Wayne State University

Wayne State University History

Wayne State University was begun as Detroit Medical College, which ultimately became Wayne State’s medical school, in 1868. Other colleges had their beginnings in similar programs in 1881 (Education) and 1917 (Liberal Arts). The institution became a four-year degree-granting institution in 1923. Graduate courses were added in 1930. Finally, all of the colleges were united under the same administration in 1933. The name Wayne State University was officially adopted in 1956.

Wayne State University is located in Detroit, Michigan. There are five extension centers located throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. Wayne State University was founded as a number of unrelated institutions which were united in 1933. It received university status in 1956. The University now awards bachelor’s, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Wayne State University defines its first priority as “to develop new knowledge and encourage its application,” and also states that “In the arts, it fosters creativity and strives for excellence in performance and exhibition.” Its Carnegie designation is as a Doctoral/Research-Extensive institution.

Wayne State University Academics

Twelve colleges and schools make up the core of Wayne State’s academic offerings. There are 126 bachelor’s degree programs in 350 different academic programs. Outstanding areas of study at Wayne State include the School of Medicine, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs.

The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: the School of Business Administration, the College of Engineering, the College of Education, the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, the Graduate School, the Law School, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Library and Information Science, the School of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the College of Science, the School of Social Work, and the College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs. There is also an honors program for undergraduate students, with an emphasis on urbanism and service.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in 126 different disciplines, including accounting, career and technical education, civil engineering, English, geology, kinesiology, labor studies, management, mechanical engineering, mortuary science, music, nursing, occupational therapy, peace and conflict studies, public affairs, sociology, teaching, theatre, and urban studies. Some of these programs are only available through a co-major program, and some offer both a BA or a BS.

Master’s degrees are awarded in business administration (MBA), taxation, education, engineering, art (including an MFA), music, theatre, library and information science (MLIS), classics, German, philosophy, public administration, basic medical sciences, cancer biology, nursing (MSN) clinical laboratory sciences, nursing anesthesia, linguistics, social work (MSW), geography, industrial relations, and interdisciplinary programs, among others.

The school awards a number of doctoral degrees, in fields such as education, counseling, engineering, communication, theatre, interdisciplinary studies, economics, history, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, audiology, mathematics, and speech-language pathology.

Professional degrees are awarded in the College of Pharmacy, the School of Medicine, and the Law School. There are a number of dual degree programs between the Law School and other fields. There are also certificate and specialist (Ed.S.) graduate programs.

Wayne State University Unique Programs

More than 30 unique centers and institutes call Wayne State home, each falling under the operation of a school or college. They vary greatly in size, focus, and mission. Many of them specialize strictly in academic research, while others work in the external community to improve society.

The College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs hosts seven different centers and institutes: Center for Chicano Boricua Studies, Douglas A. Fraser Center for Workplace Issues, Labor Studies Center, Center for Peace & Conflict Studies, Skillman Center for Children, State Policy Center, and the Center for Urban Studies.

The School of Medicine also includes seven centers: Center for Healthcare Effectiveness Research, Ligon Research Center of Vision, Morris J. Hood Jr. Comprehensive Diabetes Center, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, and the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth & Development.

Other outstanding centers and institutes fall under the power of the Provost and of the Vice President for Research.

Wayne State University Financial Aid

Wayne State has a “blanket” set of requirements for any student to qualify for financial aid: demonstrate financial need, high school diploma, degree-seeking, registration with Selective Service, and be in good standing on all student loans.

Student loans are considered via the FAFSA.

In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students vary by level of course and number of credit hours taken. An student taking 15 credits of upper division courses paid $3,128.50 in the fall 2004 semester. Students applying from out of state and graduate and professional students will have different costs.

Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Wayne State University Students

Over 30,000 students are enrolled at Wayne State, the majority of which are from the tri-county area surrounding the campus. Some of the more popular attractions include the 30-foot climbing wall in the Recreation Center and Warrior hockey games. First and second year students can take in all of the action by living in one of the North and South Residence Halls. The dorms offer double- or triple-occupancy, complete furnishings, study rooms, high-speed Internet, and 24-hour staffing.

The Wayne State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site. Books can be borrowed state-wide. There are also specialized libraries for law, medicine, and other fields. The special collections include rare Michigan texts, African-American history collections, and children’s literature.

Wayne State University Traditions

The University only recently adopted the Warrior as its mascot, using the Tartar ever since its first use in 1927. The Victory Bell makes its way to football games, among other events, and is a lasting symbol of Wayne State spirit. Wayne State also has a “Warrior of the Week” award, which recognizes a certain student-athlete for his or her accomplishments throughout the year.

Wayne State University Local Community

Detroit is home to seven different major entertainment venues, in addition to being home to professional football, baseball, and basketball teams. More than a dozen museums and galleries offer the best in art, including the Michigan Press Photographers Association, Pewabic Pottery, and the Museum of African-American History. Those with an interest in history and other liberal studies may choose to visit the Holocaust Memorial Center, Detroit Historical Museum, or the Detroit Zoological Institute. And for the musically inclined, Detroit is home to the Jazz Corner, Rackham Symphony Choir and the Detroit Blues Society.

The University is located in downtown Detroit, within the University Cultural Center area. There are nearby theaters, museums, performance halls, and sporting venues.

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Research Universities (very high research activity)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification