Graduate programs

• Anthropology

  Anthropology is a comparative social science that seeks to understand human behavior within the context of different cultural systems, past and present. Anthropology also seeks to understand human biological evolution and adaptation and their interaction with social and cultural behavior. Anthropology brings a cross-cultural knowledge base and unique methodological and conceptual tools to bear on understanding the transformations, problems and interconnections of contemporary societies. The discipline is divided into the fields of cultural, biological, linguistic anthropology,  archaeology and applied anthropology.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Anthropology	Winter: Oct. 15 Fall: Jan. 15
  Ph.D. in Anthropology	Jan. 15
  Ph.D. in Social Work and Anthropology (SWAN)	Jan. 10
  Joint Doctor of Medicine/Ph.D. (M.D./Ph.D.)	Nov. 1
  Graduate Certificate in Museum Practice	Winter: Oct. 15 Spring/summer/fall: Jan. 15

• Biological Sciences

  Biological sciences is the study of the intricacies and nuances of life at the cellular and microscopic levels. Students will gain knowledge across multiple science disciplines including chemistry, physics and math/statistics. While completing a degree in biological sciences, students will have the option to receive credit for conducting research on campus with a faculty member to build experience for a professional research career or to move forward into an advanced degree.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Biological Sciences	International: May 1 Domestic: Jun. 1
  Master of Science in Biological Sciences	Feb. 15
  Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology	Feb. 15
  Ph.D. in Biological Sciences	Dec. 1
  Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and Urban Sustainability

• Chemistry

  Students earning a degree in chemistry will be prepared to think critically about important scientific problems, perform research and communicate their findings. Chemists understand the physical world from the perspective of the smallest building blocks called atoms and this understanding is critical to many industries including pharmaceuticals, automotive, food, plastics and electronics. Chemists are employed in industry, academia, government, non-profits and start their own companies.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Chemistry	Open
  Ph.D. in Chemistry	Open. Decisions start Dec. 1

• Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures

  A degree in languages will prepare you to communicate with people around the world and understand other cultures, key skills in a global society. Our programs are not just about learning a new language, though developing fluency is one of the goals. We teach our students to think critically about our globalized world and to see it through many different cultural, historical and political lenses.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Classics	Open
  Master of Arts in German	Open
  Master of Arts in Near Eastern Languages: Arabic	Open
  Master of Arts in Romance Languages and Literatures (French, Italian, Spanish)	Open
  Ph.D. in Modern Languages	Fall: March 1 Winter and summer: Open

• Communication Sciences and Disorders

  Specialized coursework prepares students to work with speech-language and hearing-disabled children and adults in a variety of settings, including public schools, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers and private practice. Undergraduate degrees are considered pre-professional as students must obtain a graduate degree to be employed as a certified speech-language pathologist (M.A.) or audiologist (Au.D.) in any work setting.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology	Jan. 15
  Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)	Jan. 15
  Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders	Jan. 15 (for Rumble Fellowship consideration) Apr. 1 (for all other applicants)

• Criminal justice

  Criminal justice is society's primary formal means of social control. Generally, it is the practice of public and private agencies and groups that deter crime and delinquency and that prosecute, defend, adjudicate, punish and correct suspects and convicted offenders. The core of the criminal justice system is comprised of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, defense attorneys, courts, and correctional agencies. This system enforces federal and state laws and is part of a larger administration of justice complex, involving court administration, juvenile justice and private security.

  The study of criminal justice begins with analysis of the entire justice system as a force for social order. Advanced study inquires into the political, organizational, social and behavioral aspects of its components. Students develop analytical and research skills that enable them to identify and assess the often conflicting objectives of criminal justice and investigate basic issues and practical problems in criminology and criminal justice. Legal courses foster an awareness of the values of due process and the limits of governmental power in a democratic society.

  Visit department​​​

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Science in Criminal Justice (online only)	Fall: Jun. 1 Winter: Oct. 1 Spring/summer: Feb. 1 An admissions moratorium is in effect for the in-person program for the 2024-2025 academic year.

• Economics

  Economics is the study of how individuals and societies allocate limited resources to try to satisfy unlimited wants; it is, therefore, a study of choices. Households and business firms must decide what and how much to consume or produce and how much labor, land, and capital to supply. Governments make decisions affecting inflation and unemployment, taxation and expenditures, the monetary system and international trade. Together these public and private choices determine the nation's prosperity and shape the distribution of its wealth. Since every social relationship has economic aspects, an understanding of economic principles and systems is an integral part of a liberal education.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Economics	Fall: Jun. 15 Winter: Nov. 1
  Ph.D. in Economics	Jan. 1 (of years ending in odd numbers)
  Joint Master of Arts in Economics/Juris Doctorate	Fall: Jun. 15 Winter: Nov. 1
  Graduate Certificate in Economic Development	Open

• Employment and labor relations

  The employment and labor relations program equips students with the critical skills necessary to analyze employment and workplace issues, with a special focus on the needs and interests of workers and their unions. An interdisciplinary program, the labor studies major examines the social, political and economic dimensions of these issues in the context of a broad liberal arts education.

