Kean University
Union, NJ
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Kean University
Kean University: A historic public research institution fostering diverse talent and global learning.
Kean University stands as a dynamic public research institution in New Jersey, deeply rooted in history yet firmly focused on the future. What began as a dedicated teacher-education college in 1855 has blossomed into a comprehensive university, recognized as a state-designated research hub and the fourth-largest institution of higher education in the state. With campuses spanning Union, Elizabeth, and Hillside, Kean offers a vibrant metropolitan experience, embracing a tradition of diversity that has evolved over 150 years to become one of the nation's most inclusive campuses.
The university's story is intertwined with American history, notably through its relocation in 1958 to the ancestral Livingston-Kean Estate, home to the historic Liberty Hall. This significant move transformed the institution from a state teachers college into Newark State College, a comprehensive provider of academic programs. Renamed Kean College of New Jersey in 1973 and achieving university status in 1997, Kean's evolution reflects a continuous commitment to expanding educational opportunities and contributing to a broader intellectual landscape, all while preserving the rich heritage of its historic grounds.
Today, Kean University boasts a wide array of over 50 undergraduate programs, more than 70 doctoral, master's, and certificate programs, and 23 online options, housed within its six specialized colleges and the Nathan Weiss Graduate College. Beyond traditional academics, Kean fosters innovation through research institutions like the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics and the Kean University Human Rights Institute. Students benefit from a rich, diverse learning environment and a global perspective, enhanced by its unique stand-alone joint venture, Wenzhou–Kean University in China, preparing them for success in an interconnected world.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in April 1855 as Newark Normal School, making it one of the nation's earliest teacher-education colleges.
- ✦A state-designated public research university, deeply committed to advancing knowledge and innovation.
- ✦Fourth-largest institution of higher education in New Jersey, serving 13,352 students (Fall 2023).
- ✦Hosts significant research institutions, including the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics.
- ✦Home to the historic Liberty Hall, an ancestral estate and American history museum.
- ✦Offers a global learning experience with a stand-alone joint venture, Wenzhou–Kean University in China.
- ✦One of the nation's most diverse schools, with a student body reflecting its evolving commitment to inclusion since the 19th century.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
7 notable schools within Kean University
The College of Business and Public Management
The College of Education
The College of Liberal Arts
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Michael Graves College, Architecture and Design
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Nathan Weiss Graduate College
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