
Wayne State University (WSU) is located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan on a 200-acre campus. Wayne State offers more than 350 different degree programs and majors at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to its main campus, Wayne State has a School of Medicine campus, which includes the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy, and the Matthei Athletic Complex.
A national research university, Wayne State has a strong Division of Research with a dedicated research faculty and excellent resources for students including leadership, information, guidance and support. Its long history of innovation to solve real-world problems has helped to earn WSU its status as a top research center and one of only two public universities to receive both the Carnegie "Very High Research" award and the "Community Engagement" honor.
History
The Medical College of Wayne State University was founded in 1868. In 1917, a junior college and four other schools were established at the university on its extensive urban campus. The colleges were organized into a university in the 1930s, and support from the state was initiated in the 1950s.
Academics
Wayne State University (WSU) has a fall, winter, spring and summer term.
WSU has 13 colleges and schools offering roughly 400 academic programs that include 126 bachelor's degree programs, 139 master's degree programs, 60 doctoral degree programs and 30 professional and certificate programs.
Colleges and Schools
- School of Business Administration
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- School of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts
- Graduate School
- Irvin D. Reid Honors College
- Law School
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- School of Library and Information Science
- School of Medicine
- College of Nursing
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- School of Social Work
Student Life
There are many things to do on campus at Wayne State, including scaling a 30-foot climbing wall or volunteering with one of the many student organizations. There are theatrical performances offered year-round, among many other activities for entertainment and recreation. For a list of events and activities, students can visit the Dean of Students Office.
Other student services include the Academic Success Center, "OneCard" student ID card (which is also a discount card for purchases), the University Advising Center, and more.
Athletics
The Wayne State "Warriors" have 16 varsity teams competing in intercollegiate sports.
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Fencing
- Ice Hockey
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Community Life
Wayne State University's location in metro Detroit offers easy access to a wealth of culture, arts and entertainment. There are nearby art shows, music festivals, and theatre performances and sports events.
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may provide a better idea of the applicants Wayne State University accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
The total student enrollment at Wayne State University is about 27,000. The student body is made up of 65% undergraduate students and 9% graduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $13,100. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $25 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- In-State: $11,000-$14,000
- Out-of-State: $26,000-$31,250
- Charges per unit:
- State Residents: $380-$450 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $870-$1,000 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 93% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 89% | $8,512 |
Receiving Student Loans | 54% | $5,456 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Wayne State University may provide services like:- Online course work available
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Employment search assistance
- Day care
Graduation Rates
The overall graduation rate of Wayne State University is approximately 32%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 11% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 13% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Clinical Audiology (Au.D.) Program
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dance Program
- Coordinated Dietetics Program
- Law Program
- Medical (M.D.) Program
- Music Program
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program
- Nurse Midwifery Education Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Occupational Therapy (OT) Program
- Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Program
- Graduate Level Public Health (Outside School of Public Health) Program
- Radiology Technician Program
- Radiation Therapist Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Theatre Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
Wayne State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division II (with football) classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Ath Conf)
- Basketball (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Ath Conf)
- Fencing
- Football (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Ath Conf)
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field, X-Country
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Wayne State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Architecture
- Urban Planning (M)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences (M)
- Physiology (D, M)
- Oncology and Cancer Biology (D, M)
- Molecular Biology (D)
- Immunology (D, M)
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (D, M)
- Anatomy (D, M)
- Biotechnology (M)
- Neuroscience (D)
- Pathology, Experimental Pathology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Anatomy
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (C, D, M)
- Accounting (B, C, M)
- Organizational Behavior Studies (B)
- International Business (B)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Finance (B)
- Information Systems (B, C)
- Labor and Industrial Relations (M)
- Labor Studies (B)
- Taxation (M)
