Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences

The study of Building Science focuses on phenomena that inform the design of next-generation buildings. As the complexity of building systems, design and analysis tools increase to match ever-expanding performance expectations in a sustainability-minded world, a foundational understanding of first-principles is increasingly vital to diverse sectors of the design and construction industry. Using a holistic approach, students in the Building Sciences program develop an understanding of buildings as a set of interconnected systems that can be built, modified, and adapted to meet requirements for functionality, energy optimization and human comfort. In addition to establishing a solid grounding in fundamentals relating to materials, structure, energy, heat transfer, enclosure and management, students also gain an awareness and critical perspective of the design process before selecting an area of concentration such as construction management, structural engineering, sustainability, lighting or architectural acoustics. Individualized concentrations may also be crafted with approval of the Building Science program director. Rensselaer’s four-year Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences degree provides an exceptional preparation for direct entry into one of the building industry’s many sectors ranging from real estate development to construction management, specialty consulting in environmental systems, sustainability, façade design, building performance consulting, architectural acoustics or lighting, to working with manufacturers and suppliers in the development and delivery of new products and systems. The curriculum promotes a high academic and professional interdisciplinary. Students benefit from an extremely wide range of graduation choices: Dual degrees, Minors and co-terminal Masters degrees across all departments at RPI, namely in architecture, design and technology innovation, engineering, construction management or business, to name just a few. CONCENTRATIONS Concentrations are a unique feature in the curriculum of the program. The purpose of the concentration is to develop specialized knowledge in an area of relevance to the construction of the built environment. Students choose an area of their choice from: Lighting, Acoustics, Sustainability, Structural Engineering and Construction Management. The Concentration requires four four-credit-hour courses (or equivalent) that are approved by the director of the Building Sciences program.