Graduate degree programs

* PhD programs for which a GRE score is required for admission.

Alternative energy technology (M.S.)

Alternative Energy Technology (AET) will dominate Michigan's industrial and technology landscape for the coming decades, as evidenced by the tremendous amount of investment that the federal government, automotive industry and fuel cell manufacturers have committed to advancing a hydrogen-based economy. Wayne State developed a comprehensive set of advanced educational programs to prepare the current and future Michigan workforce for the emerging AET field.

WSU's comprehensive curricula not only prepares our full-time graduate and undergraduate students, but also caters to Michigan's working engineers and scientists, to advance their knowledge and skills for emerging careers in AET. Our ultimate goal is to position Michigan as a primary center for alternative energy education, curriculum research and development.

Learn more about M.S. in alternative energy technology

Artificial intelligence (M.S.)

As complex as it is nascent, artifical intelligence necessitates particular skill sets that are currently limited in the workforce. Wayne State's master of science program in AI will bolster the talent pipeline into a global industry projected to surpass $1.6 trillion by 2030. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides students with a distinct learning experience involving a variety of engineering disciplines, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving across diverse domains.

This M.S. program provides students with a broad foundation in AI, combined with experience in in-depth application areas. This approach offers students the skills and knowledge to succeed in spaces where rapid adoption of these burgeoning technologies is most evident, including manufacturing, health care, retail, aerospace, automotive and logistics.

Learn more about M.S. in artificial intelligence

Biomedical engineering (M.S.)

The Biomedical Engineering Department at Wayne State University offers Bridge Certificate in Injury Biomechanics, MS, PhD and MD/PhD degrees.  It is involved in some of the most advanced research in the field. Our faculty have made significant contributions to automotive safety and the prevention of sports-related and military injuries. Groundbreaking research is also being conducted in the development of tissue-engineered nerves and heart valves as well as imaging techniques for improved diagnosis of brain injury and cancer. Our research has led to improvement in the standards of the automotive industry, better protective equipment for our soldiers and athletes, new techniques to repair damaged tissue, and improved diagnostic imaging of trauma and disease. 

Learn more about M.S. in biomedical engineering

Biomedical engineering (Ph.D.) *

The Biomedical Engineering Department at Wayne State University offers Bridge Certificate in Injury Biomechanics, MS, PhD and MD/PhD degrees.  It is involved in some of the most advanced research in the field. Our faculty have made significant contributions to automotive safety and the prevention of sports-related and military injuries. Groundbreaking research is also being conducted in the development of tissue-engineered nerves and heart valves as well as imaging techniques for improved diagnosis of brain injury and cancer. Our research has led to improvement in the standards of the automotive industry, better protective equipment for our soldiers and athletes, new techniques to repair damaged tissue, and improved diagnostic imaging of trauma and disease. 

Learn more about Ph.D. in biomedical engineering

Chemical engineering (M.S.)

The graduate program in chemical engineering at Wayne State University is designed to provide students with various opportunities to develop advanced competence in traditional and modern chemical engineering science to solve challenging problems. The program attracts high-quality and enthusiastic students from a variety of backgrounds, such as chemical engineering, (bio)chemistry, biology, polymer engineering and energy engineering. Active research areas include nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy, product and process systems engineering, and sustainable engineering. 

The M.S. in chemical engineering is a research-oriented degree that prepares students for a variety of career paths, and/or a coursework-based degree that provides students with added depth in the technical aspects of the field and breadth through accomplishing elective courses.

Learn more about M.S. in chemical engineering

Chemical engineering (Ph.D.)

The graduate program in chemical engineering at Wayne State University is designed to provide students with various opportunities to develop advanced competence in traditional and modern chemical engineering science to solve challenging problems. The program attracts high-quality and enthusiastic students from a variety of backgrounds, such as chemical engineering, (bio)chemistry, biology, polymer engineering and energy engineering. Active research areas include nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy, product and process systems engineering, and sustainable engineering.

