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.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Wayne State University.
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
Admissions
Incoming freshmen with a 2.75 GPA have no SAT or ACT requirements for admissions, but test scores are still required. Those applicants with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.74 must have an ACT score of at least 21 or an SAT score of at least 970.
Wayne State offers an impressive array of special circumstance admissions programs, including programs for first generation college students, students over 60 years of age, Latino students, and those who do not intend to seek a degree.
Applications to the undergraduate programs are accepted through August 1 for the fall semester, with an application fee of $30. In addition to the application form and fee, students must provide high school transcripts and test scores. Music and dance majors must also audition. Applications can be submitted on-line.
High school graduate with a 2.75 GPA or higher must submit test scores, but there is no minimum score requirement. Students with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.74 must have ACT scores of 21 or SAT scores of 970.
Graduate students must provide the following for admissions to the graduate school: transcripts, application and fee of $50, and other materials as required by the department. Students applying to the Medical School, Law School, or College of Pharmacy apply though those schools and not through the office of Graduate Admissions.
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.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Wayne State University 3022nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Michigan scholarships and financial aid
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.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Wayne State University?
The Warriors compete in NCAA intercollegiate sports. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and tennis. Women’s sports include basketball, softball, and tennis. Hockey is a predominant attraction to all Wayne State students and alumni.
Wayne State University is an NCAA Division I school, with baseball, basketball, cross-country, fencing, football, golf, ice hockey, swimming, and tennis for men and basketball, cross-country, fencing, ice hockey, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball for women. The team nickname is the Warriors. There is also a cheerleading team. The teams compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the College Hockey Association.
Sports facilities include a baseball field, a football field, and a basketball court.
The athletic department also offers internships to students interested in writing and public relations.
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.
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.
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Wayne State University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
4 months agoPatricia A. Schenk ESchenk718 ((at)) att dot net
I have just went with my granddaughter to discuss with the powers that be at Wayne State concerning the Indian Waiver for tuition. I am left with some questions. My granddaughter who is left with one class left to pay for has been denied the Indian Waiver because she belongs to a tribe from Canada. The Civil Rights Commission made a ruling that you had to be from a recognized tribe in the United States. The Civil Rights Commission also gave each school the right to decide how to implement it. Many of the schools have grandfathered in the students that were already in the program. This makes sense as they have already invested money into these students education and unfortunately the Indian population are at the bottom in advanced education. Wayne State which has more students living in or below the poverty level than any other University in Michigan opted to grandfather in one year and then drop it. The University does not get paid by the student. They get a lump sum payment from the state. They get to keep what is not spent or have to make up if the payments are over the lump sum. My granddaughter would have been finished with her education a semester ago if it were not for the mess up when they, for reasons she never understood, got dropped off the Indian Waiver for a semester. That is a whole different story that tells you how badly Wayne State can mess up. My question is why would Wayne State not grandfather in these students? The original treaty gives these Indians a right to a college education for land. People say that was a long time ago. Does that make the treaty null and void. If they don't have to pay for the education, maybe the Indians should be able to get their land back.
over 1 year agoJames Hudson occuum ((at)) yahoo dot com
I wa greatly disappointed by the decision to drop the Helen Thomas award. So much so that I am revising my estate plan to exclude WSU. This will mean several thousand dollars will not be donated to the school. I hold two degrees from this great school and wished to show my gratitude but I cannot support such a undemocratic decision as this.
It seems that any criticism of Israel is met with this kind of repression in America. We have strayed a long way from our tradition of free speech and a free press. Such is the power of corporations today.
almost 3 years agoalbendia sherrod albendia-sherrod ((at)) att dot net
I am proud to be part of the Master of Social Work Alumni. I highly recommend this University. I receive the highest quality of academics, and support located in the heart of the City of Detroit. In rememberance of my sister (Lula Mae Wimbush), also a recipient of her MSW from Wayne State, I salute you. Thanks so much. and when I recommended another
This website and associated pages are not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Wayne State University. StateUniversity.com has no official or unofficial affiliation with Wayne State University.
ESchenk718 ((at)) att dot net
I have just went with my granddaughter to discuss with the powers that be at Wayne State concerning the Indian Waiver for tuition. I am left with some questions. My granddaughter who is left with one class left to pay for has been denied the Indian Waiver because she belongs to a tribe from Canada. The Civil Rights Commission made a ruling that you had to be from a recognized tribe in the United States. The Civil Rights Commission also gave each school the right to decide how to implement it. Many of the schools have grandfathered in the students that were already in the program. This makes sense as they have already invested money into these students education and unfortunately the Indian population are at the bottom in advanced education. Wayne State which has more students living in or below the poverty level than any other University in Michigan opted to grandfather in one year and then drop it. The University does not get paid by the student. They get a lump sum payment from the state. They get to keep what is not spent or have to make up if the payments are over the lump sum. My granddaughter would have been finished with her education a semester ago if it were not for the mess up when they, for reasons she never understood, got dropped off the Indian Waiver for a semester. That is a whole different story that tells you how badly Wayne State can mess up. My question is why would Wayne State not grandfather in these students? The original treaty gives these Indians a right to a college education for land. People say that was a long time ago. Does that make the treaty null and void. If they don't have to pay for the education, maybe the Indians should be able to get their land back.