History

A referendum in 1894 stated that a school of forestry should be located in Bottineau, North Dakota, to provide, in addition to forestry, comprehensive junior college curricula. Additional one and two-year programs were continually developed, expanding the educational base. The North Dakota Century Code identified the role of MSU-Bottineau as offering programs in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. This, in turn, encouraged the institution to specialize and expand upon its offerings in the natural resources.

The relationship between the School of Forestry and North Dakota State University was first established in 1968 when the Board of Higher Education approved the "administrative attachment" of the two institutions. The School of Forestry became known as North Dakota State University-Bottineau Branch and Institute of Forestry at that time. In 1987, the name was again modified to North Dakota State University-Bottineau.

In April of 1996, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education affiliated the college with Minot State University. The name of the school was changed to Minot State University-Bottineau Campus at that time. This realignment has been a most productive one, bringing a variety of material rewards to both campuses.