Wright State University
Address: Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
Phone: +1 937-775-1000
Email: admissions@wright.edu
Website: www.wright.edu
About Wright State University
Established in 1964, the Wright State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Dayton (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Ohio. This institution also has a branch campus in Celina. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Wright State University is a large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Wright State University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 60-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Wright State University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Why Wright State University
Wright State University is notable for its strong ties to aerospace and defense research, its accessible education, and its commitment to community engagement. Here are some key reasons why Wright State stands out:
1. Proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
- Located near one of the largest and most significant U.S. Air Force bases, Wright State has a well-established partnership with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This connection has fostered opportunities in aerospace research, defense technology, and cybersecurity. Students and faculty frequently collaborate with the base, especially in fields like engineering, human factors psychology, and computer science.
2. Boonshoft School of Medicine
- Wright State’s Boonshoft School of Medicine is known for its emphasis on primary care and community health. It has a mission-driven focus on training physicians to serve rural and underserved communities, and its graduates often go into family medicine, pediatrics, and other fields that address healthcare shortages.
3. Research in Human Factors and Psychology
- The university has a notable program in human factors psychology, blending engineering and psychology to optimize the interaction between humans and systems. This field is particularly relevant in aviation, defense, and healthcare industries, and Wright State’s research here is recognized for its practical applications.
4. Accessible Education and Veteran Support
- Wright State is dedicated to making education accessible and affordable, particularly for veterans and military personnel. It has earned recognition for its support services, including its Veteran and Military Center, which assists students in transitioning to academic and civilian life.
5. College of Nursing and Health
- Wright State’s nursing programs are well-respected in Ohio and nationally for their quality education and focus on community health. The university’s healthcare programs have a reputation for producing competent and compassionate professionals in nursing, physical therapy, and allied health fields.
6. Innovative Programs in Fine Arts
- The Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures has earned acclaim for its fine arts training, with alumni who have gone on to success in Broadway, television, and film. This makes Wright State a prominent institution in the Midwest for aspiring actors, dancers, and filmmakers.
Wright State University has specific English language requirements for international applicants to ensure they are prepared for academic coursework in English. Here are the key requirements:
1. English Proficiency Testing
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Applicants typically need a minimum score of 61 on the TOEFL iBT.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum score of 5.5 is usually required.
- Duolingo English Test: Wright State may accept the Duolingo test as an alternative, often with a minimum required score of around 90.
2. Waivers for English Proficiency Testing
- Students who have completed secondary education in an English-speaking country or have earned a degree from a university where English is the primary language of instruction may be eligible for a waiver.
- Specific coursework in English composition at a U.S. institution may also exempt students from taking additional language proficiency tests.
3. Conditional Admission and Intensive English Program
- Wright State offers a LEAP (Learning English for Academic and Professional Purposes) program for students who do not meet the English language requirements. Students in this program take intensive English classes and may later transition to full-time academic programs upon achieving the required proficiency.
Wright State University offers a diverse range of academic programs with particular strengths in fields like engineering, business, health sciences, and education. Here are some of the university’s notable specialties:
1. Engineering and Computer Science
- Wright State’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is highly regarded, especially for programs in mechanical engineering, computer engineering, cybersecurity, and biomedical engineering. The university’s proximity to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base facilitates unique research opportunities in aerospace and defense.
2. Business
- The Raj Soin College of Business is known for its comprehensive business programs, including finance, accounting, marketing, and supply chain management. The business school emphasizes experiential learning, internships, and collaboration with local industries, offering real-world business training.
3. Health Sciences and Nursing
- Wright State has robust offerings in nursing, physical therapy, public health, and rehabilitation counseling. The Boonshoft School of Medicine is a standout program, known for its contributions to primary care and community health.
4. Education and Human Services
- The College of Education and Human Services prepares students for careers in teaching, counseling, and educational leadership. Its programs in special education and school counseling are well-regarded, and it maintains partnerships with local schools for hands-on training.
5. Psychology
- Wright State offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, with research specializations in human factors and industrial-organizational psychology. The university collaborates with defense and industry sectors, adding applied psychology components, particularly in human factors.
6. Fine Arts
- The Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures is well-known for its quality training programs in acting, dance, and film production. Its alumni have found success on Broadway and in various film and media industries.
7. Aerospace and Defense Research
- Due to its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Wright State is involved in aerospace and defense research. The university’s research partnerships in aviation, cybersecurity, and engineering are especially beneficial for students interested in these fields.
Wright State University has a number of distinguished professors across its academic programs, recognized for their contributions to research, teaching, and service. Here are some notable professors:
1. Dr. Caroline Cao – Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering
- Dr. Cao is a prominent professor in human factors engineering and biomedical engineering. Her research focuses on surgical simulation, medical robotics, and ergonomic design for healthcare applications. She has earned a reputation for pioneering work that combines engineering with health sciences, aiming to improve patient care and healthcare technologies.
2. Dr. Travis Doom – Computer Science and Engineering
- Dr. Doom is known for his work in bioinformatics, computer science education, and algorithms. A respected educator, he is frequently involved in outreach initiatives and curriculum development for computer science programs. His teaching and mentorship have helped shape the careers of many students entering the tech industry.
3. Dr. Corey D. Seemiller – Leadership Studies in Education and Organizations
- A professor in the field of leadership studies, Dr. Seemiller is known nationally for her research on Generation Z and her work in leadership education. She is a published author and speaker on student leadership development, often cited in studies on youth engagement and leadership training programs.
4. Dr. Sheila Shellabarger – University Librarian and Archivist
- Dr. Shellabarger has led significant projects in library sciences, particularly focusing on digital archiving and information accessibility. As head of the Wright State University Libraries, she has contributed to the development of digital resources and archives, making important regional history and resources available to students and the public.
5. Dr. John Gallagher – Psychology
- Dr. Gallagher’s expertise lies in human factors psychology and cognitive engineering. He conducts research related to aviation psychology, decision-making, and systems design, often in collaboration with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His work is instrumental in developing safer and more effective systems for both military and civilian applications.
6. Dr. Julian Gomez-Cambronero – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Dr. Gomez-Cambronero is a respected biochemist recognized for his research on cell signaling and inflammatory diseases. His studies on cellular mechanisms have implications for diseases like cancer and chronic inflammation, and he has published extensively in the field.
7. Dr. Valerie Stoker – Religion and Philosophy
- A professor of religion and South Asian studies, Dr. Stoker’s research includes the study of Hinduism, ethics, and religious philosophies. She is known for her expertise in Indian philosophy and ethics, contributing to religious studies with her in-depth cultural and historical analyses.
8. Dr. Raymond L. Fitzgerald – Chemistry and Forensic Science
- Dr. Fitzgerald is well-regarded in forensic science, specifically in the areas of toxicology and analytical chemistry. His work has applications in forensic investigations, and he collaborates on projects that enhance forensic techniques and practices used in crime labs.
Wright State University does not currently have any direct Nobel laureates associated with it among its alumni or faculty. However, the university has made significant contributions in areas that align with Nobel-recognized fields, particularly through its research in psychology, engineering, and health sciences, as well as partnerships with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
While it may not have Nobel Prize winners, Wright State is noted for its research in human factors psychology, aerospace engineering, and healthcare, which has a wide impact on both the regional and national levels. The Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State is also recognized for its emphasis on community health, primary care, and research into health challenges affecting underserved populations.