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Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 143 Credits

Electrical engineers study, design, and apply systems and devices using electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism

Overview

Grand Valley State University offers a comprehensive electrical engineering curriculum that combines classroom knowledge with real-world application. Students gain a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, power generation, and electronics. The program's co-operative element allows students to gain paid work experience during their time at Grands Valley State University, gaining real-world experience before graduation. 

Courses cover essential topics like circuit analysis, digital systems, electromagnetics, and control systems. Advanced courses and electives allow specialization in areas like renewable energy systems, robotics, and communication systems. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, with opportunities for laboratory work, design projects, and internships that enhance your practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

The program boasts experienced faculty who are dedicated to student success and actively involved in research. You will utilize state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and participate in collaborative projects that provide invaluable real-world experience. Additionally, the program's strong emphasis on innovation and problem-solving prepares you to excel in your career and contribute meaningfully to advancements in technology and engineering.

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

Admission Information

Students with no previous college credit, or those who have not completed the 64-semester-hour engineering foundations course sequence, are pre-majors. Students who intend to pursue the B.S.E. degree are urged to declare an engineering major as soon as possible.

The School of Engineering admits students directly to major standing as freshmen. This honor is reserved for students who have both a 29 or higher composite score and a 32 or higher mathematics score on the ACT and a 3.6 or higher high school GPA.

Admission to major standing in the B.S.E. program requires a secondary application. All students in the program must meet at least the following:

  • A GPA of 2.7 or above in the engineering foundations course sequence;
  • Completion of each course in the engineering foundations course sequence with a grade of C (2.0) or above with not more than one repeat in each foundation course; and
  • Completion of EGR 289 in preparation for placement in cooperative engineering education.

See catalog for details.

Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering

gvsu.edu/engineering
136 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
(616) 331-6750

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 58,691.93 10%
$ 81,666.34 25%
$103,686.18 50%
$133,004.67 75%
$166,612.13 90%

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Top skills
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 71,367.76 10%
$ 83,553.70 25%
$102,839.21 50%
$129,797.46 75%
$154,302.17 90%

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 85,791.41 10%
$ 98,981.57 25%
$108,905.34 50%
$136,855.50 75%
$164,462.85 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
$ 83,488.04 10%
$100,892.73 25%
$113,075.08 50%
$146,379.98 75%
$186,936.41 90%

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 59,693.94 10%
$ 83,564.28 25%
$117,176.00 50%
$160,356.63 75%
$198,403.88 90%

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Top skills
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 73,582.48 10%
$ 86,868.03 25%
$111,598.07 50%
$143,091.21 75%
$178,715.37 90%

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 78,565.13 10%
$ 98,287.24 25%
$127,217.74 50%
$164,896.17 75%
$201,295.20 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
$ 84,703.56 10%
$114,574.31 25%
$154,015.30 50%
$184,728.10 75%
$223,973.86 90%
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
94%
Graduates Employed
#1
University in Michigan by Employers

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.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

Accreditation

The Electrical Engineering Major is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunications(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria, 415 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Telephone: (410) 347-7700, www.abet.org.

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Page last modified May 20, 2025