Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Graduate Business Students
General Graduate Information
What graduate degrees are offered through the School of Business?
The School of Business offers a Master in Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), and Master of Science in Taxation (MST).
How many credits are required to complete the MBA?
The MBA program is 12 courses, or 36 credits, plus any required foundation courses. Each applicant's educational background will be individually examined by the graduate committee to determine if any foundation coursework is needed.
How many credits are required to complete the MSA?
The MSA program is 10 courses, or 30 credits, plus any required foundation courses. Each applicant's educational background will be individually examined by the graduate committee to determine if any foundation coursework is needed.
How many credits are required to complete the MST?
The MST program is 10 courses, or 30 credits, plus any required foundation courses. Each applicant's educational background will be individually examined by the graduate committee to determine if any foundation coursework is needed.
How can I waive my foundation courses?
Your foundation courses can be waived based on past educational experience. We review all college transcripts to determine foundation requirements. We do not consider work experience in waiving foundation requirements.
Do I need to select a concentration area in the MBA program?
There is no official concentration available in the MBA program. However, students can tailor their education by selecting elective courses within the School of Business that meet their interests and career goals.
Where are the graduate courses offered?
Courses are offered on Wayne State University's main campus in Detroit, the Wayne State Oakland Center in Farmington Hills, or the Macomb University Center in Clinton Township. Courses are also offered online.
When are the graduate courses offered?
Courses are offered during the evenings and online at your convenience. Courses are also offered Saturday mornings and afternoons at the Oakland Center in Farmington Hills.
What options do I have for completing the MBA program?
You have the option of combining evening, online and Saturday courses. The program is designed to be flexible to each student's individual needs.
How long do I have to complete my degree?
You are given six years from your first core or elective course to complete the program.
What is the cost of the MBA, MST and MSA programs?
Resident tuition costs for graduate business programs is $529.85 per credit hour, or $1081.50 for non-residents. (Fall 2009) Find your total cost using the tuition calculator.
How many courses should I take each semester?
Students must consider their own work schedules and personal commitments in choosing the number of courses to take each semester. A full-time student is enrolled in eight or more credits per semester. Anything fewer than eight credits is considered part-time.
Graduate Admissions Information
How do I apply?
You complete an online application form, available here. There is a $50 application fee. Students must also arrange to have transcripts from all prior colleges/universities, and official GMAT scores mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions. International students should refer to the graduate admissions Web site for additional requirements.
What are the admissions requirements?
A 2.5 undergraduate grade point average and a 450 GMAT score are required for admission to the MBA, MSA, and MST programs.
When are the application deadlines?
The deadline for fall term is July 1st, the deadline for winter term is November 1st, and the deadline for spring/summer term is March15th. Please contact the Office of Student Services at 313-577-4510 if you think that you have missed the deadline.
Where should I send my application and transcripts?
All application materials should be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 42 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48202.
Are letters of recommendation or an essay required?
Letters of recommendation and/or essays are not required in applying to the MBA, MSA or MST programs.
Is a certain amount of work experience required to be considered for admission?
Work experience is not required for admission to the MBA, MSA or MST programs.
Is the GMAT required?
Yes, the GMAT is required for admission into the MBA, MSA, and MST programs. A minimum score of 450 is required.
How can I prepare for the GMAT?
Information on the GMAT can be found at the official GMAT Web site.
Wayne State University also offers a GMAT preparation workshops each semester. Students can find more information on these workshops on the Executive and Professional Development Web site or by calling 313-577-4449.
How do I schedule the GMAT?
Students can schedule the GMAT by phone, mail, or online. Further information can be found at the official GMAT Web site.
Can I take graduate courses prior to taking the GMAT?
You may begin courses in the MBA, MSA, or MST programs prior to taking the GMAT if you request a permit to register status. You must submit the application for admission along with all required admissions materials. You must also send the permit to register form, and proof of undergraduate degree, to your academic advisor.
