Founded as a normal school by provision of the North Dakota Constitution in 1889, Mayville State was granted 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) and organized by the first Legislative Assembly.

In 1973 and 1982, Mayville State College established programs in business administration and computer studies respectively.

An addition to the science and library buildings is providing a new home for the Division of Education and Psychology.

This is the only men's basketball team in North Dakota history to play in a national collegiate championship game.

Mayville State's softball team appeared in one Women's College World Series in 1976.