Drexel University’s Architectural Engineering Program: Evolution of the Curriculum during the First Five Years

The initial curriculum of Drexel University’s Architectural Engineering program evolved considerably during the first five years—academic years 1986–1987 to 1991–1992—leading up to its initial accreditation by ABET in 1992. Taking advice from an industry advisory council and students, the goals were narrowed from producing broad building generalists to specialized engineers with an understanding of architecture and other architectural, engineering, and construction industry disciplines. These changes resulted in a marked reduction in the number of architecture courses, giving students more flexibility in choosing courses, both within engineering and the broader university. This paper focuses on the initiation and evolution of the architectural engineering program during the first five years, leading up to its initial accreditation. A sketch of the program’s evolution since 1992 is provided to demonstrate changes that may be expected to occur after initial accreditation.