Biomedical Engineering @ GVSU
The field of biomedical engineering blends engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to advance healthcare technology, improve patient care, and drive innovations in medical devices, prosthetics, imaging systems, and tissue engineering. With a growing demand for biomedical engineers in industries such as medical device manufacturing, healthcare, biotechnology, and research, this field offers exciting career opportunities at the intersection of engineering and medicine.
The Bachelor of Science of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering (BME) program at Grand Valley State University provides students with a strong foundation in engineering, biology, and healthcare applications, preparing them to solve complex medical challenges. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, home to a thriving medical and life sciences industry, our program connects students with industry leaders and cutting-edge research opportunities.
At GVSU, biomedical engineering students gain hands-on experience through a required co-op program, state-of-the-art laboratories, and industry partnerships. Students have the opportunity to work with leading companies such as Stryker, Medtronic, and Corewell Health, gaining real-world skills in medical device design, biomechanics, and bioinstrumentation.
Graduates of the BME program are well-equipped for careers in medical device development, rehabilitation engineering, biomaterials, and regulatory affairs. Many of our alumni go on to pursue graduate or professional degrees in biomedical engineering, medicine, or related healthcare fields, further expanding their impact on the future of medicine and technology.
Welcome to the GVSU Engineering Undergraduate Student Resources Hub
At Grand Valley State University, we are committed to supporting our engineering students both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you’re looking for scholarship opportunities, co-op experiences, student organizations, academic support, or career development resources, this site is your go-to destination for all the tools and information you need to succeed.
Explore the links below to connect with valuable resources that will help you make the most of your time at GVSU:
Scholarships & Financial Aid – Find engineering-specific scholarships, grants, and financial assistance to support your education.
Co-op & Career Services – Gain hands-on industry experience through our required co-op program and explore job and internship opportunities.
Student Organizations – Join engineering-related student groups, including ASME, SAE, SWE, and more, to network, develop skills, and engage with the GVSU engineering community.
Advising Services – Connect with academic advisors to plan your courses, track degree progress, and explore career pathways.
Tutoring & Academic Support – Get help with coursework through peer tutoring, study sessions, and additional academic resources.
Engineering Facilities & Labs – Learn about our state-of-the-art Innovation Design Center, project labs, and maker spaces.
Study Abroad & Global Experiences – Broaden your perspective with international study programs and global engineering opportunities.
We encourage you to take advantage of these resources to enhance your education, build your network, and prepare for a successful engineering career. If you have any questions or need guidance, our faculty and staff are here to help!
Transfer Student Destination
Please visit gvsu.edu/transfer for more information for incoming transfer students.
Prior Learning Assessment
Engineering Co-op Prior Learning Assessment (EGR290)
- The student must have had at least one year of continuous full-time work experience or equivalent (i.e. 1500 hours without significant breaks with a single employer) in a technical role
- consecutive internships do not count
- The student must have been supervised by a degreed engineer during their work experience
- The student must submit letter of support from supervisor or equivalent confirming technical content of work, along with the date the work started and ended.
- The work experience must have occurred after high school graduation
- The student must submit a portfolio of their work
- The student must also submit a one-page essay on what they learned about engineering, discuss their career plans and how this work experience has helped them develop the skills that they need for that, as well as what additional skills they will need to focus on developing as they progress in the remaining co-op experience.
- Please note: Waivers for OSH 390 and 490 will not be considered.
Academic Component / Online Modules:
- Students are still required to complete the online modules for academic content
Credit by Examination
Please see the Padnos College of Engineering site below to see test-out options for first-year courses.
TRANSFER PLANS
Transfer plans for Michigan community colleges show you exactly which courses to take based on your planned major at GVSU. This helps ensure that you will be able to transfer the maximum number of credits when it's time to start classes at GVSU.
COURSE EQUIVALENCIES
Course Equivalencies show you how courses from other colleges and universities transfer to GVSU. Once you apply for admission and send official transcripts, you will receive an official Transfer Credit Evaluation.
MICHIGAN TRANSFER AGREEMENT
The Michigan Transfer Agreement is designed to help you transfer from your community college to a Michigan four-year college or university.
MiTRANSFER PATHWAYS
GVSU is proud to participate in the MiTransfer Pathways while continuing our support of Michigan transfer students.
Welcome to the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) School of Engineering, where we are committed to providing a practical, industry-focused, experiential education that prepares our students to "Experience What's Next." A cornerstone of our curriculum is the two-semester capstone senior project, where multidisciplinary teams tackle real-world engineering design challenges sponsored by industry partners and organizations. For an in-depth look at our students' innovative solutions, we invite you to explore our recent senior projects. These projects exemplify the hands-on experience and collaborative spirit that define the GVSU engineering program.
2024 Industry-Sponsored Senior Projects
2023 Industry-Sponsored Senior Projects
A very special thanks to our wonderful industry research partners! Their support is a necessity for the success of our students!
AMDI (Applied Medical Device Institute)
Biomechanics & Motor Performance Lab
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Blake Ashby, PhD
Program Chair
TOP 5 REASONS TO STUDY BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING @ GVSU
- Relevant and In-Demand
The State of Michigan is on an economic recovery path that includes expansion of the biomedical sector. Our program is West Michigan's only opportunity for biomedical engineering education. - Opportunity for Growth
GVSU is located in the center of West Michigan's promising life sciences sector, and our faculty, staff, and students are on the vanguard of biomedicine as they collaborate to develop tomorrow’s technology. - Learn in a Broad Range of Specialties
Students structure their studies based on their interests. Those individualized pursuits integrate engineering, mathematics, biology, and medicine in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment. - Help Shape the Future
GVSU’s program perfectly suits engineers with an entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and a desire to improve people’s lives. Our graduates can become a part of Michigan's exciting biomedical future. - Extensive Facilities for Learning
Students maximize their research and learning with our well-equipped facilities. This includes a gait lab with 8-camera Vicon motion-capture capabilities, a clean room, CAD and CAM labs, a full-scale machine shop, and more.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING LAKER EFFECT
Dr. Samhita Rhodes
Alex Case, Undergraduate Student
Jeff VanOss, Graduate Student