The Ph.D. in chemical engineering is a research-oriented degree that prepares students for independent research careers in industry or academia. 

Learn more about Ph.D. in chemical engineering

Civil engineering (M.S.)

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers graduate students a challenging, state-of-the-art education in the analysis, design and management of civil engineering systems. 

Learn more about M.S. in civil engineering

Civil engineering (Ph.D.)

The Department offers doctoral programs in all the major areas listed as core specializations under the Master of Science degree: environmental engineering, structures, and transportation. Ph.D. applications are currently not being accepted at this time for geotechnical engineering and construction engineering management.

Learn more about Ph.D. in civil engineering

Civil engineering and urban sustainability (Dual-Title)

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Civil and Environmental Engineering can apply to earn a Ph.D. with a major in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a dual-title in Urban Sustainability. This dual-title degree is designed to prepare professionals to solve challenging urban problems that require working across disciplines. Students enrolled in the dual-title program take courses in topics and develop specific skills relating to urban sustainability. Students in Civil and Environmental Engineering will also conduct an internship or science exchange in Urban Sustainability, help develop and participate in colloquia and seminars, perform community service, and write funding proposals. The dual-title coursework follows competencies outlined by the Transformative Research in Urban Sustainability Training program.

Learn more about Ph.D. dual-title in civil engineering and urban sustainability

Computer engineering (M.S.)

The Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate program offers one of the broadest curricula within the college, with courses spanning a wide range of sub-disciplines.  To focus their efforts, graduate students may consider selecting courses based on an area of concentration.

Learn more about M.S. in computer engineering

Computer engineering (Ph.D.) *

The Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate program offers one of the broadest curricula within the college, with courses spanning a wide range of sub-disciplines.  To focus their efforts, graduate students may consider selecting courses based on an area of concentration.

Learn more about Ph.D. in computer engineering

Computer science (M.S.)

The mission of the M.S. program at the Department of Computer Science at Wayne State University is to instill in our students a strong theoretical background in computer science, to expose them to the various rich disciplines in computer science, and to develop an appreciation for state of the art research. Students build their theoretical background via our core courses of algorithms and automata. Furthermore, students are able to broaden their perspectives by choosing courses from a variety of computer science disciplines including artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer game design, computer graphics, computer networking, computer vision, data mining, database management systems, parallel and distributed systems, real-time and embedded systems, and software engineering. Finally, our graduate seminars invite experts from across the country giving our students a taste for state-of-the-art research. By the end of our program, our students are well-equipped and able to pursue further Ph.D. studies as well as careers in industry, government and other organizations.

Learn more about M.S. with a major in computer science

Computer science: artificial intelligence (online) (M.S.)

This M.S. in computer science online program with concentration in artificial intelligence provides a broad foundation in AI, combined with experience in in-depth application areas. This approach offers you the skills and knowledge to succeed in spaces where rapid adoption of these burgeoning technologies is most evident, including manufacturing, health care, retail, aerospace, automotive and logistics.

Students will gain technical training and expertise that will prepare them to:

  • Work as engineers, consults and entrepreneurs in industries where AI can provide a competitive edge
  • Pursue a Ph.D. in computer science, electrical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, or a related field


Learn more about the online M.S. in computer science: artificial intelligence

Computer science (Ph.D.) *

The mission of the Ph.D. program in the Department of Computer Science at Wayne State University is to prepare students to become leading researchers and educators, both in academia and in industry. First, we expect students to obtain a broad knowledge of computer science by taking graduate-level courses in a variety of sub-areas in computer science, such as artificial intelligence, networking, databases, algorithms, complexity, hardware, human-computer interaction, graphics or bioinformatics. Second, since the Ph.D. is a scholarly degree, a core objective of the program is to prepare computer science professionals who are able to conduct research of exceptional quality. By working closely with a faculty advisor, a Ph.D. student is expected to develop a research project in one of the several sub-disciplines of computer science supported by the department. In addition, the departmental research laboratories possess state-of-the-art computational resources that enable students to tackle a wide range of computationally intensive problems as part of a research team. Upon completion of the Ph.D. program, a student will be able to pursue a career as a computer science professional in academic research, computer science education, industrial applications and related management positions. 

