Benchmarking Architectural Engineering Capstones

Architectural Engineering programs that create students capable of being professionals and leaders in the AEC industry are in high demand regionally, nationally and internationally. From a global perspective, AE programs are unique and sparse compared to civil engineering and architecture programs. In total there are 22 ABET accredited AE programs in the United States that offer degrees. These programs must be adaptable to the industry to remain current with, and ahead of, leading industry practices. To remain most relevant to industry, AE programs regularly evolve their senior capstone project experience. Since the building industry is so diverse, and the AE programs themselves are often diverse from one another, the composition of capstone courses across programs has not been heavily studied in looking for critical trends. Thus, a benchmarking study is being undertaken to compare the 22 programs from a capstone standpoint. Trends in each program’s capstone experience will be discussed and compared looking for similar and unique practices that other AE programs might be interested in as they further evolve their own offerings.