GVSU partners with LSSU to admit more students to study public health

SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State University and Grand Valley State University have announced a new partnership to provide better access to public health education.

On Feb. 22, leaders from both universities signed an articulation agreement, which they believe will help fill an education need in northern Michigan. The agreement guarantees five LSSU students with bachelor's degrees in kinesiology will be admitted to GVSU's Master of Public Health Program.

Public health education is separate from most medical education, as it focuses on the whole community. At a local level, jobs that focus on public health include infection specialists, health science researchers, health and safety managers, health coaches and more.

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The program will give LSSU graduates an easier route to higher education, and encourage students in the Upper Peninsula to pursue public health careers.

The agreement is similar to a previous agreement GVSU signed with Northern Michigan University in 2019, allowing five NMU students who majored in applied exercise science and health — with a concentration in community health — be allowed into the GVSU Master of Public Health Program.

"This partnership between GVSU and Lake Superior State really aims to fill a need and an interest in public health for our partners from northern Michigan regions,” said Ranelle Brew, professor and program director at GVSU.

“(We've) had some incredible students join our program from northern Michigan who are interested in filling the gap and need for more public health trained individuals."

— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: GVSU partners with LSSU to admit more students to study public health