Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
Architecture is at a “cross roads” between human/cultural values and the technical capabilities of construction. Moreover, digital technology is rapidly growing, changing our ways of communication, expression, perception, thought and interaction.
The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Program is to graduate architects who can lead the architectural profession in Egypt and the Middle-East into the digital age with an understanding of context as means of respecting local heritage. The program promotes the implementation of the latest advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), stresses the rich local and historical context, and incorporates construction engineering and professional contents which respond to the needs of the industry. It also embraces the liberal arts approach to education through its multidisciplinary nature. Thus, the program will contribute positively to the well needed human development efforts in Egypt.
It is the aim to form an architect with a comprehensive vision, capable of integrating all the aspects dealing with the built environment and how it is planned, designed, used, furnished, landscaped, maintained, and appreciated by the society. This is emphasized through a curriculum that maintains a reasonable balance between utilization of the emerging digital design methods and pedagogies, meeting the professional demands, and creating contextual-humanistic and sustainable awareness.
The specific objective of the Architectural Engineering Program is to educate students in the fundamentals of the science and design of architecture with particular emphasis on developing skills of innovation, creativity and critical thinking in the design of the built environment. This is accomplished through research-based studio pedagogy, digital aided design, history, arts and the realization of users requirements within the constraints of the society. In the process, students learn to effectively work independently and collaboratively, develop analytical skills, and consider the impact of architectural solutions on both Egyptian society and the evolving global community.
Graduates of the Architectural Engineering Program will be well equipped to work in the international-level segment of the construction industry. They will become excellent candidates for the local and international architectural design firms. They can effectively work for construction contractors in aspects related to architecture and building integration. Graduates of the program will be qualified for professional licensing in architecture in Egypt and the USA. Furthermore, they will be prepared to pursue graduate studies in architecture and related fields in Egypt and abroad.
The architectural engineering program acquired the UNESCO-UIA Validation from the International Union of Architects (UIA). It is the label of excellence in architectural education of the UIA, which encompasses key professional organizations of architects in countries and territories all over the world. Graduates of UNESCO-UIA validated architectural programs are eligible to register as professional architects in many countries around the world, after passing the required licensure process. The degree of Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering at AUC is also acknowledged by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities as equivalent to Egyptian Architectural Engineering degrees. Accordingly, graduates of the program are entitled to professional licensure by the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers, the sole authority for licensing the practice of architecture in Egypt.
Students are admitted to the Architectural Engineering Program either upon admission to AUC or after successful completion of criteria courses. High school students with mathematics/science background are accepted depending on their High School grades and the available quota in the program. Undeclared and transfer students are admitted to the program upon completing criteria courses. Those students are accepted based on their GPA and on available quota in the department.
Students who are admitted to the program have to demonstrate their visualization, graphic communication and creative potential. They must achieve a minimum grade of B in each of the four courses listed below before taking any other courses in the major.
Students should consult the course listings and their faculty advisor on a regular basis to ensure that prerequisites for engineering core, concentration and elective courses are met. A model course plan for the major is provided in the office of the Department of Architecture.
A total of 162 credits is required for the bachelor of science degree in Architectural Engineering. Core Curriculum (33 credits ), Engineering core requirements (26 credits),Concentration requirements (94 credits), concentration electives (three credits), and general electives (zero-six credits )
