The University of Delaware has grown from its founding as a small private academy in 1743 to a major university. As one of the oldest land-grant institutions, as well as a sea-grant, space-grant and urban-grant institution, Delaware offers an impressive collection of educational resources. Undergraduates may choose to major in any one or more of over 100 academic majors. The University's distinguished faculty includes internationally known scientists, authors and teachers, who are committed to continuing the University of Delaware's tradition in providing one of the highest quality undergraduate educations available. The University enrolls over 16,000 undergraduates and nearly 3,000 graduate students. As a state-assisted, privately controlled institution, the University seeks to enroll students from diverse backgrounds and a wide variety of geographic regions. Currently, 60 percent of Newark campus undergraduates are nonresidents who represent nearly every state and several foreign countries. The University of Delaware is strongly committed to enrolling and retaining minority students. Since 1921, the University has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Professional accreditation also is held in Accounting, Agricultural Engineering/ Engineering Technology, Athletic Training, Business Administration, Chemistry, Clinical Psychology, Dietetics, Education, Engineering, Family and Community Services, Medical Technology, Music, Physical Therapy, Public Administration and Nursing. The state of Delaware sits in the heart of the mid-Atlantic seaboard, halfway between Washington, DC and New York City. It is a state rich in shoreline, farmland, and bustling city life. The main campus of the University, situated in the northwest corner of the state in the town of Newark (pronounced New Ark, as it was once spelled), offers a traditional small-town college atmosphere in a location that affords easy access to major cultural and entertainment centers in nearby metropolitan areas. The I-95 corridor is minutes from campus. The shore resorts of Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland and the recreational areas and ski slopes of the Pocono Mountains are also about two hours away.