MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Minot State University is celebrating its 111th birthday — but you may not know that its original name was Minot Normal School. In the early days, the concept of normal schools was common as the country expanded west. The primary focus was on teacher preparation. Then the name changed to Minot State Teacher's College for another 40 years, and in the 1980's, it finally became Minot State University. "The name changed over time to reflect some of those changes," said MSU's President, Dr. Steve Shirley. "We take that as a very serious part of our responsibility to continue to ensure that we have opportunities for students to better themselves, and to learn the skills that are needed in today's economy." Gaming: Secret Lair Showcase: Camp Totally Safe MSU has 10 master's programs, over 50 bachelor's programs, and well as a smaller selection of two-year programs, giving students many different options. Criminal justice, Art, Music, Teacher Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood Education are only some of the degrees they can choose from. Although students come from different states and countries, 70% who attend are North Dakotans. Dr. Shirley says that around 2,750 students are attending school this Fall. "It started to expand as Minot State became very important for the western and central part of the State of North Dakota in a variety of disciplines," Dr. Shirley concludes. The school's most recent addition was the remodeling of Hartnett Hall. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW