NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

public, coeducational institution of higher learning in Tahlequah, Okla., U.S. It comprises seven colleges and three divisions, covering such areas as arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and optometry. In addition to undergraduate studies, the university offers over 50 master's degree programs and a doctorate in optometry. In 1993 it opened a branch campus in Muskogee, and it participates in the state's University Center at Tulsa. Total enrollment exceeds 9,000. The university's history began in 1846 with the establishment of National Male and Female seminaries by the Cherokee National Council, as specified by a provision of a treaty between the U.S. government and the Cherokee nation. The two schools opened in 1851. In 1909 the state of Oklahoma bought the female seminary and established the Northeastern State Normal School there to provide high school instruction and two years of college education. It became a four-year, degree-granting institution in 1919, when it was renamed Northeastern State Teacher's College. It was elevated to university standing in 1974.