About us

Eastern Michigan University is among the most diverse public universities in Michigan, with a strategic focus on equity and inclusion in its core mission. Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students 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; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. In 2022, EMU was ranked by U.S. News and World Report in the category of social mobility. The ranking reflects Eastern's core value of being a welcoming institution of opportunity. 

Eastern Michigan University (EMU, Eastern Michigan or simply Eastern), is a public research university in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Founded in 1849 as Michigan State Normal School, the school was the fourth normal school established in the United States and the first American normal school founded outside New England. In 1899, the Michigan State Normal School became the first normal school in the nation to offer a four-year curriculum. The normal school became a university in 1959, gaining the current name of Eastern Michigan University.

EMU is one of the eight research universities in the State of Michigan and is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". It is governed by an eight-member board of regents whose members are appointed by the governor of Michigan and confirmed by the Michigan Senate for eight-year terms.

The university comprises eight colleges and schools: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Health and Human Services, College of Technology, the School of Music & Dance, an Honors College, and a Graduate School. The university's site is composed of an academic and athletic campus spread across 800 acres (3.2 km2), with over 120 buildings. EMU has a total enrollment of more than 15,000 students.

Since 1991 Eastern Michigan athletes have been known as "Eagles" and the school mascot, Swoop, was officially adopted by the university three years later. The university's student-athletes compete as the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference.