Indiana State University was created on December 20, 1865, pursuant to an Indiana statute, and was originally known as the Indiana State Normal School. Its primary mission was to prepare teachers for the common schools of Indiana. Indiana State Normal School awarded its first baccalaureate degrees in 1908, master's degrees were granted in 1928, and the first doctor of philosophy degrees were awarded in 1968.

ISU offers more than 100 majors, 70 plus online programs, and endless opportunities for students through its undergraduate and graduate degrees. It challenges students to grow and learn inside and outside the classroom and to make an impact on the community, whether right here in Terre Haute or halfway around the world. At Indiana State, students will find eye-opening experiences, tons of opportunities and mind expanding classes run by the most passionate professors around.

Professors are so much more than teachers, with deep knowledge and experience to share, theyre experts in their fields. Students can count on them to inspire them, mentor them, and to open doors they never even knew existed in the classroom and even online. They can get their hands dirty with practical experience in the research lab, in the field, and out in the world like examining a real human brain, traveling to San Diego for a Pacific Ocean research dive or working with Adidas Sport on future business plans.

The ISU Treehouse is a social network for students to explore student organizations, find an event to attend, and get connected to campus. There are currently 270 registered student organizations that promote student involvement on campus. Studies have shown that students that are involved on campus increases retention and persistence toward degree completion. Through involvement students learn to be more socially competent, academically focused and civically engaged.

The Indiana State University main campus adjoins the north side of Terre Haute's downtown business district and covers more than 200 acres in the heart of the city. Varsity soccer, track & field, and baseball fields are located within a mile of the main campus along the Wabash River. Memorial Stadium, the site of NCAA Division IAA football games, is located on Wabash Avenue, two miles east of the main campus.