Learn more about Ph.D. with a major in computer science

Construction management (online) (M.S.)

The online Master of Science in construction management will give you the tools to succeed in upper management roles in the construction business. Graduates will possess advanced knowledge of all aspects of the project lifecycle, including engineering, procurement and construction phases.

Learn more about the online M.S. in construction management

Data science and business analytics (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics is a novel interdisciplinary degree program that leverages the strengths of Wayne State in machine learning, statistics, operations research, advanced computing, and business by combining the world-class expertise of the College of Engineering and the Mike Ilitch School of Business.  This program can be completed in one-year by students committed nearly full-time to the program and two-years for part-time students. By blending the strengths of these nationally ranked programs, graduates will learn to integrate skills in a unique and interdisciplinary way that yields deep insights into data science and business analytics problems.

Learn more about M.S. in data science and business analytics

Electrical engineering (M.S.)

The Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate program offers one of the broadest curricula within the college, with courses spanning a wide range of sub-disciplines.  To focus their efforts, graduate students may consider selecting courses based on an area of concentration. 

Learn more about M.S. in electrical engineering

Electrical and computer engineering: semiconductor engineering (online) (M.S.)

This M.S. in semiconductor engineering online program, delivered by Wayne State's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers students and working professionals with backgrounds in electrical engineering, computer science, physics or chemistry a comprehensive skillset that can be immediately applied in the semiconductor engineering domain.

Students will gain technical training and expertise that will prepare them to:

  • Design, fabricate and test semiconductor devices, interfaces and structures
  • Use critical thinking and creativity to solve technological challenges facing manufacturers and industry leaders
  • Address the talent shortage in the semiconductor industry and fuel U.S. efforts toward self-reliance in chip manufacturing


Learn more about the online M.S. in electrical and computer engineering: semiconductor engineering

Electrical engineering (Ph.D.) *

The Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate program offers one of the broadest curricula within the college, with courses spanning a wide range of sub-disciplines.  To focus their efforts, graduate students may consider selecting courses based on an area of concentration.

Learn more about Ph.D. in electrical engineering

Electric-drive vehicle engineering (M.S.)

Electric-drive Vehicle Engineering (EVE) is an interdisciplinary program that includes faculty from the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. This program was established in 2009, and developed in close cooperation with governmental agencies, industry, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program's goal is to prepare students for advanced competence in emerging vehicle electrification, on-board energy storage, and driving autonomy. It attracts students from a variety of engineering backgrounds, such as automotive, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering.  Active research areas include battery pack, connected and autonomous vehicles, electrified powertrain architectures, and vehicle power management. The M.S. in Electric-drive Vehicle Engineering prepares students for a variety of career paths in automotive industry, component suppliers, batteries and energy storage systems, etc. 

Learn more about M.S. in electric-drive vehicle engineering

Engineering management (M.S.)

The M.S. degree program in engineering management is designed to build both technical competence and business acumen. The program builds understanding and skills critical to the support of fast-to-market strategies, which also guarantee product quality and cost minimization. A systematic analytical framework is developed and coupled with tools for managing the engineering and technical functions within manufacturing-based companies.

This cross-disciplinary program draws from the expertise of the College of Engineering and School of Business Administration and develops the engineering leader who is responsible for designing and implementing strategies to successfully compete in the 21st century.

Learn more about M.S. in engineering management

Environmental and sustainability engineering (M.S.)

The master of science in environmental and sustainability engineering aims to advance environmental engineering and sustainability to enhance human well-being through the development, application, and dissemination of relevant knowledge.

Learn more about M.S. in environmental and sustainability engineering

Engineering technology (M.S.)

The master's degree in engineering technology (MSET) is designed to provide graduate education to engineering technology baccalaureate degree holders and to prepare them for performing more sophisticated and independent tasks in a technical workplace. Graduates of this program have been employed in such areas as manufacturing engineering, production engineering, maintenance, marketing, quality control, product testing, field engineering, design, technical supervision, and more. 

