Emerging Scholars Program

Wayne State University's Emerging Scholars Program is a special honors-level Calculus and Precalculus program designed to support students who want and/or need to excel in Mathematics and who are willing to do the hard work that is required for such success. It is available to students in MAT 1800, MAT 2010 and MAT 2020.

Any student who hopes to pursue a degree or career in Science, Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics or Math Education is strongly urged to take his or her Math courses within ESP.

In ESP, students enroll in specially designated sections of MAT 1800, 2010 and 2020, taught by specially trained faculty. They also attend a two hour workshop, twice a week, where they work together in groups on very challenging problems, gaining a much deeper understanding of the Mathematics they are studying. They are at all times held to high standards and high expectations.

The Benefits of ESP:

• A very high likelihood of success. (Typically, 85-90 % of ESP students pass their courses, with about 75% of them receiving A's or B's. The percentages for regular classes are typically around 55% and 35% respectively. On Departmental final exams, ESP classes usually average 15-20 points higher than regular classes. For example, in Winter 2001, on the MAT 1800 Final Exam, the combined median score of the regular classes was 69. The ESP median score was 89.)
• A strong foundation in Mathematics for further study in the Sciences, Engineering, Education or Math.
• Honors credits for ESP MAT 2010 and ESP MAT 2020.
• A caring support staff that tries to provide whatever individual assistance a student may need - from jobs or scholarships, to course scheduling, tutoring, help with personal problems, etc.
• Membership in a community of students that promotes friendships well beyond the classroom.
• Organized study sessions.
• Access to the ESP student lounge.
• Pizza parties, picnics, social activities (games, cards, volleyball, basketball, etc.) and of course really cool ESP T-shirts!

Getting into ESP:

Since ESP is an honors program, you must apply to get in. But, unlike most honors programs, ESP does not have any entrance requirements in terms of g.p.a. or past performance in Math. Dedication to learning and a commitment to excellence are the qualities ESP looks for in its students.

For more information and/or an application, please call or see the ESP Student Support Coordinator (313-577-2596) in the Department of Mathematics, room 1317 F/AB