Norwich University is one of the few institutes of higher learning that still adheres closely to the educational principles established by the founders. Captain Alden Partridge, who founded the university, continues to guide the school as it draws close to its 200th anniversary. Captain Partridge originated a unique system of education combining military and civilian studies to produce enlightened citizen-soldiers. He believed that education should be liberal enough to prepare students for the responsibilities of both peace and war. This belief prompted him to establish the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy in Norwich, Vermont in 1819.
Captain Partridge created a school that would train students in military science and tactics but was emphatic that the was not creating a "purely military" school, believing the military portion of the education was an arm of civil education. He believed that traditional education was too restrictive and not practical. He did not believe it prepared students for the duties they would face as American citizens.
The curriculum at the college included field trips to combine exercise, recreation and improvement. The outdoor activities were difficult and promote self-reliance. They also supplemented classroom instruction as Captain Partridge believed students should not learn everything from books.
The college was the first with a band and the first to offer Civil Engineering in the country. They relocated to Middletown, Connecticut in 1825 but returned to Norwich in 1829 when Connecticut refused to grant the school a charter. In 1834, the school was chartered as Norwich University by the Vermont Legislature. After the South Barracks burnt in 1866, the college moved to Northfield and, in 1880, the name was changed to Lewis College. Vermont legislators changed the name back to Norwich University in 1884. Cavalry horses arrived on campus in 1910.
Today, there are over 2,800 students enrolled at the college and the school still includes a Corps of Cadets designed to prepare students to become responsible citizens.
Norwich University Accreditation Details
Norwich University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Regional accreditation indicates that the school has undergone rigorous review and the accrediting agency has determined that they meet criteria that indicates excellence in education. Accreditation also means that if the agency finds room for improvement, the school strives to make those improvements as soon as possible. In addition, programs at the college are accredited by the following agencies and organizations:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- National Architectural Accrediting Board
Norwich University Application Requirements
Students who have not earned college credits after graduation are new undergraduate students. They must submit an official high school transcript as well as SAT or ACT scores. Students must also submit a resume, essay and letters of recommendation. Students who have earned college credit after graduating high school are transfer students. They must submit official college transcripts as well as official SAT or ACT scores. They must submit a resume, essay and letters of recommendation. Nursing students must submit a letter of reference from the Chairperson or Dean of the school the transferring school.
Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher before applying. Each degree program has specific requirements for admission beyond a bachelor's degree so students are asked to contact an admissions counselor before applying.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduate tuition at Norwich University is $36,554 per year. Online bachelor's degree tuition for military members is $250 per credit hour and for non-military members $375 per credit hour. Graduate tuition per credit hour is as follows:
- Master of Arts in Diplomacy
- Master of Arts in Military History
- Master of Business Administration – $760
- Master of Civil Engineering – $760
- Master of International Relations – $720
- Master of Public Administration – $675
- Master of Science in Information Assurance – $791
- Master of Science in Nursing – $635
- Master of Organizational Leadership – $675
- Master of Public Administration – $675
Financial aid is available for students who demonstrate financial need. Grants and loans are known as gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Loans often have low fixed interest rates and no payments are required until after the student leaves school. Students may also apply for private loans at banks and lending institutions. Work study allows students to work at the university to offset expenses. In order to qualify for financial assistance, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Online Degree Programs Available
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Norwich University is offered in an online format and provides working adults with the skills necessary to advance in a current career or move into a new career. Students explore the principles and processes of criminal justice related to the court system, police and corrections. Students learn social science research, data analysis and writing, problem solving, ethics and leadership. Students can customize their degree by seeking a minor in public safety, law enforcement, intelligence or security management. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into the program to complete it in less than two years. Courses required include:
- Comparative Religion
- Crime in Literature
- Criminal Justice Ethics
- Cultural Issues and the Criminal Justice System
- Data Analysis and Writing
- Environmental Science
- Elementary Statistics
- Foundations of Criminal Justice
- History of the U.S. Constitution
- Methods of Social Science Research
- Science, Technology & Procedures in Forensics Investigations
In addition, students must compete 18 credits of the following electives:
- Cold Case Investigations
- Domestic Terrorism
- Drugs and Gangs
- Emergency & Disaster Relief Operations
- Global Security and Intelligence
- Homeland Security and Intelligence
- Immigration Law and Policy
- Information Operations
- Insurgency and Conflict
- Intelligence Management
- Intercultural Communication
- International Terrorism
- Law Enforcement Administration
- National Security Policy
- Procedural Due Process
- Public Safety in a Diverse Society
- Security Coordination and Collaboration
- The Study of Crime
Students must also complete six credits in field studies as well as a capstone course.
Bachelor of Science in Management Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Management Studies is offered online and is designed for managers who coordinate team efforts. The program focuses on how workplace morale is essential to all types of organizations and that being a good manager takes more than just a good leader. Students are prepared for positions as mid- to high-level managers in public, private and military sectors. The program is designed for students who have 30-credit hours of coursework completed or the equivalent in military training. Students may choose to specialize in human resources or leadership studies. Courses required include:
- Business & Professional Writing
- Comparative Politics
- Comparative Religion
- Crime in Literature
- Critical Thinking
- Elementary Statistics
- English Composition
- Environmental Science
- Ethics in the Modern World
- Financial Accounting
- Fundamentals of Finance I & II
- Historical Studies
- History of the U.S. Constitution
- Introduction to Cultural Competence
- Leadership
- Liberal Arts Mathematics
- Management of Organizations
- Management Information Systems
- Managerial Accounting
- Military Sociology
- Seminar in Economics
- Socio-Economic Studies
- Technology-Mediated Communication
Students must also complete a capstone course.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice is part of a long standing Norwich history to prepare leaders and promote career advancement. The program is open to Norwich graduates as well as graduates of the U.S. Army Military Police School Captains Career Course who are seeking skills to rise in the ranks of the military. Students are able to collaborate with foreign military law enforcement or assist with transnational crime issues. The curriculum compliments the student's existing experience and applies practical skills in leadership, management and analysis. The program also looks at context and historical perspective of the current criminal justice landscape. Courses required include:
- Contemporary Issues in the Criminal Justice System
- International Response to Transnational Terrorism
- International Terrorist by Non-State Actors
- Law and the International System
- Law Enforcement Administration
Students must attend a week-long residency at the Norwich University campus where they will meet fellow students, faculty and staff in formal and informal settings. Meals and accommodations on campus are included. There are recognition ceremonies and a commencement cap off at the end of the week that family and friends are encouraged to attend.
Master of Science in Executive Leadership
The Master of Science in Executive Leadership is an online program designed for leaders who are seeking a higher level of leadership. The program provides students with knowledge related to the dynamic and fluid environment as well as tools for enhancing their ability to achieve strategic results from others. The program focuses on leading self and leading service with an understanding of character, integrity and distinction. Courses required include:
- Leading Beyond Your Organization
- Leading Complex Change
- Leading with Technology & Data
- Researching Resources & Publishing Results
- The Science of Self – Leadership Mastery on the Move
Students must also complete an Executive Leadership Capstone course.
Norwich University continues its tradition of focusing on creating outstanding citizens through military training and high-quality education. Norwich University offers online programs that provide flexible formats for working adults who wish to achieve their higher education goals.