Saginaw Valley State University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational biomedical science with coursework in public health, health systems and professional practice. Typical modules include human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, fundamentals of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion and behaviour, healthcare ethics and law, pharmacology basics, and healthcare management.

Students also take research methods and a capstone or practicum course that places classroom learning into clinical and community settings. The degree includes general education requirements alongside major-specific courses, and offers elective options so students can tailor studies toward interests such as community health, health education, or healthcare administration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Recommended preparatory subjects include biology, chemistry and mathematics. Admissions typically consider academic record (GPA), coursework in science, and any relevant extracurricular or volunteer experience in health settings.

Transfer students can apply relevant college credit toward degree requirements; documentation of prior coursework and official transcripts are required. Some pathways, such as pre-professional clinical tracks, may have additional prerequisite coursework and advising requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across healthcare and public health. Common entry-level positions include health educator, community health worker, patient care coordinator, health services assistant, and administrative roles within clinics and hospitals. The degree also prepares students for graduate and professional programmes—such as public health, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing or medical school—when combined with required prerequisites.

Other opportunities include research assistant roles, positions in non-profit health organisations, and employment in health promotion, wellness programming and insurance or managed care sectors. Career services and faculty advising at the university support students with internships and connections to regional healthcare employers.

Why study at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers small class sizes and accessible faculty who emphasise hands-on learning and community engagement. The programme benefits from partnerships with local hospitals, clinics and public health organisations in the Great Lakes Bay Region, providing practicum and internship placement opportunities.

Students have access to laboratory facilities and applied learning experiences designed to build both technical skills and professional competencies. SVSU’s advising structure helps students plan for specific career goals or continued professional study, and the campus environment supports close mentoring and collaborative learning.