- Human Resources Management (C)
- Entrepreneurship
Communications and Journalism
- Public Relations (B)
- Journalism (B)
- Radio and Television (B)
- Communications (B, D, M)
- Multimedia (C)
- Health Communication (C)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (B, D, M)
- Information Science (C)
Education
- Special Education (B, C, D, M)
- Secondary Education (M)
- Physical Education (B, D, M)
- Social Studies Teacher Education (B, M)
- Elementary Education (B, M)
- Guidance Counselor (D, M)
- Educational and Instructional Media Design (C, D, M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (C, D)
- Science Teacher (B, M)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (B, M)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (B, M)
- Reading Teacher and Literacy Specialist (C, D, M)
- Bilingual and Multilingual Education (M)
- Educational, Instructional and Curriculum Supervision (M)
- Art Teacher Education (B, M)
- Curriculum and Instruction (C, D)
- Early Childhood Education (M)
- Health Teacher Education (B, M)
- Technical Teacher Education (M)
- Educational Evaluation and Research (D, M)
- Foreign Language Teacher Education (B, M)
- ESL (C)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development (C)
- Education, Teaching Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities
- Education, Teaching Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments
- Education, Teaching of Individuals with Autism
- Education, Teaching of Individuals Who Are Developmentally Delayed
- Adult and Continuing Education
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Biomedical Engineering (B, C, D, M)
- Industrial Engineering (B, D, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (D, M)
- Manufacturing Engineer (M)
- Systems Engineering (C)
- Polymer Engineering
Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Technology Technician (B)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (B)
- Engineering Management (C, M)
- Construction Engineering Technology (B)
- Engineering Technology (M)
- Computer Systems Technology (B)
- Nanotechnology (C)
- Electromechanical Engineering and Technology
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- East Asian Studies (B)
- East Russian Language and Literature (B)
- African-American Black Studies (B)
- Ethnic and Cultural Minority Studies (B)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Nutrition and Wellness Studies (B, D, M)
- Apparel and Textiles Management (B)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (B, D, M)
- Linguistics (B, M)
- Middle Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (B, M)
- German Language and Literature (B, M)
- Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (B, M)
- Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (B)
- Spanish Language and Literature (B)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Medicine (D)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (B)
- Pharmacy (D)
- Nursing (B)
- Adult Health Nurse (C, M)
- Physician Assistant (M)
- Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nurse (M)
- Communication Disorders (B, D, M)
- Occupational Therapy (M)
- Physical Therapy (D)
- Radiology Technician (B)
- Medical Technology (B, C)
- Nurse Anesthetist (C, M)
- Nursing Science (D)
- Public Health (C, M)
- Pathology (B)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling (M)
- Pharmaceutics and Drug Design (D, M)
- Health Physics (C, M)
- Audiology, Hearing Sciences (D)
- Dietetics (B, C)
- Nursing Education (C)
- Genetic Counseling (M)
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse (M)
- Public Health, Community Nurse (M)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (C)
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General (C)
- Medical Scientist
- Clinical Social Work
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Nurse Midwife
- Pediatric Nursing
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
History
- History (B, C, D, M)
- Public and Applied History and Archival Administration
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Gerontology (C)
- Dispute Resolution (C, M)
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (C)
- Computational Science
Legal Professions and Studies
- Law (D)
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (M)
- Programs for Foreign Lawyers (M)
- Banking, Corporate, Finance and Securities Law (M)
- Tax Law, Taxation (M)
Library Science
- Library Science, Librarianship (C, M)
- Archival Administration (C)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Applied Mathematics (M)
- Statistics (M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
Personal and Culinary Services
- Funeral Direction and Service (B)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, D, M)
Physical Sciences
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
- Educational Psychology (D, M)
- Counseling Psychology (M)
- School Psychology (C, M)
- Organizational Psychology (M)
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B, C, D, M)
- Public Administration (B, M)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (B, M)
Social Sciences
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Economics (B, C, D, M)
- Anthropology (B, D, M)
- Urban Studies (B)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (B, M)
- Music (B, M)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, D, M)
- Dance (B)
- Cinematography And Film (B)
- Art History (B, M)
- Film Studies (B)
- Music Performance (C)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Wayne State University.
- University of Michigan - Dearborn in Dearborn, MI (8 miles away)
- Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI (21 miles away)
- Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI (30 miles away)
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI (33 miles away)
- University of Michigan - Flint in Flint, MI (55 miles away)
Also, check out our college lists below, which can help students compare schools to one another:
- Visit the main Michigan colleges & universities profile page
- Compare other Michigan state universities