niguel

I am currently a first year student in architecture. I am considered a solid student, but i find that the time consuming nature and future employment opportunities do not seem to justify the work entailed. I have always enjoyed math and science and considering a switch to engineering. For students switching from architecture, which engineering fields would be most recommended? Any input on how former architecture students fare in engineering? Finally, any suggestions on the process of transitioning would be helpful.

ken285

I've seen a lot of architecture students go into civil engineering, and a lot of civil engineering students go into architecture. If you go into the buildings side of civil engineering, as opposed to infrastructure, you're going to be working in the same industry as architects. The only difference is engineers are much more concerned with the technical aspects of it, and don't really have to have as much creativity as architects.

That of course, doesn't mean architects don't switch into other engineering majors. It's just not as common because it's much more different.

tom725

some schools offers a major called "Architectural Engineering"

anyway..."which engineering fields would be most recommended? Any input on how former architecture students fare in engineering?"

I would say Civil Engineering

ElectricTech

You will need to have a good overall GPA and a good technical (math & science) GPA to be able to transfer. A 2.5 in both areas would suffice. I'm in the same situation and my first semester isn't going too well. Really not liking anthropology and chem right now ;'/

I also say Civil Engineering! I considered architecture too, but decided on engineering for the same reasons you do.

Anyway, apply to transfer early, like now or at the end of this year. Good luck!

UriA702

I am very interested in building design and construction which is why I chose Structural Engineering. Structural Engineers also get to implement some design and ideas into the buildings they work on. I was interested in architecture as well, however do not have the creativity or drawing skills, I can't even draw a triangle without having one side lopsided. I would look into structural engineering and concentrate on buildings. Depending on what sector you plan on working in, a engineering degree could give you some leeway in the whole design process. Engineering also gives you better career options, only required a BS instead of a Masters, better salary, etc. etc.
I am in a large public school that has the only public architecture school in the state (NY). I have seen students go both ways. I have found that some of the architecture students have a difficult time in engineering, mostly because they usually enjoy the design process and don't get much of a chance to do that as an undergrad in engineering. I would research Civil Engineering before jumping, really look into the courses required and see if you'd be content taking them. There is a lot of mathematics and CivE can be very physics intensive. I think it would be a good choice, Civil Engineers also get more job security than most, as competent on-site engineers usually have very little risk of falling victim to the trend known as outsourcing, which has been really come into play with many fields as of late, starting to leak into engineering as well.