Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E)
Undergraduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • 142 Credits
Mechanical engineers design, develop, and maintain mechanical systems like automobiles, robotics, HVAC systems, and aerospace equipment.
Overview
Mechanical Engineering (ME) involves the application of principles from physics, mathematics, and materials science to create machines, tools, engines, and other devices. ME at GVSU equips students with the scientific and technical knowledge, the experiential and professional training, and the problem-solving skills, needed to lead and perform with excellence in their careers.
Coursework encompasses a dynamic curriculum that includes finite element methods, solid mechanics and materials, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. You will also discover machine design, system dynamics and controls, and thermodynamics, exploring vast theoretical and practical aspects of the field.
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ME features extensive hands-on and project-based learning in small, student-focused classes. Students complete three semesters of mandatory paid cooperative-education recognized by domestic and international engineering companies. The program enjoys strong support from industrial partners who fund numerous scholarships and sponsor Capstone design projects, and graduates benefit from a nearly 100-percent placement rate into work or graduate school.
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.
This program requires a secondary admission process.
Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering
gvsu.edu/engineering
136 Kennedy Hall
(616) 331-6750
Admissions and Recruitment Office
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
- Mathematics
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 64,851.40 | 10% |
| $ 78,347.17 | 25% |
| $ 98,742.86 | 50% |
| $120,525.75 | 75% |
| $133,858.91 | 90% |
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Top skills- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 56,242.53 | 10% |
| $ 76,099.18 | 25% |
| $ 97,286.90 | 50% |
| $132,288.88 | 75% |
| $166,208.83 | 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 |
|---|---|
| $ 65,097.19 | 10% |
| $ 79,505.91 | 25% |
| $ 98,249.73 | 50% |
| $110,137.82 | 75% |
| $132,000.63 | 90% |
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University in Michigan by Employers
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Graduates Employed
1000+
Employers Participate in GVSU Career Events
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:
Career Advising
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