May 22, 2025
SVSU Board approves 3 new academic offerings, starting this fall
The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control approved adding three new academic offerings to SVSU’s curriculum as part of the Board’s regular meeting Friday, May 9.
SVSU will provide one new master’s degree, one new bachelor’s degree and one new graduate certificate, starting with the 2025 fall semester.
The Board approved a new dual program that allows SVSU students to complete two master’s degrees – in health administration and public health – concurrently over three years. The MHA/MPH program is designed for health care professionals who seek to advance their careers in health care administration, incorporating public health principles. SVSU will continue to offer MHA and MPH degrees independently, as well.
SVSU’s new bachelor’s degree in economics and data analytics is being added at a time when data-focused jobs are in high demand. In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast a 20% increase in job opportunities for market research analysts. The curriculum includes coursework in economics, mathematics and computer science.
The nine-credit graduate certificate in workplace conflict management is designed to equip leaders and administrators in high-pressure work environments, especially in the public sector.
The Board also approved spending up to $2 million to expand and upgrade the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, including improved accessibility features.
In other action, the Board:
• Passed a resolution to grant undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Granted an honorary doctorate in business administration to Alberta Lewis Lee. An SVSU alumna, Lee currently serves as the executive vice president and chief people and culture officer of Rock Entertainment Group. She will deliver the Commencement address during ceremonies on Saturday, May 10.
• Authorized a public school academy, Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center Academy, a K-8 charter school located in Detroit.
• Passed a resolution to thank the representatives of the SVSU Student Association for their service during the 2024-25 academic year.
• Elected Board officers for the 2025-26 academic year: Raj Wiener, chair; Vanessa Guerra, vice chair; Ron Bacon, secretary; Heather Gallegos, treasurer.
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Contact:
J. J. Boehm, Director of Media & Community Relations
jjboehm@svsu.edu, (989) 964-4055
