College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences
At Saginaw Valley State University’s College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences, you’ll find opportunities to stand out through creativity, critical thinking, and community impact. Our programs go beyond the classroom, giving you hands-on experiences that bring learning to life—whether that means performing on stage, producing media, conducting fieldwork, serving the community, or gaining real-world skills through internships and clinical placements. You’ll also have the chance to collaborate on research projects with faculty who are deeply invested in your success. These experiences prepare you not only to thrive in your career but also to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Internships Empower You
Offering Academic Pathways to 20 of Michigan's Most In-Demand Careers
At Saginaw Valley State University, the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences prepares students for Michigan’s future workforce. Nearly half of our programs directly align with careers named in the state’s Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2032—including high-demand fields such as law, public administration, communication, psychology, and criminal justice. Students in these areas gain the skills and experiences that employers are seeking in some of the fastest-growing and highest-impact professions.
From social and community service managers to market research analysts, educators, and compliance officers, our graduates are stepping into roles that drive change across Michigan and beyond. By combining classroom learning with hands-on internships, research, performance, and service opportunities, SVSU students are equipped to stand out in competitive, meaningful careers that are shaping the future.
UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS
- Art
- Black Studies
- Communication
- Communication & Theatre Education
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice
- English/Language Arts Education
- English-Literature
- Environmental Studies & Sustainability
- Fine Arts BFA
- French
- French Education
- General Studies
- Geography
- Graphic Design
- History
- International Studies
- Music
- Music Education
- Political Science
- Pre-Law
- Professional & Technical Writing
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Spanish Education
- Theatre
- Visual Arts Education
UNDERGRADUATE MINORS
- Asian Studies
- Digital Publishing & Community Journalism
- Gender Studies
- Geospatial Techniques
- Japanese
- Leadership & Service
- Legal Philosophy
- Musical Theatre
- Philosophy
- Public History
- Public Law
- Religious Studies
- Spanish for Health Professions
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- User Experience Design
- Writing for Public Purposes
Across Departments. One College. Many Paths.
The College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences brings together fourteen departments united by creative inquiry and public impact. With close faculty mentorship, students grow through performances, studios, labs, internships, fieldwork, research, and community-engaged projects—building communication, analysis, creativity, and leadership that translate into confident graduates and purposeful careers.
Stand Out with Unique Learning Experiences at SVSU
SVSU students have opportunities to stand out through programs that go beyond the classroom. From theatrical stage combat, where students train in swordplay and performance with guidance from certified professionals, to internships, research, community engagement, and hands-on projects, SVSU offers distinctive experiences that prepare students for success. These opportunities allow Cardinals to explore their passions, gain real-world skills, and graduate ready to make an impact in their careers and communities.
Turning Classroom Learning into Career Success
At Saginaw Valley State University, students gain opportunities to stand out by applying what they learn directly to real-world experiences. Rebekah Williams, a Professional & Technical Writing major with a Computer Science minor, combined skills from both programs to land a summer internship with Dow. Through SVSU’s career fairs and supportive faculty, she was able to connect with employers, tackle meaningful projects, and build the confidence to lead her own work. Stories like Rebekah’s reflect the many ways SVSU students turn classroom learning into internships, career pathways, and long-term success.
Our Students Stand Out
SVSU's Moot Court Rises to #4 in the Nation
The American Moot Court Association (2024–25) ranks SVSU #4 overall, recognizing our strength in both oral advocacy and appellate brief writing.
- #5 Oral Advocacy
- #4 Appellate Brief Writing
- Qualified for Nationals every year
Back-to-Back National Champions
SVSU’s competitive speech team repeated as NFA 2025 champions in Limited Entry – President’s Division 3.
- Final/Semifinal placements across Poetry, Persuasion, Prose, and Dramatic Interpretation, plus strong Extemporaneous runs
- Program milestone: 12th in Individual Sweepstakes (first at this level)
Concerts at SVSU
From national guest artists to student ensembles, SVSU’s concert calendar showcases chamber, vocal, jazz, and contemporary music—featuring the Rhea Miller Concert Series alongside:
- Guest & faculty artist recitals
- Student ensembles (choirs, bands, jazz combos, chamber groups)
- Special events (masterclasses, festivals, outreach performances)
Where Graduates Make Their Mark
Our alumni turn internships, performances, research, and service into careers in communication, design, education, law, public service, and mental health—building lives of purpose and influence.
Meg Koch
History Alum
Executive Director at Studio 23 in Bay City, MI
Kaitlyn Zumbach
Graphic Design Alum
Product Designer at Stampin’ Up! in Utah
Terrance Moore
Criminal Justice Alum
Police Officer with the Auburn Hills Police Department
Sara Kitchen
Professional & Technical Writing Alum
Manager, Digital Workflow Specialist at Simon and Schuster Publishing in New York