The US job market currently employs 1.6 million engineers. On average, engineering jobs have been growing at a 7% rate in recent years. The median salary for engineers with master’s degrees is 15 - 20% higher than engineers with bachelor’s degrees alone. Additionally, engineers with master’s degrees have greater opportunities for career advancement.

The Padnos College of Engineering at GVSU was founded in 1988 at the specific request of local philanthropists to meet the increasing demand for engineering talent in West Michigan, one of the fastest growing technical, manufacturing, and industrial regions of the state. It has grown to become a nationally recognized model for ‘real world engineering education’ while being ranked one of the top engineering programs in the Midwest.

The engineering graduate program at GVSU is flexible and designed to deepen student's expertise -- offering opportunities for both, the student seeking a more traditional, full-time research-based experience, and the working professional choosing to attend part-time.