone project to solve real-world challenges.
  • Learn from renowned industry-experienced faculty.

Contact

Keith Kowalkowski

248.204.2583
kkowalkow@ltu.edu

Curriculum

» Curriculum Documents

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

College Composition

College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.

COM1103

3

University Chemistry 1

May need 1 year high school chemistry and chemistry placement or math placement. Laws and concepts of chemistry and their application to chemical systems. The liquid and solid states, phase changes and phase diagrams, topics in the chemistry of materials, oxidation-reduction chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics and gas-phase equilibrium. Lect. 3 hrs., Workshop 1 hr., 3 hours credit. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 1074, MCS 1414, MCS 1424.

CHM1213

3

University Chemistry 1 Lab

University Chem 1 Lab – Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM1213. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 1213.

CHM1221

1

Calculus 1

Topics include, limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, mean value theorem, applications of differentiation, anti-derivatives, indefinite integrals, inverse trigonometric functions, substitutions, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, applications of integration. Applications will be emphasized. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.

MCS1414

4

Engineering Computer Applications Lab

Course not found.

EGE1102

2

Intro. to Architectural Engineering

Course not found.

EAE1081

1

Intro. to Visual Communication

Introduction to representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will introduce contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize a precursory hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Course work visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.

ARC1213

3

Total Credits:

17

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Engaging Ancient Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1213

3

Fundamentals of Engineering Design Projects

Course not found.

EGE1001

1

University Physics 1

Calculus based kinematics and dynamics of particles, conservation of energy, momentum, rotational dynamics and statics, fluids, temperature and heat, and laws of thermodynamics. 3 Credit hours. Lecture 3 hrs., Studio 1 hr. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS1424.

PHY2413

3

University Physics 1 Lab

Introductory laboratory experiments to complement University Physics 1. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs.

PHY2421

1

Calculus 2

Hyperbolic functions, L’Hospital’s rule, techniques of integration, application to arc length and surface area, polar coordinates, infinite series, Taylor Series. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.

MCS1424

4

Architectural Engineering History

The course introduces the historical development, philosophical progression, and theoretical frameworks for different concepts and practical approaches in the architectural design and engineering of the built environment. Organizational and leadership styles, professional developments, and technological advances in energy efficiency and sustainability are discussed within the architectural engineering framework of four major disciplines: structural, electrical, mechanical, and construction. This course is reading and writing intensive.

EAE1093

3

Visual Communication

Advanced representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will deeply examine contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize an advanced hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Coursework visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.

ARC1223

3

Total Credits:

18

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Engaging Modern Texts

College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.

HUM1223

3

Technical and Prof. Communication

Training in a systematic method for producing effective technical communication, written reports, letters, and memos as well as oral presentations. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit

COM2103

3

University Physics 2

Calculus based simple harmonic motion, waves and sound, geometric optics, interference and diffraction, electric charge and interaction, electric current, DC Circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, and RC circuits. 3 Credit Hours. Lecture 3 hrs., Studio 1 hr. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 2414.

PHY2423

3

University Physics 2 Lab

Introductory laboratory experiments complementing University Physics 2. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs.

PHY2431

1

Calculus 3

Three-dimensional analytic geometry. Vectors, vector-valued functions, motions in space, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration, integration of vector fields, Green’s Theorem and Divergence Theorem.

MCS2414

4

LLT Elective

LLT2XX3

3

Total Credits:

17

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Building Information Modeling for AE

Course not found.

EAE2013

3

Leadership and Prof. Development for Eng.

Course not found.

EGE3022

2

Statics

A first course in engineering mechanics which covers the following topics: Vector Algebra, resultant of force systems; equilibrium of particles, rigid bodies using free-body diagrams; friction; centroids; moments of inertia.

EGE2013

3

Circuits and Electronics

Fundamental laws. Circuit parameters, elementary network theory. Forced and transient response, semi-conductor devices, electronic circuits, digital logic and counting circuits. The course includes hands-on experiments. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 2423, PHY 2423.

