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Northern Michigan University (abbreviated to NMU) is a four-year, public comprehensive university located in Marquette, Michigan. One of three Michigan public universities to do so, NMU also serves in a community college role for its region, which means that the breadth of NMU’s academic programs range from one-year diplomas all the way to doctorate. NMU boasts a positive reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. The university’s mission is to challenge its students to “to think independently and critically, to develop lifelong learning habits, acquire career skills, embrace diversity and become productive citizens in the regional and global community.”
Academic Programs
Northern Michigan University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate-level degrees in a variety of areas. Some of NMU’s most popular bachelor’s degrees have been art and design, nursing, criminal justice, elementary education, and biology while the fastest growing academic areas include clinical science, biology, and the geographical and environmental sciences. Several of NMU’s degree programs have gained either national or international recognition over recent years, including programs in art and design, business, computer science, education, English, and nursing. NMU is one of just two Michigan universities to offer an Entrepreneurship major and boasts one of the few programs in the country for both ski management and wildland firefighting.NMU is one of the largest “notebook computer campuses” in the nation – all full-time students receive either a ThinkPad or a Macbook as part of their tuition. NMU has also been cited as one of the most wired and most densely wireless campuses in the country. It comes as no surprise, then that the university also offers a number of online learning options with a growing list of 100% online and hybrid programs and courses.
Student Life
Nearly 9,000 students are enrolled at Northern Michigan University, including just over 8,000 undergraduates. NMU provides housing for students through a number of different residence halls and apartment/town house complexes. Each of NMU’s residence halls contain smaller communities, known as ‘houses’, of approximately 45 students each. Each ‘house’ – though they share a common hall identity – has its own unique personalities, expectations, traditions and activities. NMU’s residence halls offer students all the amenities they need including study rooms, laundry facilities, wireless internet and much more. The school’s apartment and town house complexes are available in one, two, three, or four-bedroom units. Apartment housing is made available to students who are 21 years of age or older; are married or are single-parent students; and to single graduate students.NMU’s campus is always abuzz with activity – student organizations sponsor nearly 300 campus-wide programs and events annually in addition to the hundreds of group activities that are offered. These Students also volunteer thousands of hours in service annually in the local communities. Plenty of opportunity for involvement in the sports scene also exists – NMU is an NCAA Division II school and teams compete as part of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.