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Computer Engineering students in a lab at Grand Valley State University.

Computer Engineering, B.S.E.

Computer engineers design, evaluate, test and maintain computer hardware and software systems to make computing platforms and applications more efficient. The computer engineering field integrates electrical engineering with computer science to analyze and solve problems across these two disciplines. Computer engineers design computing systems and develop embedded software for applications ranging from avionics and electric automobiles to consumer electronics.

Visit the program website for more information.

This program requires a secondary admission process.
Available as a minor.

Program Overview

Students are prepared for engineering careers and leadership roles through ABET accredited 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 Computer Engineering at Grand Valley?

  • Personal attention in small classes and complete hands-on and project-based learning in our student-focused, state-of-the-art teaching, laboratory, and project facilities.
  • Opportunity to specialize in areas such as embedded system design, digital system design, computer architecture, software engineering and operating systems.
  • Collaborate with our industry partners who sponsor capstone design projects, fund engineering scholarships and provide career opportunities.
  • Three semesters of paid cooperative-education work experience prior to graduation in recognized domestic and international engineering companies.
  • Join a group of successful graduates who have achieved a nearly 100% placement in industry-based careers or graduate school.

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 computer engineering involves coursework in:

  • Computer programming
  • Digital systems
  • Computer architecture
  • Data communications
  • Circuit analysis
  • Embedded system design
  • Operating systems
  • Cooperative education

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. Applicants 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.

For More Information

Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering

gvsu.edu/engineering
136 Kennedy Hall
(616) 331-6750

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

 

“Grand Valley engineering has taught me how to learn. I have the potential to discover new things and make a difference in industry every day.”

ABBI FAIR
CE ALUMNUS AND EDISON ENGINEER, GE AVIATION