Northern Michigan University, better known as NMU, is the biggest college in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Founded as the Northern State Normal School, the state opened the school as a way to train teachers and to increase the number of teachers in the UP area. The school was so small during its early days that it didn’t have a campus and instead held classes in a few rented rooms. Though only 36 students enrolled in that first year, the university now has an enrollment rate of more than 8,000 students. It served as teaching college, a college of education and a small college before becoming a university, but the education programs that it offers are still among the most popular programs at NMU.
NMU launched its first graduate programs in the 1920s after establishing a joint program with the University of Michigan. Though it still offers graduate programs today, those programs are now available through the university itself. There are four divisions divided into six colleges on the campus, including the School of Nursing and the College of Arts and Sciences, that offer more than 180 degree programs for students. NMU also offers some online classes and programs and has distance learning facilities available on its campus. Among its notable alumni are politicians, professional athletes and the CEO of Starbucks.
Northern Michigan University Accreditation Details
Attending a college that does not have accreditation is almost like seeing a doctor who doesn’t have a license. Though the school may give you a broad overview of some topics relating to your field of study, it won’t prepare you for your career, and you may even find that the degree you earned is worthless in the real world. As Northern Michigan University has both regional and program accreditation though, you shouldn’t worry about taking classes through this university. Its regional accreditation comes from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Those enrolling in one of its education programs, including its Master’s in Education in Special Education, will find that those programs have accreditation from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Some of the other degree programs that NMU offer that have program accreditation include those in music, nursing, social work, engineering technology and business.
Northern Michigan University Application Requirements
Though NMU does not have an application deadline, it does recommend that students submit their applications by July 1 for the fall semester and November 15 for the spring semester. This gives the university time to process each one and to contact students about any missing information. While you can submit your application after one of these dates, there is no guarantee that the university will still have room in the program you want to study. There is both an application as well as a $50 application fee. The application, which NMU recommends that you complete online, will ask about your professional experience and education background.
If you earned your bachelor’s degree from NMU, you do not need to submit a transcript. All other students will need to list where they studied and when they earned their degrees on the application. Once you finish your degree and receive your final grades, you’ll need to send a copy of your transcript to the university. You should look at the Graduate Bulletin to determine if the program requires anything else of you. Certain programs may ask for a resume, writing sample, personal essay, letters of recommendation or even a score from the GRE or GMAT.
Tuition and Financial Aid
NMU is a public university in Michigan, which is why it charges less in tuition for Michigan residents. The cost for residents is $494 per credit hour, but the cost for nonresidents is $710 per credit hour. Its MBA program charges a different rate that is the same for both residents and nonresidents. Students who take at least eight credits are subject to a university fee of $312, and the university also charges an activity fee for those who take at least six credits. You can determine the total amount you will pay each semester based on the number of credits you want to take.
While NMU charges a more affordable rate than other schools for graduate students, you may still need some financial assistance, which is why the university encourages all students to file the FAFSA in either the spring or summer before they want to take classes. Graduate student aid varies based on whether students are dependents or independents. Most receive unsubsidized student loans from the government, which allow students to borrow up to $20,500 each year. You may receive other loans and grants, but the amount you get will often depend on your year in school and whether you are a full-time student.
Master’s in Education in Special Education
As Northern Michigan University started life as a normal school and later served as a teachers college, it isn’t surprising that its education programs are still so popular today. It offer bachelor’s programs in both elementary and secondary education in fields like math, history, language arts and biology. The university also has several master’s programs available for those who want to work with students. The Master of Arts in Education in Special Education can refer to two different programs. It may refer to the university’s program in learning disabilities or its certification program in special education. The certification program requires that you select a major in a concentration field, but when you finish this program, you earn a diploma or certificate rather than a degree.
Related Resource: 50 Most Affordable Online Masters in Special Education Degree Programs
If you want to earn a master’s degree, its learning disabilities program is a better option because this can teach you how to work with students of different ages and skill levels. Students take between 34 and 40 credits and must do some type of capstone project too. You have the option of taking a seminar class that is worth two credits or doing a full thesis paper/project that is worth up to eight credits. This program includes courses on assessing disabilities, evaluating the needs of students and teaching special education classes. Northern Michigan University also awards students three credits for an internship that they do in the special education field.