Learn more about M.S. in engineering technology

Global executive track - GET (Ph.D.)

The Global executive track (GET) Ph.D. program is based on the expectation that you, learning partner, will develop the ability to think intensely and critically about problems confronting an organization, a community, a nation and the world. Through conceptually modeling these problems, assessing and modifying the assumptions underlying the models, testing assumptions empirically and applying modes of thought drawn from many disciplines, you will draw conclusions and propose solutions based on the results your research generates.

Our curricula and coursework provide a foundation for conducting rigorous research and practicing evidence-based management. Courses are interrelated theoretically and methodologically and prepare you to bring academic, theoretical and empirical perspectives to take on problems that you face in your organization or in public policy advocacy.

Learn more about a Ph.D. with the Global executive track program

Industrial engineering (M.S.)

The M.S. program in industrial engineering is built on a core designed to provide breadth of experience in systems modeling, analysis, and applications common in industrial engineering and operations analysis.

Learn more about M.S. in industrial engineering

Industrial engineering (Ph.D.) *

The faculty and students conduct research in most areas of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering and bring annually more than $3 million in federal, state and industrial research grants. The department has a rich history of conducting research with strong emphasis on addressing "real world" problems. This is attributed mostly to our prime location (in Southeast Michigan, the epicenter of U.S. automotive industry) as well as recruitment of faculty with substantial industry and consulting experience.

Learn more about Ph.D. in industrial engineering

Injury biomechanics (online) (M.S.)

The online master of science in injury biomechanics at Wayne State University will provide you with the skills and training necessary to address impact biomechanics and motor vehicle trauma in the automotive and defense industries as well as blast-induced injury biomechanics and countermeasures. With broad interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on experience, you'll stand out in the biomechanics industry — and you'll connect with a global network of Wayne State alumni who are leaders in the field.

Learn more about online M.S. in injury biomechanics

Manufacturing engineering (M.S.)

The M.S. degree program in manufacturing engineering is built on a core designed to provide a firm foundation in the various elements of manufacturing and systems engineering. Building on this preparation, the student constructs a concentration in one of the following five areas:

  • General option
  • Thesis option
  • Advanced manufacturing systems
  • Qualtiy engineering
  • SMART manufacturing systems

  •  

Learn more about M.S. in manufacturing engineering

Materials science and engineering (M.S.)

Wayne State University's graduate program in materials science (M.S. and Ph.D.) offers an outstanding foundation for careers in research, academia and industrial manufacturing. We have a strong focus on the development of novel nanomaterials (polymers and metals) for industrial applications ranging from automotive, medical, electronic and materials for energy-related applications. Broad areas of interests include energy, nanotechnology, nanomedicine, polymer processing, simulations/modeling and biofuels. Students perform research and learn in a collaborative and challenging environment.

Learn more about M.S. in materials science and engineering

Materials science and engineering (Ph.D.)

Wayne State University's graduate program in materials science (M.S. and Ph.D.) offers an outstanding foundation for careers in research, academia and industrial manufacturing. We have a strong focus on the development of novel nanomaterials (polymers and metals) for industrial applications ranging from automotive, medical, electronic and materials for energy-related applications. Broad areas of interests include energy, nanotechnology, nanomedicine, polymer processing, simulations/modeling and biofuels. Students perform research and learn in a collaborative and challenging environment.

Learn more Ph.D. in materials science and engineering

Mechanical engineering (M.S.)

The mechanical engineering curriculum is designed to prepare graduate students in many applied fields, including such important areas as energy conversion, combustion engines, emissions controls, vehicle dynamics and design, machine tool design, biomechanics, manufacturing, structural analysis, automatic controls, continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics, acoustics and noise control, laser diagnostics, composite materials, and emerging areas in fuel cells and alternative energy, micro- and nano-science.

