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Norwich University is a private military college located in Northfield, Vermont. Established in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge, Norwich University was the first private military college founded in the United States and holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the nation’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Situated in the rugged Green Mountains of Vermont, known as one of the “most spectacular natural areas” in the nation, Norwich University’s location provides students with a wide range of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. The city of Northfield is a charming and friendly community and is located only twenty minutes away from Montpelier, Vermont’s state capital; an hour away from Vermont’s largest city of Burlington; and three hours away from the cultural cities of Boston and Montreal.
Academic Programs
Norwich University’s mission is, “To give our youth an education that shall be American in character — to enable them to act as well as to think — to execute as well as to conceive — ‘to tolerate all opinions when reason is left free to combat them’ — to make moral, patriotic, efficient, and useful citizens, and to qualify them for all those high responsibilities resting upon a citizen of this free republic.” The University is accredited by the New England Association for Schools and Colleges and has been so since 1933.Norwich University consists of several colleges, which include the College of Liberal Arts, the College of National Services, the College of Professional Schools, the College of Science and Mathematics, and the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies. More than 30 bachelor’s programs are offered as well as nearly a dozen master’s degrees, several bachelor’s degree completion programs, four ROTC programs and more. Norwich University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies offered its first online graduate program in 1997 and today enrolls students from all over the world.
Student Life
Norwich University has a total enrollment figure of nearly 4,000, including nearly 3,000 undergraduate cadets and civilian resident and commuting students. Nearly all 50 States in the Union are represented by the student body as well as at least 20 foreign countries. Both cadets and civilian students share the campus at Norwich University, creating “one of the most distinctive college cultures in the nation.” Several residence halls providing housing for students and cadets, including Alumni Hall, Crawford Hall, Dodge Hall, Gerard Hall, Goodyear Hall, Hawkins Hall, Patterson Hall, Ransom Hall, South Hall, Dalrymple Hall, and Wilson Hall.Nearly 100 student-led clubs and organizations are recognized by Norwich University, including academic and professional societies; special interest clubs; religious, military, and community service organizations; programming committees; literary, theatrical and musical activities; and more. As an NCAA Division III school, Norwich University sponsors 20 varsity sports which compete in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. A variety of club sports are also available as well as an unlimited number of intramural sport opportunities.