TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama College of Engineering will offer new degrees in architectural engineering and environmental engineering, beginning this fall, to meet the growing opportunities for engineers with those specialties.
The programs, approved by the UA Board of Trustees today, will begin accepting students for August 2014.
“I am extremely excited the College of Engineering will be offering students the chance to pursue their passion in architectural engineering and environmental engineering,” said Dr. Charles L. Karr, dean of the UA College of Engineering. “I am confident that these degrees will be both popular with students and a real plus for the state of Alabama.”
Combined with existing degrees in civil and construction engineering, UA will be the only institution in the country to offer all four engineering degrees that focus on designing and improving many aspects of everyday life. Students studying in these related degree programs will have the ability to improve society’s overall quality of life and address the complex problems faced within built and natural environments.
“By adding these two new programs, The University of Alabama is unique in offering students the opportunity to be part of an integrated program focused on improving our infrastructure and preserving our environment,” said Dr. Ken Fridley, professor and head of civil, construction and environmental engineering. “I look forward to welcoming in our first class of architectural and environmental engineering students to join our existing civil and construction engineering students this fall.”
Each new program will be supported by the existing faculty and resources of the College of Engineering, which already offers a minor in architectural engineering and a minor in environmental engineering and water resources. The College of Engineering also offers a master’s degree in environmental engineering that is growing in popularity with both students and employers.
No new faculty will be required, and work has already begun on a new laboratory course for undergraduate students studying environmental engineering. Also, because the two new degrees will have nearly identical freshmen and sophomore years as students studying civil engineering and construction engineering, current students could easily transfer into the new degree programs.
Both programs will be unique in Alabama. While there is an architectural program and a variety of programs that focus on the environment, UA will be distinctive in offering engineering training in both disciplines.
Architectural engineering emphasizes planning, design, construction and maintenance of buildings. While architects focus on a building’s form and function, architectural engineers focus on how the building works. Architectural engineers bridge the gap between architecture and the traditional disciplines of civil, mechanical and electrical engineering.
Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, geological science, biology, physics and chemistry to develop solutions to today’s environmental problems. Environmental engineers improve methods and policies for recycling, waste disposal, public health, control of water and air pollution along with natural resource management.
The United States Department of Labor predicts demand for both types of engineers will increase. The job market for architectural engineers is in line with the demand for architects and civil engineers as well as new construction forecasts, and demand for architectural engineering graduates is strong and predicted to increase by 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Job growth for environmental engineering is expected to grow 22 percent by 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
For more information, contact the department of civil, construction and environmental engineering, 205/348-6550 or visit cce.eng.ua.edu.
In 1837, The University of Alabama became one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering classes. Today, UA’s fully accredited College of Engineering has nearly 4,500 students and about 120 faculty. Students in the College have been named USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, Goldwater, Hollings, Portz and Truman scholars.
Contact
Adam Jones, engineering public relations, 205/348-6444, acjones12@eng.ua.edu