New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a public research university in Newark, New Jersey, United States. It also has a campus in Jersey City. The school started in 1881 as Newark Technical School with 88 students. Today, NJIT has many students from around the world, and many live on its main campus in Newark's University Heights area.

NJIT offers many different subjects to study, including 51 undergraduate programs and 71 graduate programs. The university has special programs in Healthcare and Law, working with schools like Rutgers Medical School and Seton Hall Law School. Students can also take classes at Rutgers University-Newark, which is very close by.

NJIT is known for its work in science and technology. It is part of important research groups and does research all over the world. One of its research centers is the Big Bear Solar Observatory in California, which has the Goode Solar Telescope, along with other observatories in places like Antarctica and South America.

History

The New Jersey Institute of Technology started in the 1800s. In 1881, New Jersey wanted a technical school and held a contest. The city that offered the most money could host the school. Newark worked hard to raise money and won the contest.

Newark Technical School opened in 1885 with 88 students. Over the years, the school grew. It changed its name to Newark College of Engineering in 1930. In 1973, it added a school of architecture and became a full university. In 1975, it changed its name to New Jersey Institute of Technology.

The school kept growing. It built new buildings, added new subjects to study, and welcomed students from all over the world. Today, it is a big university with many students and teachers working together.

Academics

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is known for its strong academic programs. It has been recognized for offering good value and helping students succeed. For example, in 2025, U.S. News ranked NJIT tied for 80th among national universities. In 2024, the Princeton Review placed it 23rd among the best public colleges that give students great value for their money.

NJIT has also been praised for helping students move up in income levels after graduation. In 2018, Forbes ranked NJIT first in the country for upward mobility. The university continues to be valued for its contributions to research and public service.

Colleges and schools

The New Jersey Institute of Technology has five colleges and one school, with 21 departments. Three departments—Biological Sciences, History, and Theater Arts—are shared with Rutgers-Newark, which is next door.

The university has students from many countries and backgrounds. It offers chances to study in other countries and work with companies.

Newark College of Engineering (NCE)

Started in 1919, Newark College of Engineering is one of the oldest engineering schools in the United States. It offers many programs for students, including advanced degrees. Over 2,500 students study there, and many famous engineers teach there.

Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts (JHCSLA)

The College of Science and Liberal Arts began in 1982. It started as the Third College and later changed its name. It has grown and helped create two other colleges. Today, it has six main areas of study.

J. Robert and Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design (HCAD)

This college includes the School of Architecture and the School of Art and Design. Students can earn degrees in architecture, digital design, industrial design, and interior design. HCAD has its own special library with many books and materials.

The college also offers a summer program for high school students.

Albert Dorman Honors College (ADHC)

Ying Wu College of Computing Sciences (YWCC)

The Computer Science department is the largest at NJIT. It offers many programs, including computer science, telecommunication, and computing and business. In 2019, the college opened a new location in Jersey City to help people working in financial technology in the Wall Street area.

Martin Tuchman School of Management (MTSM)

Started in 1988, this school offers programs in finance, accounting, marketing, management information systems, international business, technological entrepreneurship, and corporate communications. Students can earn different levels of degrees, including a Bachelor’s program and Master’s programs. The school also has special programs to help local entrepreneurs and businesses.

Research

NJIT spends money on research and development. It focuses on areas like applied mathematics, materials science, biomedical engineering, cybersecurity, and solar-terrestrial physics. NJIT has a business incubator called VentureLink and the New Jersey Innovation Institute to help new businesses grow.

The university does research in nanotechnology, solar-terrestrial physics, polymer science, and smart gun technology. It has many research centers, including the National Center for Transportation and Industrial Productivity and SmartCampus. NJIT also has a research center called the Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research, which owns the Big Bear Solar Observatory in California.

In the past, NJIT had a research center called the Computerized Conferencing and Communications Center, which developed the first e-learning platform called the "Virtual Classroom." The university has special cleanrooms for research and a powerful computer system for research in the Mathematics Department.

Libraries and archives supporting research

NJIT has a main library called The Robert W. Van Houten Library, which has quiet study areas and many computers for students. There is also a special library for architecture and design in Weston Hall, with many books, models, and images. The university keeps historical items from Edward Weston, one of its founding members, in the Van Houten Library for scholars to study.

Residence life

Most students at NJIT go to campus instead of living there. But about 2,500 students live in housing on campus.

There are six buildings where students can live. Redwood Hall was the first, built in 1978. Then came Cypress, Oak, and Laurel. Cypress and Redwood are mainly for first-year students. Laurel and Oak are for older students. The fifth building, John Martinson Residence Hall, opened in 2013. It houses special college students and some groups. The sixth building, Maple Hall, opened in 2022 and can hold 500 students.

There is also a housing building very close to campus called University Centre. It opened in 2007. It is run by American Campus Communities and is near NJIT's Guttenberg Information Technologies Center. Students from NJIT, Rutgers–Newark, Rutgers Medical School, and Seton Hall University can live there. Many students also live in nearby areas such as Harrison, Kearny, Fairmount, and East Orange.

Student newspaper

The Vector is a weekly newspaper made by students at NJIT. It began in 1924 and is available both online and in print. Many students read it, and it has won awards for its work.

Athletics

Main article: NJIT Highlanders

NJIT has many sports teams that play at high levels. There are 19 teams that play in NCAA Division I, and one team that plays in ACHA Division II. There are also two club sports teams. The teams are called the Highlanders, and their colors are red, white, and blue. Most teams play in the America East Conference, but some play in other groups.

In 2014, NJIT’s basketball team surprised everyone by beating a very good team.

In 2017, NJIT opened a big new building called the Wellness and Events Center. It has space for basketball and volleyball games and other events. In 2019, they also opened a new field for soccer and lacrosse.

Notable faculty and alumni

Since it started in 1881, NJIT has helped nearly 80,000 students graduate and begin their careers. Some well-known alumni and teachers include Judea Pearl, who won a Turing Award in 2011, and Wally Schirra, who studied there before going to the USNA.

By 2025, 27 teachers at NJIT were honored by the National Academy of Inventors. Students have also earned many awards, such as 7 Fulbright scholarships and 23 Goldwater Scholarships.