About Northern Michigan University

When it first opened its doors in 1899 as Northern State Normal School, 32 students were greeted by a faculty of six on a 22-acre campus. Northern's first day of classes, now celebrated as NMU's birthday, was held on September 19, 1899. 

During this time, educating teachers was the sole mission of the school. Northern underwent its first name change to Northern State Teacher's College in 1927, and changed again in 1942 to Northern Michigan College of Education.

As enrollment swelled in the '50s and '60s, this small teacher's college became a diversified institution with dramatic growth in faculty and facilities. With the diversified courses came a new name, Northern Michigan College, in 1955.  Under a state constitution in 1963, Northern, like all public institutions in Michigan, was granted university status and an autonomous Board of Trustees, as well as its name change to today's Northern Michigan University.

Today, NMU is home to just over 6,500 students pursuing degrees in over 180 degree programs on an expanded 360 acre campus. Northern offers educational programs ranging from associates to graduate degrees, as well as certificates, diplomas, a doctorate, and more.