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Computer Engineering B.S.E. and Applied Computer Science M.S.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Master of Science (B.S.E, M.S.)

Combined

Allendale • Grand Rapids • Face to face • 141 Credits

Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer current qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree program can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree.

Overview

Grand Valley offers a combined B.S.E. in Computer Engineering and M.S. in Applied Computer Science program. This accelerated pathway allows students to earn both degrees in a shorter time, reducing overall costs and duration. Students typically apply in their second year and must meet specific admission criteria.

The curriculum includes topics such as computer architecture, data communications, software development, and advanced algorithms. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through modern labs and practical projects, ensuring students gain both theoretical and practical skills. Up to 12 credits of graduate coursework can be counted towards the undergraduate degree.

Studying this program at GVSU provides numerous benefits, including:

  • Access to experienced faculty.
  • Advanced facilities.
  • Valuable internship opportunities.
  • Accelerated format allows students to enter the job market quickly with a competitive edge, meeting the growing demand for master's-trained professionals in the tech industry.

Admission Information

Students apply directly to the School of Computing and Information Systems for the combined B.S.E./M.S. program during their second academic year. Visit the online catalog for more information about admission requirements for the combined bachelor of science in computer engineering and master of science in applied computer science. 

Career Opportunities

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Operations Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 44,039.06 10%
$ 55,447.13 25%
$ 91,683.55 50%
$110,372.96 75%
$134,985.23 90%

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Systems Evaluation
  • Programming
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 64,080.44 10%
$ 88,606.00 25%
$116,618.50 50%
$143,837.28 75%
$166,663.42 90%

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Systems Analysis
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 72,991.95 10%
$ 84,739.55 25%
$107,332.43 50%
$134,383.62 75%
$164,929.06 90%

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 83,416.06 10%
$100,760.03 25%
$112,876.71 50%
$146,086.08 75%
$186,737.44 90%

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Operations Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 44,363.42 10%
$ 58,893.40 25%
$ 86,579.43 50%
$121,462.83 75%
$164,175.17 90%

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Systems Evaluation
  • Programming
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 78,923.06 10%
$101,478.53 25%
$129,856.69 50%
$164,486.14 75%
$198,845.66 90%

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Systems Analysis
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 78,515.24 10%
$101,851.31 25%
$132,402.98 50%
$169,445.14 75%
$215,175.76 90%

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 84,719.78 10%
$114,559.61 25%
$153,999.35 50%
$184,772.01 75%
$224,338.65 90%
#1
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GVSU Alumni in Michigan
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Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Nine Areas Of Concentration

There are nine areas of concentration available in the Applied Computer Science program:

  • Biomedical Informatics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Database Management
  • Distributed Computing
  • Information Systems Management
  • Web and Mobile Computing

High-Tech Labs

The College of Computing offers modern, wellequipped computing facilities across both the Valley and City campuses, with specialized labs for coursework, research, and general student use. You’ll have access to Linux labs, Mac labs, hybrid Windows/Linux environments, networking and cybersecurity labs, and highperformance computing resources

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Page last modified June 9, 2026