University Profile:
Northern Michigan University
Why do we say "Northern. Naturally." at Northern Michigan University? Well, there are the snowy peaks, crashing waves and more than 400 miles of rivers and streams just minutes from your residence hall door. We also say it because you may find the fit so perfect - so natural - you'll never want to leave. At Northern, learning comes naturally, thanks to the great outdoors that serves as a natural extension of the classroom.
At Northern, your future will come clearly into focus. That's what happens when you're surrounded by people who want what you want: Your success. Northern, after all, is known for having faculty who aren't just smart (though most have doctorates or are leaders in their fields), but who are caring people who will provide you with the personal attention you need to get where you want to go in life. We offer 180 degree programs, so we're sure to have the area of study you're most passionate about.
Recognized by U.S. News and World Report's ranking of America's Best Colleges, Northern is a dynamic regional public university (located in the Upper Peninsula - or the "U.P.") on the southern shore of Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan (pop. 20,714). The city was named one of 30 "America's Most Livable Communities." It's also one of Michigan's "Cool Cities" - and Marquette County received the National Civic League's "All-America County Award."
Our 350-acre campus and the surrounding area serve as a natural extension of our classrooms. When you're researching mercury contamination in loons, you won't just look at pictures - you'll see these birds up close. Our Freshman Fellows program pairs selected fellows with a faculty member for collaborative research and thanks to our First Year Experience program; you'll get off to a great start at Northern. Every student at Northern has the chance to learn to live life that matters in the Superior Edge citizen-leader program that focuses on citizenship, diversity awareness, leadership, and real world experience. You'll get to do the right thing and get credit for it – and you'll pick up skills that future employers will find really impressive. The United States Olympic Education Center (USOEC) makes Northern one of only four Olympic training centers in the nation - and the only one located on a college campus. Northern's campus has everything within walking distance. When the winter winds are blowing, you and your friends will stay warm - thanks to the enclosed walkways that connect many of our buildings.
At Northern, we keep you naturally connected. Northern's Teaching, Learning and Communication Initiative (TLC) made us the first public university in Michigan to equip all full-time students with a ThinkPad (or MacBook for art majors) - loaded with the latest software - as part of tuition and fees. In fact, we guarantee you'll never have a computer that's more than two years old. Northern is one of the largest computer notebook campuses in the United States. We've even earned national and international awards for innovation in technology.
Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing - even by getting your hands a little dirty. That's why Northern offers tons of opportunities for you to get real-world experience - before you have to enter the real world. Maybe it's heading out to a white pine forest to study the nesting habits of bald eagles. Or using the Dimension 1200 SST machine in the Human Centered Design Studio to create a plastic prototype of the funky coat rack you designed first as a three-dimensional computer model. Perhaps it's preparing for a career in broadcasting using cutting-edge technology like ProTools HD and Final Cut Pro. Or maybe it's interning with the Green Bay Packers or a senator in Washington, D.C.