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most versatile fields of the engineering profession. The opportunities and challenges in mechanical engineering are diverse and virtually unlimited. The broad variety of career possibilities includes research and development, design analysis and synthesis, manufacturing and production engineering, testing and sales engineering, maintenance and administration.

Learn more about M.S. in mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering: energy storage and vehicle science (online) (M.S.)

This M.S. in mechanical engineering online program with concentration in energy storage and vehicle science will explore the key value propositions of reducing the carbon footprint of the automotive industry. Students will gain technical training and expertise that will prepare them to:

  • Take positions of technical leadership in the energy and automotive sectors
  • Meet the global demand for clean energy and reduced emissions
  • Discover new opportunities to improve fuel resources, grid storage and efficiency


Learn more about the online M.S. in mechanical engineering: energy storage and vehicle science

Mechanical engineering (Ph.D.)

The mechanical engineering curriculum is designed to prepare graduate students in many applied fields, including such important areas as biomechanics, energy conversion, combustion engines, emissions controls, machine tool design, manufacturing, computer graphics, structural analysis, automatic controls, vehicle dynamics and design, continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics, environmental design, mechanisms, acoustics and noise control, laser diagnostics and composite materials. Faculty members in the department are currently engaged in state-of-the-art research in all of these areas. Specialized areas of research support for graduate students include: manufacturing processes, composite material behavior, combustion, acoustics and noise control, vibrations, laser diagnostics, biomechanics, control of mechanical systems, sheet metal stamping, and engine research.

Learn more about a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering

Professional engineering management master's program (EMMP)

*Ford Motor Company only*

For more than 20 years, Wayne State University has provided a world-class education to Ford Motor Company through its signature program, the Engineering Management Master's Program (EMMP). Designed for engineers with high potential on the path to leadership, the program began with the idea that future leadership would require a wide range of business and engineering skills to be globally competitive. Graduates earn a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree from Wayne State University. The program prepares experienced engineers for progressive responsibility within the technical arena, developing them as leaders and change agents. A special emphasis is placed on cultivating knowledge and skills that students can use immediately. Following two years of course work, students execute team-based leadership projects over the final year of the program. These projects serve as a capstone to the EMMP educational experience. Students take corporate priorities and translate them into high-visibility projects, providing immediate impact to the student and company.

Learn more about the professional engineering management master's program

Robotics (M.S.)

The new M.S. program in robotics will deliver critical industry-driven, hands-on learning content to students looking to join an emergent workforce of technologists and automation specialists. It is part of the College of Engineering's ongoing strategy to present a broader set of degrees and certificates focused on autonomous driving, connectivity, smart infrastructure and electrification. Students can choose from three concentration tracks, each delivered by different departments within the college — industrial automation (engineering technology), intelligent control (electrical and computer engineering), and smart mobility (computer science). All three tracks will have a common 10-credit core requirement.

Learn more about M.S. in robotics

Robotics: industrial automation (online) (M.S.)

The online M.S. in robotics with concentration in industrial automation, delivered by Wayne State's Engineering Technology Division, offers students and working professionals with backgrounds in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or similar backgrounds a comprehensive skillset that can be used across diverse and emerging applications of robotics to meet industry needs.

Students will gain technical training and expertise that will prepare them to:

  • Develop automated and semi-automated systems in manufacturing, agriculture and supply chain management
  • Lead robotics engineering teams to manage complex projects
  • Further integrate adaptable and collaborative robotics in flexible manufacturing


Learn more about the online M.S. in robotics: industrial automation

Systems engineering (online) (MS)

The online M.S. in systems engineering (MSSE) program, tailored for engineering professionals, offers concentrations in "Commercial Systems" and "Defense Systems," aligns with INCOSE standards, and includes a capstone course to prepare students for certification exams. Prioritizing cost-effective asynchronous online instruction, the program aims to be Michigan's first comprehensive online MS program in Systems Engineering, equipping engineers with specialized skills for addressing complex systems engineering challenges.

Learn more about the online M.S. in systems engineering