Michigan has a long-standing tradition of engineering excellence, driven by its legacy in manufacturing, automotive innovation, and cutting-edge research. With world-class universities, robust industry partnerships, and a strong commitment to STEM education, Michigan offers engineering students a well-rounded and future-focused academic environment.
Michigan is a powerhouse for engineering education and industry. Known for its automotive roots, the state has evolved into a hub for innovation in mobility, energy, robotics, and more. Students benefit from a mix of academic rigor, practical training, and access to one of the largest engineering workforces in the country.
Here’s why Michigan is an excellent choice for engineering students:
Michigan is home to a strong mix of public and private universities with nationally recognized engineering programs. Below are just some of the top choices. Be sure to check out the ABET-accredited programs section at the end of this profile for a full list.
The College of Engineering at the University of Michigan offers a broad and interdisciplinary approach to engineering education, spanning 18 undergraduate majors and 55 graduate degree programs. Known for its collaborative ethos, the college fosters innovation across departments and research centers through partnerships with fields such as business, medicine, and the liberal arts.
Academic departments include:
In addition to traditional departments, Michigan Engineering supports interdisciplinary and college-wide programs such as the U-M Transportation Research Institute, Tauber Institute for Global Operations, and Macromolecular Science & Engineering. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities and are encouraged to participate in experiential learning and research from early in their academic careers.
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is one of the largest and most prestigious public institutions in the United States, widely recognized for its academic excellence, research productivity, and breadth of academic disciplines.
The College of Engineering at Michigan State University is one of the university's largest and oldest academic units, offering an extensive range of programs designed to prepare students for innovation-driven careers. With over 7,100 students and nearly 300 faculty members, the college provides a dynamic and collaborative educational environment across multiple degree levels:
Most programs are offered in person, with select graduate degrees and certificates available online. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through initiatives such as the First-year Engineering CoRe Experience and collaborative research opportunities supported by $71 million in annual engineering research expenditures.
Michigan State University is a public land-grant research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. As a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), MSU is known for its research activity, broad academic offerings, and strong engagement with industry and community partners.
The College of Engineering at Kettering University offers a distinctive blend of rigorous academics and real-world experience through its 50/50 co-op model, where students alternate between classroom instruction and paid industry positions. Undergraduate and graduate students can choose from nine majors, 11 minors and concentrations, and 16 master’s programs. The college also offers combined bachelor’s and master’s degree options.
Key undergraduate programs include:
Students engage with hands-on learning and research from their first year, utilizing advanced labs and facilities such as the AMPED Lab, Human Interfaces & Ergonomics Lab, and the GM Mobility Research Center. Program offerings are guided by input from an active Dean’s Advisory Council, ensuring alignment with current and emerging industry needs, particularly in robotics, EVs, and sustainable energy.
Kettering University is a private institution located in Flint, Michigan. Known for its focus on STEM and strong ties to the automotive and manufacturing industries, Kettering provides a highly practical and industry-connected engineering education.
The Seymour & Esther Padnos College of Engineering at Grand Valley State University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers in engineering. Programs are grounded in hands-on, experiential learning and are supported by strong ties to industry through co-op placements and project-based coursework.
Undergraduate Majors:
All undergraduate engineering programs are ABET-accredited and include a mandatory three-semester co-op program, giving students a year of full-time, paid industry experience before graduation. A large portion of coursework includes lab components and industry-sponsored projects, especially in the capstone design phase.
Graduate Programs:
The MSE program supports both professional advancement and preparation for doctoral studies, with graduates working in companies ranging from Ford and GE to smaller regional firms. The program also includes a range of culminating project options such as a thesis, master’s project, or capstone design.
Grand Valley State University is a public university located in Allendale and Grand Rapids, Michigan. It offers a student-centered learning environment with a focus on undergraduate education, professional preparation, and community engagement, particularly in West Michigan's growing industrial and technical sectors.
Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering prepares students to tackle tomorrow’s global challenges through hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and industry collaboration. With a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, the college emphasizes experience-based education across fields like energy, infrastructure, health, mobility, and sustainability.
Undergraduate Programs
Students can choose from over 15 engineering bachelor's degrees, including:
All undergraduates start with a shared core curriculum that allows exploration before selecting a major. Learning is bolstered by project-based coursework, co-ops, internships, senior design projects, and Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program—an interdisciplinary model where students work with faculty and industry partners on real-world problems.