  Visit program

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Employment and Labor Relations	Open
  Graduate Certificate in Economic Development

• English

  A degree in English prepares students for success in every career. As students gain skills in reading, writing, research, analysis and critical thinking, they prepare to excel in a wide variety of fields: business, education, journalism, law, medicine, non-profit work, publishing and professional writing.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in English	Fall (for funding consideration): Jan. 15 Fall (no funding consideration): Aug. 1 Winter: Oct. 15 (no funding consideration)
  Ph.D. in English	Jan. 15

• Environmental science and geology

  In environmental science and geology, we aim to understand the earth, its complex ecosystems and the environmental issues it faces. This might mean looking at rocks, atmosphere, landscapes, plants and animals to discover more about patterns and processes to learn how they affect modern environmental and ecological systems. As students and scholars, our goal is to solve modern environmental problems and learn more about the interactions of organisms, including humans, on environmental systems.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Environmental Science (online)	Open
  Master of Arts in Geology	Open
  Master of Science in Environmental Science	Open
  Master of Science in Geology	Open

• History

  History is central to our understanding of the human experience. The study of the past allows us to place our world in context, whether we want to understand international crises, the significance of a national election, or social relations within our own community. The skills of the historian – the ability to research original sources, think critically and write clearly and persuasively are highly valued in our changing world. We teach undergraduate students fundamental research, analytical, and writing skills and train graduate students as professional historians, equipped with the skills to produce original, publishable research in their field of specialization.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in History + online	Fall: Jan. 15 Summer: Apr. 15 Winter: Oct. 15
  Master of Arts in Public History	Fall: Jan. 15 Summer: Apr. 15 Winter: Oct. 15
  Ph.D. in History	Jan. 15
  Joint Master of Arts in History/J.D. in History and Law	Summer: Apr. 15 Winter: Oct. 15
  Joint Master of Arts in History and Library and Information Science (MA/MLIS)	Fall: Jan. 15 Summer: Apr. 15 Winter: Oct. 15
  Joint Master of Arts in Public History and Library and Information Science (MAPH/MLIS)	Fall: Jan. 15 Summer: Apr. 15 Winter: Oct. 15
  Graduate Bridge Certificate in World History	Fall: Jan. 15 Summer: Apr. 15 Winter: Oct. 15
  Graduate Certificate in Archival Administration	Fall: Jan. 15 Summer: Apr. 15 Winter: Oct. 15

• Linguistics

  Linguistics is devoted to the scientific study of language structure and use. The linguistics program offers an interdisciplinary approach to this field, permitting students to explore a wide range of topics and issues in language research.

  Visit program

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Linguistics	Open
  Graduate Certificate in Linguistics	Open

• Mathematics

  A degree in mathematics prepares students to specialize in the physical, life or social sciences, business administration, engineering and education. It provides a route by which students may achieve a level of competence to do research in any of several special mathematical areas. Math degrees allow students to prepare themselves for work as mathematicians and statisticians in industry and government; they give an opportunity to all inquisitive students to learn something about modern mathematical ideas.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Applied Mathematics	Open
  Master of Arts in Mathematical Statistics	Open
  Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics: Statistics	Open
  Master of Science in Mathematics	Open
  Ph.D. in Mathematics	Jan. 31

• Nutrition and food science

  Students earning a degree in nutrition and food science will be prepared to enter the nutrition or food science profession, dietetics field, or positions in a variety of food businesses, research and development. Graduates are employed by public health and regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA and USDA), industries relating to food processing, manufacturing, quality control and food safety and security; foodservice management (industry, schools or hospitals), government and community agencies, health departments and wellness programs, nutrition counseling offices, food businesses and sports nutrition as well as clinical nutrition (hospitals or extended care facilities).

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Nutrition and Food Science	Open
  Master of Science in Dietetics	Apr. 1
  Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science	Open
  Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Science	Jan. 15
  Joint Master of Arts/Master of Public Health (MA/MPH)	Open

• Peace and conflict studies

  The peace and conflict studies (PCS) co-major program integrates a variety of practical courses and interdisciplinary research to allow students to combine their own majors with training, study and experience in peace studies and the emerging field of conflict resolution, at the inter-personal, national and international levels. The curriculum deals with the most fundamental of human concerns: how to manage or resolve conflict constructively. Students are introduced to the causes of human conflict and violence, as well as approaches to conflict management ranging from diplomacy, law and negotiation, to mediation and arbitration.

