Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering @ GVSU
Product Design and Manufacturing (PDM) Engineering blends creativity, technical knowledge, and innovation to develop and deliver engineered products and systems. PDM engineers design and build solutions that address challenges both large and small—integrating concepts and prototypes with advanced methods to bring high-quality, functional products to a globally competitive marketplace.
The Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering program at Grand Valley State University provides students with a strong foundation in design methodologies, manufacturing processes, engineering materials, and the control of complex production systems, in a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. The curriculum emphasizes systematic and analytical techniques used to solve real-world problems in areas such as product design, manufacturing control, process selection, and materials failure.
At GVSU, PDM students gain hands-on experience through a required co-op program, state-of-the-art laboratories, and strong industry partnerships. Students have the opportunity to work with leading companies such as MillerKnoll, Koops Automation Systems, Autocam Medical, Magna, and others—gaining valuable, paid professional experience while completing their degree.
Graduates of the PDM program are equipped for careers in product design and development, manufacturing, systems engineering, quality control, testing, and research and development. Many also pursue entrepreneurial ventures or continue their education in graduate programs. The PDM program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring that students are well-prepared for successful engineering careers and leadership roles in today’s evolving industries.
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
Christopher Pung, PhD
Program Chair