Wayne State University History

Wayne State University started out as Detroit Medical College, before eventually becoming Wayne State’s medical school, in 1868. Other colleges had their beginnings in similar programs in 1881 (Education) and 1917 (Liberal Arts). The institution officially became a four-year degree granting institution in 1923. Graduate courses were also added in 1930. Finally, all of the various 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 in the cultural center of the city. There are also five extension centers located throughout the Metro Detroit area. Wayne State University was founded as a number of unrelated institutions 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 officially 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. A few of the more 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 throughout 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.

Wayne State also awards a number of doctoral degrees, in fields such as education, counseling, engineering, communication, theater, 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 also a number of dual degree programs between the Law School and other fields. Additionally, they offer 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 particular school or college. They vary greatly in size, focus, and mission. Many specialize strictly in academic research, while others work in the 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 the level of the course and number of credit hours taken. A 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 of course 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 most popular attractions include the legendary 30-foot climbing wall in the Rec Center and of course, Warrior hockey games. First and second year students can take it all in while 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 addition to actual books 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

Wayne State University just recently adopted the Warrior as its mascot, after using the Tartar since 1927. The Victory Bell is ever present at 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 student-athlete for his or her accomplishments throughout the year.