This status is not an admission into a graduate program, and is good for one semester only. You must take the GMAT to be officially admitted into a graduate business program. There is no financial aid available under this status.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available to students officially admitted into a graduate program. Please visit the financial aid Web site for more information on eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions for Undergraduate Business Students
What prerequisites are required to be admitted into the School of Business?
There are no prerequisites required for admission into the School of Business. All undergraduate WSU students are welcome to apply and begin work in the business program.
What majors are offered in the School of Business?
There are six (6) majors in the School of Business. They are:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Information Systems Management (ISM)
- Management (General Management and Human Resources Management)
- Marketing (General Marketing and Advertising/Marketing Communications)
How do I declare an undergraduate business major?
All students need to do is fill out the School of Business application found in the Office of Student Services located in Room 200, Prentis Building, 5201 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202.
Can I major and minor in Business?
Yes, speak to your adviser for more details.
How many credits do I need to graduate from the School of Business?
Students need a minimum of 122 credits to graduate from our business program.
Do I have to do a foreign language for my business degree?
Students are not required to take a foreign language. The Foreign Culture (FC) requirement can be fulfilled through a language sequence, or a culture course.
What's the difference between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science?
For a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, students do not need to take a foreign language. For a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, students must complete a language at the intermediate level.
Can I double major or co-major in Business?
Yes, speak to your adviser for more details.
How do I change my major within business?
Students simply need to fill out a change of major form. These forms are available in the Office of Student Services located in Room 200, Prentis Building, 5201Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. Students should receive a new plan of work reflecting the new major within 2 to 4 weeks.
How do I get an internship approved?
Please contact the Business Department at 313-577-4525, the Accounting Department at 313-577-4530, or the School of Business Career Planning and Placement Office at 313-577-4781. They will be able to further explain the requirements and guidelines of an internship.
What are free electives and non-business electives?
Free electives must be classes selected from any area in the university except for LFA (Life Fitness Activity or physical education) courses. Once students attain junior status, or 56 credit hours, free electives must be at the 3000 level or higher. Non-business electives follow the same guidelines, but cannot be taken in ECO (Economics) or any other business area.
Can I take some of my classes at a community college?
Students must fill out a Michigan Guest Student Application, and have their academic advisor provide a signature. Students must submit this application to the community college of their choice for registration. Once finished with the class, students must have the official transcripts sent directly from that school to the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer Credit Office so that your courses can be evaluated and applied to your transcripts. Their mailing address is:
Transfer Credit Evaluations
Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 02759
Detroit, MI 48202-0759
How many credits do I need to take at Wayne State to officially declare my degree as coming from WSU?
The final year and the last 32 credits must be taken at Wayne State University.
How can I get my grade changed?
Only instructors have the authority to change student grades. Students must contact the instructor of the class to inquire about grade changes.
When are walk-ins?
Walk-In Advising is held every Tuesday (excluding holidays) from 9 am until 6 pm in the Office of Student Services located in Room 200, Prentis Building, 5201Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202.
Who is my advisor?
We assign advisors based on the first letter of your last name. Visit the advising page to find the name and contact information for your advisor.
How do I meet with my advisor?
Students should call 313-577-4510 to set up an appointment with your advisor. The reception desk of the Office of Student Services, located in Room 200, Prentis Building, 5201 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202, maintains advisor schedules and sets up all appointments.
The system says I have a “Probation Hold”. Why can't I register?
As an undergraduate student, you are required to complete a business degree with an overall grade point average of 2.0, as well as a 2.0 major GPA. Any semester in which a student's overall GPA is below 2.0, a probation hold is automatically placed, which prevents registration activity until a student meets with his/her advisor.
How do I file for degree?
Students file for degree through WSU Pipeline. Click on the “Student” tab, select the "Apply for Degree or Certificate" link, under the "Student Self-Service" menu, and follow the instructions.
When do I file for degree?
Students are encouraged to file for degree by the Friday of the fourth week of classes of their last semester. Pay close attention to University deadlines and policies when filing.