Wayne State University Reviews

"I had high hopes for Wayne, and I did want to like it, despite some of the things I have heard about it. However, I have a few pretty serious criticisms that I would like to put out there in hopes that no one will fall into the situation that I have. First and foremost, they are are not entirely ADA compliant. The disabilities office will try to work with you, but the campus's overall accessibility is a joke. For an institution that claims to care about diversity, and those who have been marginalized, they sure do have a lot of barriers in place. Elevators are breaking down constantly in the older buildings and parking structures, making classes inaccessible to people who have mobility issues. This is a problem not only for people with mobility issues, but people with heart and breathing conditions, who may be carrying heavy things, or have joint problems as well. While the disability office DOES advocate for the students (which I highly appreciate), and will try to work with what your needs are, this literally a constant problem that has not been adequately addressed. Disabilities services can only do so much for students when the greater institution does not prioritize accessibility. Additionally, some of the buildings are hard to get to, and do not have nearby parking structures, so unless you sign up for disability services ahead of time and get classrooms moved around for you, you may find yourself easily walking a half mile or more from where you parked your car. The parking passes are offensively expensive as well. I don't understand how an institution can charge students a couple hundred dollars for a parking pass when each student is giving the university several thousand dollars a semester (for me personally, I'm paying close to 30k this year alone for grad school), and how they can afford to continue to buy up and build new structures--and yet not give students free, or at least cheaper parking? This especially harms all of the working class students that attend Wayne, and disabled people who need to get the closest parking available. Lastly, I find that even the quality of instruction can be pretty lacking. This is just in my experience, and so I would not be quick to apply it to all professors, but it seems as though the professors have very little quality control measures in check. Many of them simply do not know how to lecture, and their teachings are very outdated. I understand that universities sometimes prioritize research over a professor's ability to communicate and teach, but it is very frustrating to feel like I am spending more than a thousand dollars of borrowed money on a class that I have to teach myself. I will try to end this on a positive note, though, since I think these are systemic issues in American academia as a whole. Wayne state does have very responsive and supportive major specific counselors and advisers who will do their best to help you navigate through all of these issues. They are readily available, at least for my program, and will genuinely advocate for what you need. Lastly, if your program requires an internship, Wayne does have a lot of really good internship opportunities given its location and overall reputation. I am very happy with the one I have received, and I'm pretty certain I will be hired there when I graduate.Read Less"

"The MSW program was the best program to ever be apart of. It provide me with all the tools that I needed to complete the degree and the teachers that were there were amazing as well. They all were from the Metro Detroit area and knew what the city was lacking in services that were needed for the people here. They brought that insight to the classroom and it was the most amazing experience that money can buy. I truly believe that I have received a phenomenal education there."

"Wayne State offers the students many options regarding choosing what they would like for their focus of their studies to be. They are supportive and willing to assist the students in many different capacities."

"It's a good school that offers a lot of hands on, real world social work experience. Teachers have professionals experience in the field, not just in teaching."

"Wayne State University is a school with a diverse population and campus."

"Overall I have enjoyed my experience at Wayne State University. My professors have been kind, caring, reasonable, and understanding. The material is interesting and important but sometimes the syllabus' could be streamlined to be more effective and manageable (especially with readings). Being a part time student can be challenging as well but be sure to meet with your advisers and stay on top of deadlines and you should have a great experience."

"I am extremely happy in choosing Wayne State's MSW program. The school provides great opportunities and support in networking with faculty and professionals in the community. The school maintains strong relationships and collaboration programs with other organizations and agencies in the Detroit area that gives students amazing opportunities to learn and be involved. Students have a lot of flexibility to structure and tailor their MSW to specific interests. For example, I am interested in Gerontology, I am part of a learning community for gerontology on campus, my placement is with an agency that works strictly with older adults, there is a gerontology certificate that you can get at the same time as your MSW using the same credits, and I am volunteering in a research lab dedicated to senior housing. The required courses are engaging and the faculty are very passionate about the field. The workload is somewhat heavy and the standards are fairly high in terms of academic success. But the program prepares you to be a successful professional and motivates you to really make a difference in the field of social work.Read Less"

"I chose this program because they offer a certificate in Gerontology. I was really impressed that credits can be "double-dipped" in that credits from my MSW courses can simultaneously be used towards the certificate, thus I will only have to take 2 extra classes beyond my MSW (most universities require separate credits for certificates beyond the credits accumulated through your graduate classes). Faculty are extremely experienced and use examples from their careers in the field to illustrate material and topics in class. The program is very connected to the community, thus there are many opportunities to get involved in whatever your interest is (research, volunteering, connections for careers, exchanges, etc). My experiences dealing with student service offices has always been pleasant and very helpful. I feel the campus is very safe, however I am still apprehensive being on campus late at night alone, which would be my only con.Read Less"

"I have been in the Grad program at Wayne State University for two months. I have taken one on campus class and two online and will be start two more online in the next week. My experience thus far has been intense however it is worth it. I am anixous for the Fall because I will have classes 3-4x a week and an 16 hour internship. I keep myself motivated because this is online a 10 month program and I know I will have a Master's next May. So I must bite the bullet. I am pleased to have wonderful professor; I hope that continues.Read Less"

"The Masters of Social Work program takes a pragmatic approach in its attempt to prepare students for their career in the field. Wayne does an excellent job of preparing students for 'real world' challenges and provides adequate support along the way. Faculty is accessible and takes a genuine interest in each student."

"The benefits of the MSW program at Wayne State University are that it is on an urban campus in Detroit, and the university provides a lot of student support."