Saginaw Valley State University

What you'll study

This programme provides a broad foundation in core business disciplines and the option to specialise in areas relevant to management and marketing. The curriculum typically combines general education requirements with a business core and elective or concentration courses.

• Business core: introductory accounting, principles of finance, microeconomics and macroeconomics, business statistics, principles of management, principles of marketing, business law and ethics.
• Management and leadership: organisational behaviour, strategic management, human resource management, project management and operations management.
• Marketing and analytics: consumer behaviour, marketing research, digital marketing, advertising and promotion, sales management and marketing analytics.
• Support and applied studies: supply chain fundamentals, entrepreneurship and small business management, professional communication and negotiation.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior-level capstone or strategy course, applied projects with community or business partners, and opportunities for internships or practicum placements.

Students may choose elective tracks or minors to deepen expertise (for example, human resource management, international business, or analytics). Coursework emphasises applied skills: case studies, group projects, presentations and use of common business software and data tools.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent) with a college-preparatory curriculum. Typical admissions considerations include overall academic record, strength of relevant coursework (such as mathematics and English), and any standardised test scores if submitted.

• Academic background: completion of college-preparatory subjects, usually including algebra and English composition or literature.
• Grade expectations: a competitive high-school GPA; transfer applicants are considered with college transcripts and a minimum number of transferable credits.
• Additional materials: a personal statement or essay, and for some applicants, letters of recommendation or a resume detailing extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experience.
• Pathways: mature learners and those with relevant work experience may be eligible through transfer or non-traditional admission routes; international students must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across industries. The degree equips students with practical management and marketing skills valued by employers in small businesses, corporations, non-profits and government.

• Management trainee, operations analyst or office manager roles in manufacturing, retail, healthcare and service sectors.
• Marketing coordinator, brand assistant, social media or digital marketing specialist and market researcher positions.
• Human resources generalist, recruiting coordinator or training and development roles.
• Sales representative, account manager, customer success or business development positions.
• Opportunities to start or run a small business, or to pursue graduate study such as an MBA or specialised master's in marketing, finance or human resources.

Why study at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers a regionally focused business education with emphasis on applied learning and community engagement. Small class sizes and accessible faculty help students build practical skills and professional networks with local and regional employers.

• Hands-on learning through internships, applied projects with local businesses, and capstone experiences that prepare students for the workplace.
• Advising and career services that support resume development, interview preparation and internship placement.
• Opportunities to join student business organisations, participate in case competitions and access workshops or seminars led by practitioners.
• Proximity to a diverse regional economy, enabling connections with manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and retail employers for experiential learning and employment.