Academic and research excellence

With academic excellence and pioneering research at the center of our mission, it’s no wonder that undergraduate and graduate students choose to attend Wayne State. Whether you’re interested in studying medicine or mechanical engineering, or graphic design or geology, you can gain hands-on experience in the classroom and out in the real world courtesy of faculty members who are renowned for innovation and expertise in their fields. We're increasingly known for our interdisciplinary research in areas such as health sciences and disparities, the environment, entrepreneurship and data analytics, human services and education, manufacturing, language and the arts. From the lab to the stage, you can expect to make a measurable impact in our neighborhood and around the world.

Michigan’s only urban research university
A proud member of the University Research Corridor with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, generating 95% of statewide research and supporting economic growth across Michigan
Ranked in the top 1.4% of universities worldwide Center for World University Rankings
Best business school Princeton Review
No. 2 medical institution for research in Michigan U.S. News and World Report
Top 100 law school, second in Michigan U.S. News and World Report
Named one of the nation's best law schools for bar prep The National Jurist
Top-ranked physician assistant program in Michigan U.S. News and World Report
Social work program ranked in country's top 20% U.S. News and World Report
Nursing-anesthesia program ranked in the country's top 20% U.S. News and World Report
Home to IBio, a $90 million facility dedicated to eliminating health disparities in Detroit
Home to TechTown, Detroit's most established business accelerator and incubator
Home to the Hilberry Theatre, the nation's first graduate repertory company
We've helped faculty innovators submit more than 800 patent applications since 2009
Wayne Law provides pro-bono legal services to 100+ clients annually