Graduate Programs
Michigan Tech offers research-focused and professionally oriented graduate degrees, including:
The college supports student research through assistantships and funding opportunities. Graduate students often work directly with faculty on multidisciplinary projects and have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university located in Houghton, Michigan. It is known for its strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Set in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan Tech combines rigorous academics with extensive industry connections, producing graduates who are highly valued in technical and engineering fields.
Michigan offers a range of financial aid options for engineering students, including state-funded grants, institutional scholarships, and specialized awards for STEM majors. These programs help reduce the cost of education and support students pursuing high-demand technical careers.
Students are strongly encouraged to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early to maximize eligibility for both federal and state aid programs.
Engineering graduates planning to become licensed professional engineers (PEs) in Michigan must follow the state’s licensure process. Students and professionals also benefit from local organizations that offer development, networking, and advocacy.
These organizations are valuable for students preparing to enter the workforce and those planning for PE licensure in Michigan.
Automotive, mechanical, electrical, computer, and environmental engineering are especially strong in Michigan due to the state’s deep ties to manufacturing, mobility innovation, and sustainability.
Yes. Many Michigan-based and national universities offer flexible online options such as an online bachelor's degree in engineering or an online engineering master's degree. These are ideal for working professionals or students needing more flexibility in their schedules.
Absolutely. Schools like Michigan Tech, U-M, and Kettering offer co-op programs and internships that provide real-world experience with companies in the automotive, energy, and tech sectors.
Most engineering schools in Michigan offer academic advising, tutoring, research opportunities, and career services. Many also host student chapters of engineering societies and provide mentorship through faculty and industry partners.
Enrolling in an ABET-accredited engineering degree program ensures your education meets industry-recognized standards and prepares you for professional licensure. Michigan offers a broad selection of such programs at both large public universities and specialized private institutions.
| Andrews University | Berrien Springs | - Engineering |
| Calvin University | Grand Rapids | - Computer Science
- Engineering |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant | - Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Industrial Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Product Design Engineering Technology |
| University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit | - Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering - Architectural Engineering - Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering (Electrical concentration) - Civil Engineering |
| Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti | - Computer and Electrical Engineering Technology
- Cybersecurity - Mechanical Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Product Design Engineering Technology |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids | - Facility Management
- Information Security and Intelligence - Surveying Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Automotive Engineering Technology - Welding Engineering Technology |
| Kettering University | Flint | - Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering - Engineering Physics - Chemical Engineering - Applied Physics - Computer Science - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Engineering |
| Grand Valley State University | Allendale | - Occupational Safety and Health Management
- Information Systems - Computer Science - Information Technology - Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Interdisciplinary Engineering |
| Hope College | Holland | - Engineering |
| Lake Superior State University | Sault Ste. Marie | - Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering Technology |
| Lawrence Technological University | Southfield | - Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Architectural Engineering - Robotics Engineering |
| University of Michigan - Dearborn | Dearborn | - Computer and Information Science
- Electrical Engineering - Industrial and Systems Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering - Computer Engineering - Software Engineering - Bioengineering - Robotics Engineering |
| University of Michigan - Flint | Flint | - Mechanical Engineering |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing | - Computer Science
- Biosystems Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Environmental Engineering |
| Michigan Technological University | Houghton | - Geological Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Geospatial Engineering - Software Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Computer Network and System Administration - Computer Science - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Mining Engineering - Robotics Engineering - Electrical Engineering Technology |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor | - Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial and Operations Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Environmental Health Sciences (Industrial Hygiene) - Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering - Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences - Biomedical Engineering - Environmental Engineering |
| Northern Michigan University | Marquette | - Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Oakland University | Rochester Hills | - Safety Management
- Environmental Health and Safety - Computer Science - Information Technology - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Industrial and Systems Engineering - Bioengineering |
| Saginaw Valley State University | University Center | - Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering |
| Wayne State University | Detroit | - Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Computer Science - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo | - Computer Science
- Construction Engineering - Paper Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Engineering Design Technology - Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Engineering Management Technology - Aerospace Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in Michigan was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses can change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites linked above for the most current information. You can also refer to other resources mentioned throughout this profile—such as the Michigan Board of Professional Engineers and the Michigan Department of Treasury—for guidance on academic planning and licensure.
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