  Visit program

  Program	Application deadline
  Graduate Certificate in Peace and Security Studies	Open

• Philosophy

  Philosophy is one of the most versatile majors a student can choose. Because philosophy teaches individuals how to think, problem-solve, write and communicate effectively, it provides skills that are useful in any field, including law, business, medicine and technology. Philosophy majors have the highest average score of any major on the LSAT, the verbal section of GRE, and the analytical writing section of GRE. They have the highest acceptance rate of any major to medical school – at almost 50%.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Philosophy	Fall: Feb. 1 Winter: Nov. 1
  Ph.D. in Philosophy	Fall: Feb. 1 Winter: Nov. 1
  Graduate Certificate in Health Care Ethics	Fall: Feb. 1 Winter: Nov. 1

• Physics and astronomy

  Physics is the science that describes the behavior of the physical world. It is the most basic of all sciences and as such is responsible for the interpretation of fundamental physical processes which support many other scientific disciplines. The study of physics involves many of the significant ideas that have shaped Western civilization and the excitement of ongoing scientific challenges. Currently, physicists conduct research into the basic laws of nature and also make use of these ideas to design and develop new technologies. Thus, training in physics offers a variety of opportunities. Careers are possible in research laboratories, academic teaching capacities, hospitals, the military, power plants, museums, patent law firms, computer companies and a host of other areas.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Physics	Dec. 31
  Master of Science in Physics	Dec. 31
  Ph.D. in Physics	Dec. 31

• Political science

  The study of political science is focused on understanding the nature and problems of government and the role of politics in contemporary society. This is accomplished through the systematic exploration of the structure and processes of government at different levels and across nations, through the study of individual and collective political behavior and through analyses of policy problems and the processes through which public policies are formulated and administered. Political science contributes to the goals of general education by promoting civic literacy and cultivating an awareness of the opportunities and obligations of citizenship at local, state and national levels.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Political Science	Fall: Feb. 1 Winter: Nov. 1
  Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)	Open (no funding consideration) Fall (for funding consideration): Jul. 1 Winter (for funding consideration): Nov. 1 Summer (for funding consideration): March 1
  Ph.D. in Political Science	Open (no funding consideration) Fall (for funding consideration): Jan. 15 Winter (for funding consideration): Oct. 15 Summer (for funding consideration): Jun. 15
  Joint Master of Arts/Juris Doctor (MA/JD)	Fall: Feb. 1 Winter: Nov. 1
  Graduate Certificate in Economic Development	Open
  Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management	Open (no funding consideration) Fall (for funding consideration): Jul. 1 Winter (for funding consideration): Nov. 1 Summer (for funding consideration): March 1

• Psychology

  The possibilities for careers in psychology are more varied than ever. The range of work available to psychology graduates goes beyond laboratory researchers or individual therapists. Although a bachelor's degree in psychology will not prepare you to become a professional psychologist (students interested in a career as a therapist must complete a graduate program), an undergraduate major can mean that a student graduates with both a strong liberal arts/science education and adequate preparation for entry-level employment in one of many career paths.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Psychology (combined with Ph.D.)	Dec. 1
  Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology	May 1
  Ph.D. in Psychology (combined M.A. and Ph.D.)	Visit program
  Ph.D. in Psychology and Infant Mental Health	Visit program

• Sociology

  Sociology is the study of society and social relationships and is an excellent major for anyone interested in social issues or the dynamics of social interaction. Training in sociology allows students to look beyond individuals and consider and analyze how social and historical forces shape human interactions. Sociology is a very broad field. Students can study topics such as race and ethnicity, health, gender, international development, the economy, politics, labor, sexuality and religion. Sociology is relevant for any career that involves social interactions.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Master of Arts in Sociology	Jan. 15 (or special exception)
  Master of Arts: Applied Methodology Research	Jan. 15 (or special exception)
  Ph.D. in Sociology	Jan. 15
  Graduate Certificate in Economic Development	Open

• Urban studies and planning

  The field of urban studies explores contemporary cities and urban trends and addresses some of today's most pressing problems. Globally, complex systems of urban settlement house the overwhelming majority of the population and dominate their residents' social, economic, cultural and intellectual lives. In the U.S., in particular, exploring the development and transformation of metropolitan regions is essential to understanding some of the most significant dynamics affecting the nation.

  Especially pertinent are the powerful forces of suburbanization, political fragmentation, and residential segregation along lines of race and class that reshaped our society in the latter half of the 20th century. These forces structure the resources, activities and opportunities that unite and divide Americans. Wayne State's Detroit location offers a powerful vantage point from which students may gain valuable insight into these complex dynamics.

  Visit department

  Program	Application deadline
  Masters in Urban Planning (M.U.P.)	Open
  Graduate Certificate in Economic Development	Open
  Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Sciences	Open
  Graduate Certificate in Urban Sustainability	Open