Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University (NSU) is a public university located in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Founded in 1884, NSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to over 9,000 students. The university is home to the Louisiana Scholars' College, Louisiana's designated Honors College in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.

 NSU is a great place to start your journey to success. With a strong academic reputation, a diverse student body, and a vibrant campus life, NSU has everything you need to reach your full potential.

 Academic Excellence

NSU is committed to providing students with a high-quality education at an affordable tuition rate. The university's faculty are dedicated to teaching and research, and they are passionate about helping students succeed. NSU is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the state of Louisiana.

 Diversity

NSU proudly welcomes students from 42 countries around the world. In recent years, nearly 200 students have called NSU home, making us one of the top public universities in Louisiana chosen by international students. This diversity of cultures and perspectives creates a vibrant and stimulating learning environment.

 Campus Life

NSU has a vibrant campus life that offers something for everyone. The university has over 100 student organizations and club sports, and a strong NCAA Division I athletics program. NSU is also home to the Natchitoches Historic District, a National Historic Landmark District.

 One University, Multiple Locations

NSU is the perfect place to start your journey to success. Academic programs are provided at the main campus in Natchitoches and instructional sites in Shreveport, Bossier City, Alexandria, Leesville, Marksville, and eNSU online.

 Visit Northwestern State University today and see for yourself why it's the best place to start your future.

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  • ASSOCIATE

    Associate Degree (A.D.)

    • Veterinary Technology

    Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

    • General Studies, with concentrations in: allied health, child and family studies, radiologic sciences

    Associate of Science (A.S.)

    • Engineering Technology, with concentrations in: advanced manufacturing, electronics, industrial

    Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.)

    • Nursing

    BACCALAUREATE

    Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)

    • Allied Health, with concentration in: health science and technology; health science leadership and management

    Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

    • Communication, with concentrations in: journalism, broadcast and digital media production, sports media, strategic communication

    • Criminal Justice, with concentration in: pre-law and paralegal studies

    • English, with concentrations in: creative writing, film studies, folklife-southern culture, literature, professional writing

    • History

    • Liberal Arts, with concentrations in: archaeology, classical studies, creative and performing arts industry, cultural anthropology, fine and performing arts, foreign language, geography, humanities and social thought, international relations, philosophy, politics, and economics, scientific inquiry

    Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

    • Dance

    • Fine and Graphic Arts, with concentrations in: craft, graphic communications, interdisciplinary design, studio art

    • Production and Design

    Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)

    • General Studies, with concentrations in: arts and communication, computer and natural sciences, creole studies, professional studies, social science, 21st century organizational learning

    Bachelor of Music (B.M.)

    • Music, with concentrations in: music business, performance, sacred music

    Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.)

    • Music Education-Instrumental, Grades K-12

    • Music Education-Vocal, Grades K-12

    • Music Education-Vocal/Instrumental, Grades K-12

    Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

    • Accounting

    • Addiction Studies, with a concentration in industrial organizational behavior

    • Applied Microbiology, with concentrations in: environmental and applied microbiology, medical and health profession

    • Biology, with concentrations in: biomedical, clinical laboratory science, forensic science, natural science, veterinary technology

    • Business Administration, with concentrations in: business analytics, e-sports management, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management, marketing

    • Computer Information Systems, with concentrations in application development, cyber security, human resources, information systems management, networking and system management, web development

    • Early Childhood Education, Grades Pre-K-3

    • Electronics Engineering Technology, with concentrations in: biomedical, electronics

    • Elementary Education, Grades 1-5

    • Child and Family Studies, with concentrations in: child development and family relations, consumer services

    • Health and Exercise Science, with concentrations in: pre-athletic training, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy

    • Health and Physical Education, Grades K-12

    • Hospitality Management and Tourism, with concentrations in: culinary arts, hospitality services, travel and tourism

    • Industrial Engineering Technology

    • Mathematics, with concentrations in: healthcare informatics, actuarial mathematics

    • Physical Science, with a concentration in: chemistry

    • Psychology, with concentrations in: industrial organizational behavior, prevention specialist, substance abuse

    • Radiologic Sciences, with concentration in ultrasound

    • Secondary Education and Teaching, with concentrations in: agriculture education, biology education, business education, English education, mathematics education, social studies education

    • Theatre, with concentrations in: musical theatre performance, performance/directing

    • Unified Public Safety Administration, with concentrations in: emergency management administration, fire and emergency medical services administration, geo computation, law enforcement administration, nuclear surety management, public facilities management

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N)

    • Nursing

    Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)

    GRADUATE

    Master of Arts (M.A.)

    • Adult Learning and Development, with concentrations in: adult and workforce development, e-earning, English, homeland security

    • Art

    • Counseling, with concentrations in: clinical mental health counseling, school counseling

    • English, with concentrations in: folklife/southern culture, literature, generalist, teaching English to speakers of other languages, writing and linguistics

    • Student Affairs in Higher Education

    Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

    • Early Childhood Education Grades PK-3, with a concentration in: professional studies

    • Elementary Education Grades 1-5, with a concentration in: professional studies

    • Elementary Education & Special Education Mild/ Moderate, Grades 1-5, with a concentration in: professional studies

    • Middle School Education Grades 4-8, with a concentration in: professional studies

    • Middle School Education & Special Education Mild/ Moderate, Grades 4-8, with a concentration in: professional studies

    • Secondary Education Grades 6-12, with a concentration in: professional studies

    • Secondary Education & Special Education Mild/ Moderate, Grades 6-12, with a concentration in: professional studies

    Master of Education (M.Ed.)

