News Release

UDM launches new Architectural Engineering Program

Beginning in the fall, University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Engineering and Science will offer a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering (B.A.E), providing engineering students a more comprehensive understanding of architectural design. This new degree is like no other in the state, as students will take the same set of classes as first year architecture students and also be required to take a coop.

Graduates of the program will work in areas related to building planning, design and construction. The specialty of building electrical and mechanical systems is in particular demand. As energy prices go up, and as the country places stronger emphasis on sustainable practices, there is a need to make new buildings that are green, and renovate older ones to be more efficient. This program comes at a crucial time for Michigan because the economy needs to diversify into areas with green jobs.

“Co-op graduates from our program will be equipped to design and renovate buildings to be more energy efficient” said Alan Hoback, Chair of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering at UDM.

Students will take courses in all three areas of architectural engineering: structures, construction, and mechanical and electrical systems. In their last two years at UDM, the students will specialize their coursework in one of these areas.

“As we enter the College of Engineering & Science’s 100th year of educating engineering leaders, we are launching another innovative degree program designed with and for architectural professionals, complimenting UDM’s strong programs in both civil engineering and architecture, explained Leo E. Hanifin, Dean of the College of Engineering and Science.

“I can see a strong demand for graduates of UDM’s unique program,” said Steven R. Berlage, Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction Company. “In today’s economy, this degree it will better prepare students to be more successful in their careers.”

The students in this program will get cooperative education employment in their off-terms. These co-op jobs will give the graduates of the engineering programs a full year of experience before they graduate. They will help the students decide which specialty of architectural engineering that they would like to focus on, improve their resumes, and provide an income that students use to pay for tuition and living expenses.

Current Civil Engineering student, Erin Brady, says, “The coop program is a wonderful opportunity to get job experience in the field. I was able to put money toward school and also determine which specialty I would want to study.” Merit and need-based scholarships are available.

This program supplements other engineering programs at UDM including: Civil & Environmental Engineering, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. All engineering programs at UDM have received notoriety for their innovative curriculum and their involvement of students into real projects.

The B.A.E. program just received a $100,000 gift from University engineering alumnus, Warren Loranger. The gift will be used to renovate space into a new design studio built specifically for the program.

Release date: February 16, 2010

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