Northeastern University Oakland logo

Northeastern University Oakland

Oakland, CA

private nonprofit

Quick Facts

Un Destinatio, Viae Diversae(One Destination, Many Paths)

1852
Founded
Private college
Type
1,037
Total Students
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Northeastern University Oakland

A historic institution with a legacy of empowering education, now a vibrant part of Northeastern.

Northeastern University Oakland carries a rich and pioneering legacy, rooted in its origins as Mills College, founded in 1852. With a current student body of 1037 and the inspiring motto "Un Destinatio, Viae Diversae" (One Destination, Diverse Paths), this private college offers a unique blend of historical depth and forward-thinking education, making it an exceptional place for prospective students to pursue their academic and personal growth.

The institution's history is marked by groundbreaking achievements, from its beginnings as the Young Ladies Seminary to its evolution into Mills College, named after the influential Susan Tolman Mills. After relocating to Oakland in 1871, it solidified its commitment to women's education, notably becoming the first women's college to offer a computer science major in 1974. Perhaps most famously, in 1990, the college made national headlines by reversing a decision to go coed following powerful student and staff protests, a testament to its community's strong voice and dedication to its mission.

Academically, Northeastern University Oakland shines, particularly through the Mills College School of Education. This graduate school offers specialized programs in early childhood education, teacher preparation, and educational leadership. It proudly houses the Mills College Children's School, established in 1926 as the first laboratory school west of the Mississippi. This unique setting provides students with unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning, observing progressive, developmentally-responsive teaching practices, and engaging in collaborative research focused on holistic child development, truly setting a foundation for future educators.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1852, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher learning on the West Coast.
  • Pioneered computer science, becoming the first women's college to offer the major in 1974.
  • The only women's college in U.S. history to reverse a decision to admit male undergraduate students (1990).
  • Home to the Mills College Children's School, the first laboratory school on the West Coast (established 1926).
  • Current student body of 1037 undergraduates and graduates.
  • Guided by the motto: "Un Destinatio, Viae Diversae" (One Destination, Diverse Paths).

Timeline

1852
Founded as the Young Ladies Seminary in Benicia, California.
1865
Purchased by Susan and Cyrus Mills, renamed Mills Seminary.
1871
Moved to its current location in Oakland, California.
1885
Officially renamed Mills College.
1890
Susan Mills became President, serving for 19 years.
1920
Added graduate programs for women and men, granting first master's degrees in 1921.
1926
Established the Mills College Children's School, the first laboratory school on the West Coast.
1974
Became the first women's college to offer a computer science major.
1990
Students successfully protested and reversed the decision to admit male undergraduate students.
🏛️
174 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Northeastern University Oakland

📚

Mills College School of Education

One of the graduate schools, offering programs in early childhood education, teacher preparation, and educational leadership. It houses the Mills College Children's School, the first laboratory school on the West Coast, providing unique opportunities for hands-on learning and research.

Find Scholarships at Northeastern University Oakland

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search