Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University stands today as a vibrant public research institution, serving over 15,600 students with a commitment to academic excellence and groundbreaking discovery. What began in 1895 as the Northern Illinois State Normal School, dedicated to training educators, has evolved remarkably over more than a century into a comprehensive university.

Initially focused on teacher education, NIU steadily broadened its academic scope. The institution's journey saw it empowered to grant four-year Bachelor of Education degrees in 1921, followed by the establishment of its Graduate School and the authorization to award the Master of Science in education in 1951. This expansion reflected a growing ambition to serve a wider range of academic interests.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1955 when the college was renamed Northern Illinois State College, a recognition of its ability to offer academic work beyond teacher education, including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Just two years later, in 1957, it proudly became Northern Illinois University, solidifying its status as a liberal arts university. This continuous evolution underscores NIU's enduring commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities and fostering intellectual growth.