Architectural Designs

What is the difference between being an Architectural engineer & being in Architecture, planning, & design?

So im still trying to decide what major I will choose when I enter college. I am very interested in Architecture but at many university's I see Architectural engineer & Architecture, planning, & as different majors. What is the difference between these? Also, how much does a traditional architect make and which type of architect makes the most?

Public Comments

1. Architectural engineer is close to a civil engineer. They worry a lot more about the structure of a building and the forces that are on it. You will take a lot more calculus and physics and structures type courses in this avenue. A regular architect is more concerned with the overall look of a building and the planning of people using the building. More art, less science. The average architect cannot give you any idea what size steel girders are needed to hold up a floor or resist an earth quake. That is what the civil engineer or architectural engineer does. It is probably better to go to civil engineering if you are very good in math and science. A civil engineer has lots more job prospects and is more widely recognized. If you are weak in math and science, but like art and design, then go into regular architecture Read about civil engineers here (avg median salary $74,600) : http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm read about architects here (avg median salary $70,320) :http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm
2. Engineering will open up more opportunities than Architecture. In fact, a recent survey (Yahoo! I think) indicated that Architects actually top out relatively low. If you are interested in buildings, look at Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or Construction Management.