Beijing Normal University grew out of the Faculty of Education of Capital Metropolitan University established in 1902. In 1912, it was renamed as Beijing Normal College. The Beiping Women’s College of Education was merged into Beijing Normal University in 1931, and the university was named as National Beiping Normal University. The name of the University was changed into Beijing Normal University in 1949. During the adjustment of departments and colleges in 1952, Fu Jen Catholic University was merged into Beijing Normal University.

After the development for over a century, Beijing Normal University has become a comprehensive university with its main characteristics of basic discipline in science and humanities, teacher education and educational science, and it is now one of the important national bases for training talents and scientific research. At present, there are 23 colleges and over 1400 fulltime faculty members. There are now 7 academicians from China Academy of Science and 1 academician from China Academy of Engineering and 11 academicians with membership from both academies working at the University. More than 18000 students are studying full time at the University, of which there are more than 8400 undergraduate students, and over 8100 postgraduate students. The University has 16 first-class disciplines. The University is able to confer doctoral degree in 87 majors, master degree in 154 majors and bachelor degree in 55 majors, and the university also has post-doctor programs in 16 areas. The University has 7 national training centers in basic disciplines of science and humanities, 1 national training center in life science and technology, 1 national training center for Chinese language teachers for international students; 7 key research centers in humanities and social sciences, Ministry of Education; 16 national key disciplines, 1 state key laboratory and 2 united national key laboratories.

Beijing Normal University always attaches importance to international exchange and cooperation. At present, the university has established cooperative ties with more than 100 universities and research institutes from more than 40 countries and regions. The cooperation includes exchange of students and scholars, collaborative research, introduction of international talents and joint training programs. With the expansion of international exchange and cooperation, the university has over 1700 full time international students from 60 countries and regions

Beijing Normal University adheres to the national policy of vitalizing the nation through science and education. With the fully exertion of its advantages and characteristics, the University is striving to be a high standard university with international reputation.