EEE2123

1

Differential Equations

Topics include, but are not limited to, solving first and second-order differential equations and first-order linear systems of differential equations by various techniques such as separation of variables, integrating factors, substitution methods, variation of parameters, and Laplace Transforms. Emphasis will be placed on applications of differential equations arising from engineering applications and the natural sciences.

MCS2423

3

Probability and Statistics

Representation of data, probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, sampling theory, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, tests of statistical hypotheses, regression analysis. Lecture 3 hrs.

MCS3403

3

Total Credits:

17

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

SSC Elective

SSC2XX3

3

Mechanics of Materials for CE

Stress as an internal force intensity. Stresses and deformation due to axial, torsional and bending loads. Statically indeterminate systems and design of an efficient structure.

ECE3013

3

Mechanics of Materials for CE Lab

Content focuses on laboratory applications for mechanics of materials. Topics in line with course topics for ECE3013 and includes axial, torsional, and flexural stresses and strains, stress/strain transformations, column buckling, stress concentrations, indeterminate structures and other applicable subject manner.

ECE3011

1

Electrical Systems I

Fundamentals of human vision, day-light, and building illumination will provide a holistic approach to lighting design by introducing light sources, placement, day-lighting, lighting systems design and sustainable technologies. Study of electrical supply, distribution, lighting controls, will include systems integration and energy efficient opportunities.

EAE3113

3

Hydromechanics

Hydrostatics; application of principles of conservation of mass, energy and momentum; dimensional analysis and modeling; pipe flow; surface and form drag.

ECE3523

3

AE Integrated Design Studio 1

Evolution and development of site and structure will emphasize methods for integration and coordination of the architectural design process and proposition through modalities of site ecology; specifically material, human and landscape ecology. These three modalities will be explored as a foundation for future optimization of other building systems in the building architectural design process for high performance, constructability, energy efficiency and sustainability.

EAE3014

4

Total Credits:

17

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Theory of Structures

Calculations of reactions, and shear and bending moment in beams and frames; analysis of trusses by methods of sections and joints; deflection calculations; influence lines and moving loads for beams and trusses; introduction to statically indeterminate structures; computer applications.

ECE3723

3

Construction Engineering

The course covers construction quantity takeoff and estimating through determining construction quantities, estimating labor and equipment productivities, obtaining material costs, and developing comprehensive estimates for a construction project. The comprehensive estimate covers overhead costs such as insurance, warranties, and bonding.

ECE3213

3

Mechanical Systems I

Fundamentals of human thermal comfort, principles of heat transfer and building thermal loads, zoning and calculation will provide a holistic approach to mechanical systems design. Introductory study will include heating, ventilation and refrigeration equipment, distribution, sizing, plumbing systems design and fire protection technologies. Study and analysis of water-side and air-side systems, and an introduction to mechanical systems controls and building commissioning will lay the foundation for sustainable design, and study of current standards will include systems integration and energy efficiency opportunities.

EAE3613

3

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamic systems, the first law of thermodynamics, transient and steady flow processes, physical properties, the second law of thermodynamics, reversible and irreversible processes, the property entropy, vapor and gas power cycles.

EEE2123

3

Arch. Eng. Integrated Des. Studio 2

Integration of light, electrical, and mechanical systems within a predefined structural system. Modules include daylight, electric light, power, thermal comfort, and renewable techniques. The electrical and mechanical systems are foundations for future optimization of other systems within the building design to strive for the structure’s high performance, constructability, energy efficiency and sustainability.

EAE3024

4

Total Credits:

16

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Jr./Sr. Elective
LLT/SSC/PSY

XXX3

3

Steel Design

Static investigation of structures. Analysis and design of steel members such as tension members, columns, beams, plate girders, composite girders, and trusses including riveted, welded, and high tensile bolted connections using LRFD and ASD methods; computer applications.

ECE4753

3

Engineering Numerical Methods

This course is an introduction to the use of computers in solving engineering problems. Students will develop computer programs to implement numerical methods. Techniques discussed include solutions to linear systems of equations, eigenvalue problems, numerical integration and finite differences.

