Norwich University is a private non-profit institution of higher education that has a strong military student population along with traditional students. It is committed to providing superior education to enable students to develop into well-educated and motivated leaders that display integrity, self-respect, and conviction. It focuses on developing the whole person thorough extensive and rigorous education in general studies as well as major concentrations. It integrates experiential learning into all programs to encourage the development of useful citizens driven to succeed. The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes Norwich University as the Birthplace of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
The online campus at Norwich University features an innovative and flexible learning environment that promotes networking, support from peers, and personal interaction with faculty members. Online programs focus on students to empower them to learn independently and interact with peers through asynchronous group discussion modes. Writing is a major emphasis of online learning because students communicate with instructors and classmates through writing and complete assignments, projects, and tests in written format. Online instructors are experts in their fields and they provide extensive knowledge, fast feedback, and mentoring to students. Course sizes for online classes are small with about 16 students or less in a cohort format where students progress through programs together. The small classes also promote individualized attention and personal relationships with instructors and classmates. Online students have access to extensive resources through the library including e-books and about 100 online databases and 22,000 full-text electronic journals.
Captain Alden Partridge founded Norwich University in 1819 as a private military academy. In 1820, it offered the United States’ first civil engineering instruction. In 1834, the academy was recognized as Norwich University and the institution continued to expand throughout the latter part of the 1800s and early to mid 1900s adding new departments and structures. It accepted the first women in 1974. Through the later 1900s and early new millennium Norwich University has consistently added new programs and campuses. Today the university educates about 2,1000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students all over the country and worldwide.
Accreditation
The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Norwich University.
Schools of Education
School of Architecture and Art: offers programs in architecture, studio art, and art history with curricula that reflect the ideals of the university. The programs focus on combining theory with experiential learning.
School of Business and Management: prepares students for a highly competitive business world with comprehensive and rigorous programs. All programs provide students with a solid understanding of the business field and students are able to customize their education.
School of Engineering: committed to providing quality education with a curricula that offers a unique combination of vigorous engineering education, building of character, and promoting quality of life.
School of Humanities: strives to help students gain a solid and sophisticated understanding of humanity and how to make a difference in the ever-changing world. Its programs focus on communication and learning to appreciate the power of media.
School of Mathematics and Sciences: dedicated to providing high quality programs in physical, biological, and life sciences along with mathematics. Programs focus on experience and guidance to prepare students for successful careers and advanced study.
School of Social Studies: offers education and guidance to enable students to gain an in-depth understanding of the social sciences and analyze various global perspectives. Students also learn how to become critical thinkers and active participants in a constantly changing world.
School of National Services: contains military departments and offers various types of military programs to help promote student success in military organizations.
School of Graduate and Continuing Studies: provides a rigorous learning environment that focuses on interactive courses, extensive hands-on learning, and mentoring relationships with instructors.
Scholarships Offered
Norwich University offers various scholarships based on academic merit and financial need including the Presidential Scholarship, Academic Recognition Award, Dean’s Scholarship, Future Leader Camp Scholarship, Civic Air Patrol Scholarship, General Sullivan Scholarship, and Academic Showcase Award.
Financing Options
Norwich University participates in various financial aid programs to assist students with paying for costs of education. Federal programs include Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Academic Competitiveness Grant, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, National SMART Grant, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants, and Federal Work-Study Program. It also offers an interest-free tuition payment plan that enables students to make payments on a monthly basis.
Credit Earning Options
Norwich University grants credits for previous coursework completed at another accredited institution with a grade of at least a C or better and a comparable course description. All courses are evaluated on an individual basis and students must submit an official transcript and descriptions of courses. The university also grants credits for military experiences and national examinations such as Advanced Placement, CLEP, and International Baccalaureate.