Bowie State University is building a bold future on a proud heritage. Founded in 1865, Bowie State is the oldest Historically Black College/University in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. It is also a diverse university whose more than 6,100 students, along with faculty and staff, come from many ethnic backgrounds. In addition to its 23 undergraduate majors, Bowie State offers 35 master's, doctoral, and advanced certification programs. As a member institution of the University System of Maryland, Bowie State upholds the System’s mission of providing high-caliber, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities. Bowie State is in the midst of one of the nation's most exciting metropolitan areas, within easy reach of Washington, DC, and Baltimore. At the same time, it boasts a pastoral campus that is both serene and beautiful. With seven residence halls, the University is a hub of 24/7 undergraduate life, yet it also offers convenient evening classes and online courses to serve employed professionals seeking to move ahead in their careers.