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Bachelor of Science in Public Health

This is one of Michigan's high-demand, top careers

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

About

Jumpstart your journey with our combined BS/MPH Accelerated Program or choose the traditional BS in Public Health—both built on two dynamic study tracks: Health Promotion and Health Administration. From day one, you’ll engage in rigorous coursework and hands-on fieldwork that equips you for meaningful roles in the workforce or a seamless transition into graduate study. Learn more about SVSU’s Public Health or MPH options.

 

Cardinal Points

  • Accelerated BS/MPH Option: Begin earning graduate credit as an undergraduate—12 of your MPH credits count toward your BS—so you finish both degrees faster and more affordably.

  • Gain real-world experience with local agencies, building your resume and professional network.

  • Dual Study Tracks: Customize your path: foster community wellness or steer health organizations.

What You’ll Study

Core Foundations

  • Health science fundamentals and research methods
  • Health information management and medical terminology
  • Health policy, regulation, and ethical considerations
  • Cultural competence in healthcare settings
  • Essential public health principles and the U.S. healthcare system
  • Public health applications, informatics, and population health analysis
  • Social and environmental factors that influence health

Health Promotion Track

  • Approaches to healthy aging and chronic illness support
  • Theories and strategies for changing health behaviors
  • Designing, implementing, and evaluating wellness programs
  • Effective health education and communication techniques
  • Community nutrition planning
  • Grant writing and proposal development for public health initiatives

Health Administration Track

  • Financial accounting and management practices in healthcare
  • Healthcare law, accreditation, and quality improvement
  • Leadership, supervision, and organizational strategy
  • Process improvement and strategic planning in health services
  • Professional writing skills for reports, policies, and proposals

Combined BS/MPH Program Enhancements

  • Deeper exploration of foundational public health topics
  • Specialized training in public health grant writing
  • Advanced study of cultural competency in diverse communities
  • Rigorous methods for investigating and interpreting health data

Through either pathway, you’ll engage in field-based experiences and a culminating project that apply your learning to real-world public health challenges—preparing you for both immediate career roles and advanced graduate study.

Recommended Minors

After Graduation

  • 15% projected growth for the employment of health education specialists and community health workers through 2033. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • $59,990 is the median yearly pay for health education specialists in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • $47,930 is the median yearly pay for community health workers in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

A Bachelor of Science in Public Health from SVSU prepares graduates to promote wellness, prevent disease, and address health disparities in communities. Students are equipped to pursue careers in public health education, health promotion, and program coordination—or continue their education in graduate or professional health programs.

Our Students After Graduation...

Employers

Health Departments
Nonprofit Agencies
Schools
Hospitals
Emergency Management Agencies

Graduate Programs

Saginaw Valley State University
MPH program and MBA with Health Administration concentration program

Career Opportunities

Health Educator
Health Promotion Specialist
Health Program Coordinator
Environmental Health Sanitarian
Healthcare/Hospital Budget Analyst
Healthcare/Hospital Computer Systems Analyst
Healthcare/Hospital Human Resources Specialist
Healthcare/Hospital Quality and Process Improvement Specialist
Long Term Care Activity Coordinator