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Sparks fly as mechanical engineering major Scott Strayer grinds a sword for a video crew at the Kennedy Hall of Engineering on March 21.

Engineering

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

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • Variable Credits

Engineers are innovators whose designs enhance people's lives. They utilize mathematics, science, and technology to develop new devices, services, and systems with optimal use of resources.

Overview

Grand Valley's Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) program prepares students for engineering careers and leadership roles through a combination of academic studies, hands-on learning, and paid professional co-op experiences. The program offers several disciplines, including Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Interdisciplinary Engineering, and Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to innovate and enhance people's lives through their engineering expertise.

Students in the B.S.E. program will study a wide range of topics, such as chemistry, physics, computer-aided design, computer programming, cooperative education, design, machines, and mathematics. Each discipline includes specialized courses tailored to its focus area, providing students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical learning with real-world applications, ensuring that students are prepared for the challenges of the engineering profession.

The program emphasizes extensive hands-on and project-based learning in small, student-focused classes. Students gain valuable experience through three semesters of paid cooperative-education work in recognized engineering companies, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the strong support from industrial partners, nearly 100-percent placement rate into work or graduate school, and program accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET make Grand Valley an excellent choice for aspiring engineers.

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.

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. Applicants 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
(616) 331-6750

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 63,464.29 10%
$ 86,941.86 25%
$107,368.05 50%
$131,226.68 75%
$160,665.08 90%

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Mathematics
  • Science
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 66,870.97 10%
$ 81,736.82 25%
$102,683.71 50%
$128,968.55 75%
$141,689.94 90%

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 66,047.58 10%
$ 80,597.99 25%
$ 99,606.59 50%
$123,771.17 75%
$138,216.06 90%

Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 66,047.58 10%
$ 80,597.99 25%
$ 99,606.59 50%
$123,771.17 75%
$138,216.06 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 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%

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 76,806.16 10%
$ 95,362.11 25%
$123,045.67 50%
$156,431.34 75%
$187,181.57 90%

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Mathematics
  • Science
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 67,953.90 10%
$ 81,384.21 25%
$102,328.45 50%
$132,528.75 75%
$165,068.64 90%

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 69,652.84 10%
$ 81,619.69 25%
$100,933.17 50%
$127,459.66 75%
$157,954.76 90%

Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 69,652.84 10%
$ 81,619.69 25%
$100,933.17 50%
$127,459.66 75%
$157,954.76 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 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
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly

Why Become an Engineer?

In today's world, engineers are expected to contribute more than technical competence. As professionals, engineers are concerned with the impact of their work on society and the changing values and priorities of society. The current emphasis on science and technology has increased public interest in engineering education as a general preparation for living as well as earning a living.

Learn More

Combined Degree Programs

If you are a future undergraduate student who is already interested in graduate studies, our combined B.S.E. to M.S.E. programs will save you time and money.

Explore the B.S.E. to M.S.E. Programs
 

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:

You can find a list of engineering organizations here.

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Page last modified May 20, 2025