Wayne State University (WSU, WSU) Introduction and History

Introduction

Wayne State University is a large public university in Detroit, Michigan. The school 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.” the university’s Carnegie designation is as a Doctoral/Research-Extensive Institution. WSU 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.”

Videos

Information Summary

Ranks 17th in Michigan and 650th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	84.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$27,157
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	27 / 1210
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	18 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	79% / 43%
Enrollment Total (all students)	27,025

History

The university was begun as Detroit Medical College, which ultimately became the university’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. Today, there are five extension centers located throughout the Detroit metropolitan area in addition to the main campus.

Gallery

Academics

The university is composed of twelve 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 over 120 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.

Accreditation is granted by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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.

Admissions

Incoming freshmen with at least a 2.75 GPA have no SAT or ACT requirements for admissions, but submission of test scores is 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. 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. Applications to the undergraduate programs are accepted through August 1 for the fall semester, with a modest application fee of $30. Music and dance majors must also audition. Applications can be submitted on-line.

The admissions department 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.

Graduate students must provide the following for admissions to the graduate school: transcripts, application and fee, 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

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

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4644th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Michigan.

Students

Over 30,000 students are enrolled at any time, 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 main 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

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The Warriors compete in NCAA Division I. 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. Teams compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the College Hockey Association.

The athletic department also offers internships to students interested in writing and public relations.

Traditions

The University only recently adopted the Warrior as its mascot, having previously used the Tartar since 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.

Wayne State University