Architectural Engineering

WPI’s Architectural Engineering program focuses on the science and engineering aspects of building design, preparing engineering graduates for careers in the building professions. Drawing on WPI’s unique strength in project based education, the program provides a high quality education in the fundamentals of engineering and its application to buildings.  WPI’s Architectural Engineering program is one of only a few ABET accredited programs in the U.S. and the only one in New England.

The construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of buildings has global impact and consequence. Buildings consume about 40% of the world’s energy and also play a major role in human health and productivity. There is an increasing demand for engineering professionals who can design buildings that require less resources while increasing occupant comfort, health, and safety.   The main goal of our program is to educate the next generation of engineers who will create the sustainable built environment of tomorrow. Drawing from both the architect’s knowledge of design and the engineer’s understanding of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, the integrated, technically focused program educates students through classroom teaching, architectural design studios, interdisciplinary projects, and hands-on learning. The program is designed to produce graduates who have a fundamental understanding of all building systems, while allowing them to gain design competence in the mechanical or structural areas.