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Wayne State University institutional logo

Wayne State University

Detroit, United States • Founded 1868 • QS 2027 #801-850

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: wayne.edu

Overview

Acronyms: WSU
Founded: 1868
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #801-850 Times Higher Education 2026 #501-600 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #701-800 CWTS Leiden 2025 #685 SCImago 2026 #463
Motto: Industry, Intelligence, Integrity
Colours: Green and gold
Mascot: "W" the Warrior
Wayne State University institutional logo

Founded in 1868, the Wayne State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Detroit (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Michigan.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Wayne State University (WSU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Wayne State University (WSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 156-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

WSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are Wayne State University's address, location, and primary contact channels.

Address: 42 W. Warren Avenue
Postal Code: 48202
Phone: +1 (313) 577 2424
Fax: +1 (313) 577 3200
Social Media:

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Wayne State University are listed below.

Academic Year: 2026-27
Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 15,587
Academic Staff Range: 1,500-1,999
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Wayne State University are listed below.

Unit 12 items
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • College of Nursing
  • Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Graduate School
  • Irvin D. Reid Honors College
  • Law School
  • School of Business Administration
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Social Work

Programs Offered

Every programme Wayne State University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.

304 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 84 programmes

Showing 10 of 84.

Master of Business Administration 3 programmes

Master of Business Administration in Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Business Administration in Business Administration (online)
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Healthcare Master of Business Administration
Healthcare Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 100 programmes

Master's Degree in AI-driven construction management (online)
Construction Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Educational Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Art
Visual Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Art History
Art History

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Art Therapy
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence Hardware and Systems
AI & Machine Learning

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 100.

Doctorate 49 programmes

Doctorate in Anthropology and Urban Sustainability (Dual title)
Social & Cultural Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Biological Sciences and Urban Sustainability
Biological Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Biomedical Imaging (Dual title)
Bio & Biomedical Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Cancer Biology
Biological Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 49.

Professional Doctorate 19 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Audiology
Speech & Language Therapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Corporate & Finance Law
Business Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Criminal Justice
Criminal Law & Justice

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Medical Physics
Physics & Astronomy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 19.

Certificate 14 programmes

Certificate in Adapted Physical Education
Sport and Exercise Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Arabic for the Health Care Professions
Linguistics & Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Art Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Bilingual/Bicultural Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Bioinformatics and Data Analysis
Data Science & Analytics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Cannabis Chemistry
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Conversational and Professional French
Linguistics & Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Elementary Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in English as a Second Language
English Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Music
Music

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 14.

Postgraduate Certificate 35 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in AI-enabled construction management (online)
Construction Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Use Studies
Social Work

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence (online)
AI & Machine Learning

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Archival Administration (online)
Library Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Basic Medical Sciences
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Chip Design
Electrical Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 35.

Scholarships in United States

Scholarships and grants accessible to students attending Wayne State University or other universities in the United States are below.

How to apply to Wayne State University

What applying to Wayne State University involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Wayne State University

    Wayne State University's catalogue includes 304 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Wayne State University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Wayne State University's official website at wayne.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (313) 577 2424. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wayne State University

Common questions about Wayne State University, answered from data on record.

When was Wayne State University founded?

Wayne State University was established in 1868 (approximately 158 years ago).

In which city is Wayne State University?

Wayne State University is based in Detroit, United States.

Is Wayne State University a public or private institution?

Wayne State University is a public institution.

How many students study at Wayne State University?

Wayne State University has approximately 15,587 students.

Where does Wayne State University stand in university rankings?

It ranks QS 2027 #801-850.

How is Wayne State University organised academically?

Wayne State University is organised into 12 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Wayne State University officially recognised?

Yes, Wayne State University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.

What is Wayne State University's official website?

You can find Wayne State University online at wayne.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top the United States universities. Wayne State University's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Below: other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member institutions, alongside Wayne State University.

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Detroit: universities located close to Wayne State University.

Where Else to Study Nursing

Nursing is also taught at these universities in the United States.

Universities Compared with Wayne State University

Below are universities sometimes compared with Wayne State University.

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