EAE3033

3

Electrical Systems II

Study of basic design of building electrical systems including circuit design, power distribution, electrical loads, and service equipment size and selection. Electrical light, and building electrical and power distribution provides a holistic approach to selection, placement and design of building electrical systems, emergency generation, light sources, lighting systems design, switching and sustainable technologies. The study of electrical power supply, distribution, lighting controls includes systems integration and energy efficiency opportunities.

EAE4113

3

Mechanical Systems II

Study of building mechanical systems including study of HVAC systems selection, distribution, and application. Topics include: study of active and passive building environmental systems, a holistic approach to design, placement and serviceability of building heating, cooling, ventilation, refrigeration, hydronic, plumbing, fire-protection, and mechanical systems controls to provide sustainable technologies, systems integration and energy efficiency opportunities.

EAE4613

3

Arch. Eng. Capstone 1

Part 2 of an integrative design experience where students form collaborative teams to initiate a project that incorporates architectural engineering concepts mastered in technical courses. Students are required to create a proposal, defend it and then perform an open-ended design challenge with real-world constraints. Students, individually and as a team, compose progress and technical reports, and make oral presentations.

EAE4022

2

Total Credits:

17

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Fundamentals of Building Physics

The course introduces the principles of building physics as they are applied to various building design situations and performance requirements with a focus on heat and mass transfer. Topics include conduction, convection, radiation and mass transfer.

ECE4633

3

Arch. Eng. Capstone 2

Part 2 of an integrative design experience where students form collaborative teams to initiate a project that incorporates architectural engineering concepts mastered in technical courses. Students are required to create a proposal, defend it and then perform an open-ended design challenge with real-world constraints. Students, individually and as a team, compose progress and technical reports, and make oral presentations.

EAE4032

2

Ethics

Various ethical systems; how ethical philosophy resolves conflicts rationally when automatic responses and implicit of action collide with contrary responses and rules Lecture 3hrs.

ECE4051

1

Specialization Courses

7

Total Credits:

13

Specializations are chosen in the beginning of the spring semester in senior year, formally within EAE 4032 or with program director.

Structural Specialization

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Soil Mechanics

Soil origin and formation; engineering properties and classification of soils; weight volume relationships; soil compaction; hydraulic conductivity and seepage; effective stresses; one-dimensional theory of consolidation; shear strength; and slope stability.

ECE3424

4

Concrete Design

Use of working stress and ultimate strength methods toward the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structural members such as slabs, beams, and columns; comprehensive design project; computer applications.

ECE4743

3

Mechanical Specialization

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Construction Engineering Laboratory

Course not found.

ECE3211

1

Architectural Acoustics

Fundamentals of architectural acoustics, noise control and vibration control are introduced through the analysis of architectural, mechanical, electrical and structural building systems. Topics include sound transmission, reverberation, absorption, reflection, diffusion, vibration, speech intelligibility and speech privacy, and how materials that shape these parameters integrate with the building architecture and engineered systems. Modeling and engineering calculations will be used to predict performance of interior spaces, building constructions and outdoor sound propagation. Methods and techniques to produce optimal designs and indoor environmental quality will be emphasized. Unique issues with educational, healthcare, commercial, performance and other facilities will be examined.

EAE4623

3

Construction Project Management

Review of project management concepts and practices from the perspective of various stakeholders, such as design and consulting firms, constructors, independent owners and governmental agencies. With a focus on integrative project delivery, students are intoduced to the project management process groups: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. A range of project management plan perspectives are addressed, including business and public administration considerations, risk and quality management, asset management, and logistics.

ECE4243

3

OR

Concrete Design

Use of working stress and ultimate strength methods toward the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structural members such as slabs, beams, and columns; comprehensive design project; computer applications.

ECE4743

Electrical Systems Specialization

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Construction Engineering Laboratory

Course not found.

