Under President Lawrence J. Corbly's direction, Marshall continued to strengthen and expand its academic offerings. In 1911, the regents changed the school year to two semesters, rather than three terms. By spring of the following year, Marshall's curriculum included four years of secondary academic work and two years of "professional" or college level studies.

By 1913, graduates were admitted as juniors to first-class colleges and universities. The following year, the academic department had junior college status.

Several buildings, comprising what now is Old Main, had been constructed in earlier years, but it was not until 1916 that Northcott Hall, a new science hall, opened. A physical education building was added in the 1921-22 school year. Fairfield Stadium was dedicated in 1928.

The College of Education, first called Teachers College, was organized in 1920 and the first four-year degree was awarded in 1921. The College of Arts and Sciences was formed in 1924. Marshall was truly an institution of higher education.