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Engineering

Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E)

Graduate Major

Grand Rapids • Face to face (?) • 33 Credits

Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, and systems that solve problems and improve lives. Graduate programs allow engineers to specialize in high-demand fields and opens doors to managerial roles.

Overview

Grand Valley's Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) equips students to innovate and design sustainably engineered systems that enhance human life. Students are prepared to become technical leaders in the industry and pursue advanced education in their chosen fields. The program emphasizes engineering analysis, design, development, manufacturing, and production. Students have opportunities to network with established professionals on real-world projects and choose from various specializations, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing and Design Engineering

The program's curriculum includes professional practice, emphasis-specific courses, elective graduate courses, and culminates in a design project, master's project, or thesis. 

Pursuing an M.S.E. at GVSU offers hands-on, project-based learning in state-of-the-art facilities. The demand for broadly educated engineering graduates is high and expected to grow, especially in West Michigan, a rapidly expanding technical and industrial region. Students gain valuable experiential knowledge alongside academic learning, with opportunities for industry-sponsored fellowships and internships, as well as graduate assistantships.

Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering

136 Kennedy Hall
[email protected]
(616) 331-6750

Program Director

Samhita Rhodes, Ph.D. 
(616) 331-6267

Application Deadline

Deadline for fall semester is March 31; winter deadline is September 1. The M.S.E. requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or non-engineering STEM fields with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students submit a current resume, an essay, and three letters of recommendation. International students must provide GRE and English proficiency scores.

Career Opportunities

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%

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 75,379.20 10%
$ 90,500.80 25%
$103,812.79 50%
$139,131.20 75%
$234,707.20 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%

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%

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 71,864.00 10%
$ 86,632.00 25%
$106,953.60 50%
$133,577.60 75%
$165,068.79 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%
94%
Graduates Employed
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly

Combined Degree Programs

If you are a future undergraduate student who is already interested in graduate studies, our combined Bachelor's of Science (B.S.E.) to Master's of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) combined degree programs will save you time and money.

Explore the Combined Degree Program

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. Engineering scholarships are available to Grand Valley students. 

Learn More

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

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Page last modified May 20, 2025