What do you want to learn? Wayne State College will show you how to do it best.
For more than 100 years, the college has excelled at educating. In fact, more than a century ago its specialty was educating teachers and its moniker reflected that: State Normal School and Teacher’s College. The nationally ranked college has long since received recognition for its affordability, academic excellence and community service.
Wayne State’s graduate studies programs have also garnered numerous accolades including best online MBA in Nebraska and in the top 33 of all ranked MBA programs accredited in the country and No. 9 as most affordable online master’s degree program for 2025 out of more than 2,000 other colleges and universities in the U.S. The college is also one of a select group of institutions to achieve the Military Friendly School distinction.
“We have been very creative in looking at what students around our region need and, because of our size, are able to fill needs that are not offered by other major universities,” said Ron Loggins, Ph.D., dean of the School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice. “We have high expectations for our students and the changes we continue to make with our programs reflect that and allow us to stay on top of trends. If our students, for example, have an idea for a new class in the early fall, we have the ability to have it ready for the upcoming year. Because we are a smaller school, our reaction time is a lot quicker. In everything you hear today, everyone is looking for less traditional ways and we are in a position to accommodate that.”
Loggins said the smaller size also ensures that the program “you are enrolled in is the right one for you.”
Gerard Ras, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business and Technology, said before any student enters one of the graduate programs, “We find out why they want to take classes. We get to know them.
“What is it you do at work? Where do you want to be in the next five years? If you had this skill, how would it impact your work? How would it change your life or improve your situation?” he said. “Our programs are very customizable, and in the MBA program we have electives as well as several focus areas a student can choose from. In fact, all of our programs at Wayne State College are flexible and customizable such as the MSOM and, especially, the master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.”
Ras said that, even though the graduate degrees are 100% online, there is a personal connection that exists with advisers and professors every step of the way.
“The learning is definitely very applicable and real world,” Ras said. “Add to that the personal touch of our advisors being constantly in contact as they progress through the programs. They will discuss the need for future classes, as well as progress in the program. This is what sets our programs apart.”
While none of the graduate programs requires entrance exams, each has its own admission requirements and varying costs, is 100% online and has a mix of eight- and 16-week terms available. Students must complete 30 credit hours, at least 15 of which need to be in one primary area of study. A maximum of nine credit hours, subject to evaluation by the school, may be transferred from another regionally accredited graduate institution and applied toward a degree.
“Our faculty and staff are passionate about student success and achievement, and that’s the key to our longevity and success,” Ras said. “Our business continues to be producing the educators and thought leaders who have the capacity to inform and evoke change — for the next 100 years.”
For more information on the General Graduate Studies at Wayne State, please visit wsc.edu/graduate-admissions.
