In 1849, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan formally paved the way for the establishment of Michigan State Normal School, with the exclusive purposes of instructing persons in the art of teaching; providing a good common school education; and giving instruction in the mechanic arts, husbandry, agricultural chemistry and the laws of the United States.
Since its inception, Eastern Michigan, first as a Normal School, then as a College and finally as a University, has grown and developed to respond to the ever-changing needs of society. Over the years, EMU has educated thousands of sons and daughters of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
The University currently serves 23,000 students who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school.
Eastern Michigan's exceptional faculty, students and alumni include CEOs from major businesses; a National Student Teacher of the Year, National Teacher of the Year, numerous Fulbright Scholars and Milken Family Foundation National Educators award winners; and several Michigan Teachers of the Year.
EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education.
