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There is a lot of confusion about the difference between an architect and an architectural engineer. They are not the same despite having the word architecture in the titles.
In fact these two careers are two entirely different disciplines. An architect gets a degree in architecture. An architectural engineer gets a degree in engineering. When you complete an architectural engineering degree online you are prepared to develop engineered plans for building systems. An architect is more concerned with aesthetic and functional designs of space and form.
But the architect and architectural engineer often work closely together. They may even have taken some of the same classes in college, but there the similarity ends. The architectural engineering programs are typically specialty engineering programs that may focus on one or more of the following systems associated with buildings.
- Structural planning and design
- Construction
- Electrical systems
- Ventilation and heating and cooling systems
- Fire protection
- Plumbing
- Energy conservation across all systems
When taking classes at the architectural engineering schools you learn how to bring architectural designs to life through structural designs and materials choices.
Comprehensive Study Program
If this sounds like a great career then your first step is to enroll in one of the architectural engineering colleges. Your program of study will include classes in the various building systems previously mentioned plus many general engineering courses. In addition you will study architecture as it relates to the engineering field, surveying and computer software in addition to math and physical sciences classes.
The degree requirements are demanding. but that is because it is essential that only well trained and knowledge people work in this job.
You should only choose this career if you enjoy highly detailed work. Your work may be primarily in an office but you will be required to visit construction sites to. This is an advantage of working as an architectural engineer because you are not limited to only office work in many positions.
This is a job where the theoretical meets reality. Your primary job will be to plan and design structurally sound buildings meant to last.
This can be a very lucrative career. The more experience you have, the greater your earnings will be. For example, an entry level architectural engineer may earn between $37,000 to $51,000 according to surveys completed by the University of Kansas and the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
You can compare those starting numbers to the average pay for someone with 9 to 10 years of experience as reported by the Engineering Workforce Commission of the American Association of Engineering Societies. An architectural engineer with 10 years experience earned an average of $74,000 in 2009.
The annual earnings jump to $81,000 for 13 to 16 years of experience and $92,000 for 17 to 20 years of experience. The highest paid earn over $100,000 annually.
A Great Career Starts with a Degree!
You can now get a BS degree in architectural engineering online. To maximize your earnings you can also go on to earn a master’s degree if you want. Licensing requirements vary by state, but all engineers are required to be licensed in order to work without supervision. In most states you must first work a designated number of years under direct supervision at an engineering firm. You must also pass a written test.
Once you get your engineering license you can expect to earn a higher annual salary because it means you can handle your own projects without working under another engineer.
Looking at the PayScale earnings numbers, you might be happy to know you can choose any of several large cities and not affect your earnings potential. For people working in architecture/engineering/construction, Houston pays an average annual salary of $68,115 while Los Angeles pays $66,175. San Francisco pays $64,341 while Seattle pays $61,098.
You can also often increase your earnings by obtaining professional certifications. Certifications can be earned in specialties such as HVAC, fire protection, illumination and structural engineering.
You have several career paths to choose from. You can work for building contractors, architectural businesses, engineering firms or as an independent consultant. Much of the work is done as a member of a team. The goal is to incorporate system designs into buildings without negatively impacting the aesthetics of the design.
Go Ahead…Pursue Your Dream!
If being an architectural engineer is your dream then the online programs are ideal. Not all local universities or colleges offer this degree, but anyone can access online education. You can work on your degree at home and at your convenience.
Distance learning is a growing industry and new degrees are being offered all the time. The online architectural engineering degree is just one of many engineering degrees available through distance education programs. You don’t need to put your dreams on hold any longer!
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