Northern Illinois University

What is the history of Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University is a public research university founded in 1895 to prepare teachers for northern Illinois. It opened in DeKalb in 1899 as Northern Illinois State Normal School, reflecting the state's need for trained educators.

As its academic offerings expanded beyond teacher preparation, the institution became Northern Illinois State Teachers College, then Northern Illinois State College. It adopted the name Northern Illinois University in 1957. Education remains part of NIU's identity, but today the university also offers programs in fields ranging from engineering and business to the arts, health professions and law.

What are the faculties and departments at Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University organizes its academic programs across seven colleges, with undergraduate majors, graduate study and a professional law degree. Applicants should look at the requirements of their intended program, not just the university's general admission rules.

• The College of Business offers fields including accounting, finance, management and marketing.
• The College of Education includes teacher preparation and other education-related programs.
• The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology includes engineering and technology disciplines.
• The College of Health and Human Sciences includes programs such as nursing, public health and family-focused studies.
• The College of Law offers legal education at the professional level.
• The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences spans the humanities, sciences and social sciences.
• The College of Visual and Performing Arts includes art, music and theater.

The Graduate School coordinates graduate education across relevant colleges. Some majors, particularly those tied to clinical placements, teacher licensure or professional accreditation, have progression requirements beyond admission to NIU.

What is the location of Northern Illinois University?

NIU's main campus is in DeKalb, Illinois, a city west of Chicago. Its setting combines a residential campus with a surrounding community where many students live, work or commute.

DeKalb is not served by Chicago's passenger-rail network directly, so travel to the region's rail stations or airports generally requires a bus, car or other connection. NIU operates campus-area transportation; prospective commuters should check current routes and schedules rather than assume that a Chicago-area address means an easy daily rail trip. The university also uses other Illinois locations for selected programs and services, but applicants should verify where their particular classes meet. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a useful regional air-travel option, not an airport adjoining campus.

What is the mission and vision of Northern Illinois University?

NIU describes its mission in terms of accessible public education, student learning, research and engagement with communities. Its stated priorities include experiential learning and working toward a more just and equitable society.

That mission helps explain the university's mix of professional preparation, liberal arts, research and public-service activities. It is a statement of institutional purpose, however, rather than evidence that every student will have the same academic experience or outcome. NIU is a public, nonsectarian university.