History
Mayville State University was established in 1889 through its inclusion in the North Dakota constitution when the state was admitted to the Union. Originally known as Mayville Normal School, it was one of North Dakota’s first institutions of higher learning. The school’s foundation was supported by a land grant of 30,000 acres, which provided the resources needed for its development. Classes began in 1890, and in 1893, the first classes were held in the newly constructed “Old Main” building.
The institution’s journey is marked by continuous growth and progress. In 1925, the State Board of Higher Education authorized Mayville to grant a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree, transitioning the institution from a normal school to a teachers college. Over the years, the curriculum expanded, and the campus grew to accommodate increasing enrollment.
Significant milestones followed, including the transition from a Bachelor of Arts in Education to a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1948, and the introduction of the first non-teaching Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961. During the 1970s, the university established programs in business and computer information systems, followed by the addition of the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of General Studies degrees in the early 1980s.
Mayville State’s academic offerings expanded further in 2016 when the institution was granted authority to offer its first graduate program, the Master of Arts in Teaching. Since then, the Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Education programs have been added.
Today, Mayville State University offers more than 80 majors, minors, certificates, and degree programs, contributing to North Dakota’s workforce by preparing graduates with in-demand skills. The institution offers a variety of traditional and high-need programs, including bachelor’s degrees in agribusiness, special education, mathematics, communication, applied psychology, and biology. Additionally, the university offers degrees in accounting, allied health, business administration, chemistry, early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, English, fitness and wellness, nursing, social science, sport coaching, and sport management, along with several pre-professional tracks.
Recognized for its affordability and quality, Mayville State is a leader in delivering both on-campus and online programs. Many of its programs, including the Master of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Science in Nursing, are available online. Additional online offerings include the Bachelor of Applied Science in business administration, Bachelor of Arts degrees in early childhood and English, Bachelor of Science in Education degrees in elementary education, early childhood education, special education, mathematics education, and physical education, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in agribusiness, accounting, business administration, mathematics, nursing, and biology. The Bachelor of University Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN), and Associate of Arts degrees in business management, early childhood, and university studies are also offered in both on-campus and distance learning formats.