Hello all,

I am an architectural engineering student at Penn State who is looking to enroll in a M.Arch program following my graduation, and am having a bit of a hard time finding a school that fits my interests. I was wondering any of you would be willing to share some of your opinions with me.

First, for those that are not familiar, AE is a hybridization of several areas of study- structural, mechanical, lighting and electrical, and construction engineering as they relate to architecture, and a study of architectural design itself. I was fortunate enough to qualify to earn a masters degree in AE and a minor in architecture in the same amount time that most students earn a bachelor of AE due to some advanced placement/ meeting academic requirements.

By the time I graduate, I will essentially have the same amount of architectural studios that a third or fourth year architect would at my university.

I am very interested in attending a graduate school that is open to the exploration of the technical side of architecture so I can use my AE background to my advantage. This is not to say that I do not value the artistic side- I think that is equally important to develop. I am just fearful of entering a school that will essentially tell me to forget all of the engineering that I have learned and to focus solely on theory.

Unfortunately for me, it seems that the vast majority of MArch programs are heavily theory based, and less technically/ sustainably oriented. My two biggest issues are that I A) have no idea if my search for a more balanced school is a futile effort on my part or B) What tier or schools I am qualified to get into.


Brief resume, of sorts:

3.85 Architecture GPA
3.75 AE Masters GPA
3.60 AE Undergraduate GPA

Will take LEED test this december
Passed the initial engineering licensure exam (EIT)


Advanced placement BIM-based integrated design senior AE thesis
1 research paper on virtual design and construction published to a small journal
Extracurricular volunteer work with a local school district to improve energy management, environmental quality, sustainable practices of their schools

One summer of international volunteering/ teaching experience
One summer of lighting design experience on 2 NFL stadiums



Upon completing my MArch degree, I would like to enter the professional side of the industry and work on more technically focused projects such as healthcare design.

Any opinions are welcome!

Thanks again