    • Curriculum and Instruction, with concentrations in: Academic Content, English as a second language (ESL), English education, instructional design, professional teaching standards for the teacher leader, reading, school librarian, transition to teaching

    • Early Childhood Education

    • Educational Leadership

    • Educational Technology Leadership, with concentrations in: educational technology leadership for K-12, educational technology leadership for workforce development

    • Special Education, with concentrations in: early intervention, gifted education, elementary (grades 1-5) mild/moderate special education, middle school (grades 4-8) and secondary (grades 6-12) mild/ moderate special education

    Master of Music (M.M.)

    • Music, with concentrations in: music education, performance

    Master of Science (M.S.)

    • Psychology, Clinical, with concentration in: substance abuse

    • Health and Human Performance, with concentrations in: public health, sport administration

    • Homeland Security

    • Radiologic Sciences, with concentrations in: radiologic sciences education, radiologic sciences administration

    • Computer Information Systems

    Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

    • Nursing, with concentrations in: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology nursing, adult gerontology critical care nursing, family nurse practitioner, maternal child and family nursing, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner - lifespan, women’s health nurse practitioner

    Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)

    • Educational Leadership & Instruction, with concentrations in: educational leadership, educational technology, special education

    Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

    • Adult Learning and Development, with concentrations in: adult learning and workforce development, community college leadership

    Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

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  • Does your institution have a Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) Program for students?

    Yes

    Overview of the research emphasis of our institution/faculty/students

    Northwestern State University offers multiple opportunities for students to engage in scholarly research across all disciplines. In addition to presenting at professional conferences, students are also encouraged to participate in NSU's annual Research Day conference.

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  • Does your institution have an internship program?

    Yes

    Does your institution support Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

    Yes

  • Does your institution offer education abroad opportunities for all students?

    Yes.

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  • Does your institution offer academic admission to international students under the condition that applicants will meet the English Proficiency requirements prior to enrolling in their academic program?

    No

    Does your institution provide ESL Support Services?

    No

    If yes, do you require international students to take an English proficiency test before beginning their university program?

    Yes

  • Environment

    Historic Natchitoches is a true place to call home for students of Northwestern State University. We aim to enhance the college experience of all students by providing over 100 student organizations, acclaimed performances and lectures, an exemplary fitness center, a hodgepodge of restaurants, and the exciting atmosphere of Demon Athletics. Join us and see why our community is large enough to serve you, but small enough to know you.

    Athletics

    Northwestern State University sponsors intercollegiate programs at the Division I level for both men and women. In order to participate in the varsity athletic programs and receive athletically related aid, a student must conform to the applicable rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Southland Conference (SLC). In addition, the student-athlete must demonstrate good academic standing by being enrolled in 12 or more hours and demonstrate satisfactory progress by fulfilling the requirements of NCAA By-law Article 14, as stated in the NCAA manual. For information regarding participation, call NSU Compliance at 318-357-4154.

    Northwestern sponsors the following sports: Men—cross country, indoor and outdoor track; football; baseball; basketball; Women—cross country, indoor and outdoor track; volleyball; softball; basketball; tennis; soccer.

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    Activities

    The Office of Student Activities and Organizations believes that the priority of students is to be successful academically, but there is much more to college life than classes, homework, and exams. There are student organizations, clubs, service events, traditions, athletic events, and much more.

    Northwestern State students are from many diverse backgrounds with differing interests and experiences. Our goal is to assist students in customizing and enhancing their educational experience with activities that fit their goals and interests. Whether those interests are intellectual, recreational, service, social, or spiritual in nature, there is a place for you at NSU. Involvement in one or more of the 100 plus student organizations can add an important dimension to one’s collegiate experience.

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  • Northwestern State University’s meal plan requirements stipulate that all on-campus residents, except graduate students, purchase a meal plan. Freshmen (those students with less than 30 hours and residing on-campus) must purchase the Unlimited Plan. If you do not select a meal plan you will automatically be given the Unlimited Plan. Our meal plans include traditional meals at the all you care to eat Iberville Dining Hall facility. You also have the choice of “Demon Dollars” on your meal plan. This is a declining balance that allows you to eat at any of our dining locations on campus with the swipe of your card, but also gives you the added bonus of being able to make purchases at our convenience store with your Demon Dollars! We also offer declining balance only meal plans that give you the freedom to eat any meal where you want at our on campus locations.

    The last day to change your meal plan or to request an exemption from a meal plan is seven (7) days after classes start.

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  • Does your institution issue I20 for F1 visa status and/or DS2019 for J1 visa status?

    Yes

    If yes, does your institution offer employment-based immigration support services such as H1b, TN, LPR, etc. for employment?

    Yes

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    US Immigration Support Services

  • International Student Costs

    Tuition and Fees are assessed each semester based on factors such as level (undergraduate or graduate), campus (where the majority of your classes are taken), and credit hours enrolled.

    The NSU Office of Financial Aid is committed to providing the best possible service to students and families who need help meeting the costs of higher education. Our mission is to find the best possible aid package for every student, which enables each of our students to achieve their educational goal. International students are elligible for Out of State tuition exemptions.

    2022-2023 Fees based on 12 credit hours

    Tuition: $2590

    Registration Fee: $1415

    Student Association Fee: 273

    Health Services fee: $96

    Out of State fee: $5394

    Housing: $2756-4020

    Meal Plan: $750-2150

    Books: $500-900

    Parking Permit: $45

    Post Office Box rent: 23

    International Student Insurance: $1,200/year

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    International Financial Aid

    Does your institution offer financial aid (scholarships, institutional aid, etc.) for admitted international students?

    Yes.

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