NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

public, coeducational institution of higher learning in Marquette, Mich., U.S. It comprises the Walter L. Cisler College of Business and colleges of arts and sciences; behavioral sciences, human services, and education; technology and applied science; and nursing. The university offers a range of bachelor's and 15 master's degree programs. Through a partnership with Western Michigan University, Northern Michigan students can earn a doctorate in education. Research facilities include an observatory, a field station, and forested lands. Total enrollment is approximately 8,500. The university was founded in 1899 as the Northern State Normal (teacher-training) School. It remained primarily a teacher-training institution into the 1950s, after which it became diversified. In 1963 Northern Michigan was granted university status. The campus in Marquette became the first Olympic Education Center in the United States in 1989.