NIU Forensics is a student organization devoted to a wide range of competitive and non-competitive speech activities. Formed in 1928, NIU Forensics has a rich history of providing students hands-on training in argumentation, advocacy, public speaking, and performance.

NIU Forensics is funded by the Student Association and enjoys additional support from the Department of Communication. The department provides resources for a coaching staff composed of faculty and graduate assistants who are highly-skilled experts in speech and debate pedagogy.

NIU Forensics is open to all students, especially those with no prior experience. Offering a broad-based and diverse program, the organization:

• enables students to use language effectively for a variety of speech purposes
• develops students' critical thinking and argumentation skills
• sharpens students' skills of invention, analysis, delivery, and audience adaptation
• encourages student engagement with issues facing local, regional, national, and international communities

NIU Forensics actively engages in three main areas of speech activity: Individual Events, Competitive Debate, and Public Debate.