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Section I
In 1919, Bemidji Normal School began its first regular school year with 38 students. The school was chartered by the Minnesota State Legislature in response to a growing need for public school teachers, and teacher training was its primary curriculum. Then, in a pattern familiar to American higher education, in 1921 Bemidji Normal became Bemidji State Teachers College, offering a four-year degree.
Reflecting ongoing changes in the curriculum, the school was renamed Bemidji State College in 1957. In 1975, in recognition of its growing role as a multi-purpose educational institution, it became Bemidji State University. BSU now hosts more than 5,300 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers majors in an expanse of baccalaureate fields of study as well as master of arts and master of science degrees. Some of its degree programs and research activities are unique in the state.