Want to know more about NMU and our programs? Click on the links below for answers to frequently asked questions.

To discover more about the Marquette community and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, discover Marquette.

General FAQ

NMU is a publicly funded State university.

Undergraduate: 173 computer-based, 500 paper-based, or 61 iBT. We also accept an IELTS of 6.0 or better. Graduate: 213 computer-based, 550 paper-based, or 79 iBT. IELTS of 6.5 or better. The higher your score the easier it will be for you to adjust to life in the USA and on campus. If English is your native language, a TOEFL is not required. Our school code is 1560.

Yes, NMU does have an ESL school. Please click on the link for more information.

Yes, there is a NMU Award for International Academic Award or the Transfer International Academic Award. These are based on your GPA upon admission to NMU. The amount of the awards are $1100 per semester and you must maintain an overall GPA of a 3.0 to continue to receive the awards. For more information on each of these awards, please visit our scholarships page.

“Compulsory” means you must purchase the health insurance offered program by NMU. This policy is for basic coverage only. You may wish to obtain a an additional comprehensive health insurance policy.

Yes, NMU provides a safe environment. Being a medium-sized campus, located in a city of only 23,000 people in a rural part of Michigan, the crime rate is very low.

No, NMU is an easily navigable, compact campus in a small city; many students do not have cars. 

Approximately 7,500 students attend NMU.

Undergraduate lecture class size is approximately 25 to 30 students per instructor; lab size is approximately 10 to 15 students per class.

Yes, the International Students at NMU have an active organization on campus called the All Nations Club. The club organizes an International Food Festival as well as other fun cultural activities. View a full listing of student organizations on The Hub.

We are located in the northern mid-west region of the USA. NMU is situated in Marquette, which is a small city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the southern shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. Marquette is served by three major airline hubs: Detroit, Michigan, 750 km; Chicago, Illinois, 640 km; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, 645 km.

NMU is located in the northern part of the U.S.A., so winters have cold weather and snow. The average winter temperature is -5 degrees C. However, the NMU campus has many covered walkways that allow students to move between many buildings without going outside. The winter months also provide opportunities for fun activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Yes, NMU does have an MBA program.

You may be able to work on campus for the university for up to 20 hours per week. The rate of pay may vary but will be approximately US$7.40 per hour. Visa restrictions prohibit International Students from working off campus for an employer other than the university.

NMU has adequate housing on campus for all students. All students under the age of twenty-one must live on campus for two years (four semesters) or live with a host family; however, prior approval is required.

Graduate FAQs

213 computer-based, 550 paper-based, or 79 iBT. IELTS of 6.5 or better. If English is your native language, a TOEFL is not required. Our school code is 1560.

GRE exam results are needed (no minimum score required) for admission to the Biology, Biology/Biochemistry, Psychology, and Public Administration programs. A GMAT score of 500 is desired for the Business Administration (MBA) program. Students with lower GMAT scores may be conditionally accepted if they have a superior GPA and writing skills.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to most programs; however, certain fields of study may have acceptance GPAs that are higher or lower, based on the competitiveness of the program.

  1. Complete the International Graduate Student Admissions Application
  2. Pay US$50 application fee (must be in U.S. Funds).
  3. Mail official transcripts with professional translation.
  4. Prepare Credential Evaluation with ECE or WES.
  5. Supply English proficiency and other test scores required by your specific graduate program.
  6. Submit supporting documentation if required by your program.
  7. Provide certification of finances with bank verification. International students must apply for admission one year prior to their expected start date to ensure time for application processing.

Yes, but you will not be granted a visa to study these degrees because they are entirely online. NMU’s online graduate programs include Education.

Master's in Business Administration (MBA) FAQ

213 computer-based, 550 paper-based, or 79 iBT. IELTS of 6.5 or better. If English is your native language, a TOEFL is not required. Our school code is 1560.

A GMAT score of 500. Students with lower GMAT scores may be conditionally accepted if they have a superior GPA and writing skills.

A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 from an accredited four-year university is required for admission to the MBA program.

Applicants must:

  1. Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
  2. Submit a resume.
  3. Write a Statement of Purpose essay indicating why you wish to pursue an MBA.

Two years is preferred, but this requirement can be waived if all other requirements are met. Applicants need to submit a resume. Should selection criteria become tight, work experience may be a deciding factor.

36 credits. A student can finish it in four semesters of nine credit hours, which is full-time. Three semesters is possible, taking four classes per semester, but not advisable. Click to view the MBA curriculum.

Not currently. As the program grows, this could change.

Yes, as long as all admission requirements are met and the applicant has strong English skills.

  1. Review the MBA program requirements here.
  2. Complete the International Graduate Student Admissions Application.
  3. Pay US$50 application fee (must be in U.S. Funds).
  4. Mail official transcripts with professional translation.
  5. Prepare Credential Evaluation with ECE or WES.
  6. Supply English proficiency and GMAT test scores.
  7. Submit supporting documentation required by the MBA program.
  8. Provide certification of finances with bank verification. International Students must apply one year prior to their expected start date to ensure time for application processing.

English Language Institute (ELI) FAQ

Yes. Northern Michigan University's English Language Institute offers classes for students at all English language abilities. 

Classes begin in August, December, and May each year.

The ELI helps students improve their English language abilities for everyday conversations and future academic studies. 

Certainly! We offer three main classes: Reading & Vocabulary, Speaking & Listening, and Writing & Grammar. Students study Monday - Friday for 21 hours each week. All classes are project-based.

The ELI has additional classes in TOEFL Preparation and American Culture available on request. 

There are five language levels. Each level takes one semester (16 weeks) to complete.

  • Introduction
  • Pre-Intermediate
  • Intermediate
  • Pre-Advanced
  • Advanced

The TOEFL Test will be in May and December each year. It is free for all ELI students. 

Yes. All of our classes are face-to-face, and our instructors offer excellent individualized instruction.

  • Pronunciation Practice: NMU's Speech Pathology and Audiology Department's tutors work with the ELI students one-on-one during the week.
  • Service Learning: ELI students will have an opportunity to volunteer in the community.
  • Activities: ELI students will participate in various activities during the semester. Activities may include attending festivals, visiting museums, shopping trips, etc.