ECE3211

1

Choose two:

6

Architectural Acoustics

Fundamentals of architectural acoustics, noise control and vibration control are introduced through the analysis of architectural, mechanical, electrical and structural building systems. Topics include sound transmission, reverberation, absorption, reflection, diffusion, vibration, speech intelligibility and speech privacy, and how materials that shape these parameters integrate with the building architecture and engineered systems. Modeling and engineering calculations will be used to predict performance of interior spaces, building constructions and outdoor sound propagation. Methods and techniques to produce optimal designs and indoor environmental quality will be emphasized. Unique issues with educational, healthcare, commercial, performance and other facilities will be examined.

EAE4623

Construction Project Management

Review of project management concepts and practices from the perspective of various stakeholders, such as design and consulting firms, constructors, independent owners and governmental agencies. With a focus on integrative project delivery, students are intoduced to the project management process groups: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. A range of project management plan perspectives are addressed, including business and public administration considerations, risk and quality management, asset management, and logistics.

ECE4243

Concrete Design

Use of working stress and ultimate strength methods toward the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structural members such as slabs, beams, and columns; comprehensive design project; computer applications.

ECE4743

Mechanical Specialization

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Construction Engineering Laboratory

Course not found.

ECE3211

1

Construction Project Management

Review of project management concepts and practices from the perspective of various stakeholders, such as design and consulting firms, constructors, independent owners and governmental agencies. With a focus on integrative project delivery, students are intoduced to the project management process groups: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. A range of project management plan perspectives are addressed, including business and public administration considerations, risk and quality management, asset management, and logistics.

ECE4243

3

Architectural Acoustics

Fundamentals of architectural acoustics, noise control and vibration control are introduced through the analysis of architectural, mechanical, electrical and structural building systems. Topics include sound transmission, reverberation, absorption, reflection, diffusion, vibration, speech intelligibility and speech privacy, and how materials that shape these parameters integrate with the building architecture and engineered systems. Modeling and engineering calculations will be used to predict performance of interior spaces, building constructions and outdoor sound propagation. Methods and techniques to produce optimal designs and indoor environmental quality will be emphasized. Unique issues with educational, healthcare, commercial, performance and other facilities will be examined.

EAE4623

3

OR

Concrete Design

Use of working stress and ultimate strength methods toward the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structural members such as slabs, beams, and columns; comprehensive design project; computer applications.

ECE4743

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Advanced Building Physics

The course addresses advanced topics in heat, air and moisture transfer as related to building mechanical and environmental systems. Main topics of the course include: analytical and computational methods of building transient heat transfer, building air transfer and essentials of fluid in motion, moisture transfer in porous building materials and numerical assessment of the risk of moisture accumulation in building envelope assemblies, evaluation and control of indoor air quality and some principles of CFD analysis in buildings utilizing Matlab.

EAE5633

3

Building Controls and Instrumentation

Course not found.

EAE5623

3

Advanced Daylighting/Lighting Systems

Course not found.

EAE5113

3

AE Graduate Seminar

Introduction to the requirements and expectations of the AE graduate technical project. A focus will be on the requirements of the project proposal
initiation. Utilizing proper and consistent references and formatting are critical for the technical project and will be discussed as well as utilization of library resources, journal publications, and various other publications.

EAE6000

0

Technical Elective

XXX3

3

Technical Elective

XXX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Building Integrated Renewable Energy Sys.

Course not found.

EAE5613

3

Advanced Electrical Systems

Course not found.

EAE5123

3

AE Graduate Project

Technical project within a chosen discipline of Architectural Engineering. Includes in-depth analytical and/or experimental research, major report, and final presentation.

EAE6013

3

Technical Elective

XXX3

3

Technical Elective

XXX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Acceptable Technical Electives are dependent on the students selected specialization. View the flowchart above for more information.

Applying for Graduate Courses

Students in their Senior (fourth) year must petition to enter the graduate portion of the degree through an analysis of total GPA, curricula GPA along with evidence of curricular progress. Prior to starting their Graduate (fifth) year, students are required to meet with the Program Director to complete the auto-admit form, and obtain approval to complete the graduate portion of their coursework.

FE Exam

Candidates for degrees in civil, electrical, mechanical, and architectural engineering are strongly encouraged to complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Awards + Accreditation

%award-disclaimer%

The Master of Science in Architectural Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Architectural Engineering Program Criteria.

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.