Mechanical Engineering, B.S.E.
Mechanical engineers study energy conversion in all of its forms. They integrate the mechanical and thermo-fluid sciences to analyze and solve problems involving power and motion. This enables them to work in cutting edge fields such as sustainable energy, hybrid and electric automotive design, self-driving vehicles, nanotechnology, and biotechnology while also being well prepared to solve today's automation, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing problems.
This program requires a secondary admission process.Program Overview
Students are prepared for engineering careers and leadership roles through programs that integrate academic studies with hands-on learning and paid professional experiences in actual engineering companies. Grand Valley also offers a graduate program in engineering for those who want to expand their knowledge and skills.
Why Study Mechanical Engineering at Grand Valley?
- Program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.
- Extensive hands-on and project-based learning in small, student-focused classes.
- Three semesters of mandatory paid cooperative-education work experience prior to graduation in recognized domestic and international engineering companies.
- Strong support from industrial partners who fund many engineering scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as sponsor Capstone design projects.
- A nearly 100-percent placement rate into work or graduate school for our graduates.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
All undergraduate students begin their academic career on the Allendale Campus. Students in this major continue their upper division studies downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
A degree in mechanical engineering involves coursework in:
- Finite element methods
- Solid mechanics and materials
- Dynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Heat transfer
- Machine design
- System dynamics and controls
- Thermodynamics
Combined Degree Programs
Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.
Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Hands-on learning and other fieldwork not only deepen your mastery of your discipline but also give you the edge employers seek. Visit our experience matters page to see the work GVSU students are doing in their co-ops and internships.Admission Requirements
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.
See catalog for details.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering
961381.com/engineering
136
Kennedy Hall
(616) 331-6750
“Through the engineering professional societies at GVSU, I have been able to grow as a leader and a student.”
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT