Saginaw Valley State University

What you'll study

This commerce degree combines core business knowledge with applied skills and experiential learning. You will take introductory and intermediate courses across accounting, finance, marketing, management, operations and business law, plus quantitative subjects such as business statistics and data analysis. The typical curriculum includes:

• Foundations in microeconomics and macroeconomics
• Financial and managerial accounting principles
• Corporate finance and investments
• Marketing strategy, consumer behaviour and digital marketing basics
• Organisational behaviour, human resource management and leadership
• Management information systems and business analytics
• Operations management and supply chain fundamentals
• Business law, ethics and professional responsibility
• Electives that allow specialisation or breadth—examples include entrepreneurship, international business, sport business or project management
• Capstone or integrative project that applies theory to a real business problem; internship or practicum in a local business is strongly encouraged

Coursework emphasises teamwork, written and oral communication, software tools commonly used in business, and practical problem solving. Students may also have opportunities to take minors or certificates to tailor their profile for specific career paths.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent. Typical requirements include evidence of academic readiness in mathematics and English; some programmes expect completion of college preparatory maths. Admissions considers overall academic record, recommendations and any relevant experience. International applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or other approved measures. Prospective students with prior college credit or transfer credits should consult the admissions office about transfer policies and how credits apply to the degree.

Career prospects

Graduates of the commerce programme are prepared for a wide range of entry-level roles across industries. Common career paths include:

• Financial analyst, banking or investment support roles
• Accountant or accounting support positions (additional certification may be required for certified accounting credentials)
• Marketing coordinator, brand assistant or digital marketing roles
• Human resources specialist or recruitment and training roles
• Operations or supply chain coordinator positions
• Business analyst or management trainee roles in small and medium enterprises
• Entrepreneurship and small business ownership

Graduates also commonly pursue postgraduate study such as an MBA or specialised master’s in accounting, finance or marketing to advance into senior roles or professional licensure.

Why study at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers a commerce education with an emphasis on small classes, accessible faculty and links to regional employers in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Students benefit from career services, internship pipelines with local businesses and opportunities for applied projects that connect classroom learning with workplace experience. The university’s business faculty bring a mix of academic and industry experience, and student organisations and networking events help build professional skills and local contacts. For students seeking a grounded, practical undergraduate business education with opportunities for hands-on learning, SVSU provides a supportive environment and pathways into the regional job market or further study.