Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, about 70 miles from downtown Houston, Texas. Founded in 1879, the university has a total enrollment of 15,300 and offers 84 undergraduate programs, 47 master's programs and four doctoral programs in selected disciplines. The university has been christened after Texas greatest hero, General Sam Houston. Sam Houston State – then Sam Houston Normal Institute - was created by legislation signed by Governor Oran M. Roberts with the purpose of training teachers for the public schools of Texas. The first class included 110 students and four instructors, and the site was the campus of Austin College. The graduates were conferred a certification to teach in the state's elementary and secondary schools. The university started awarding bachalerate degrees after 1919. It was rechristened Sam Houston State Teachers College, in 1923, became Sam Houston State College in 1965, and finally to the present name, in 1969. SHSU has been ranked as a “doctoral intensive” university by the Carnegie Foundation. It is famous for its doctoral programs in Criminal Justice, which is done in association with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. SHSU also offers bachelor's and master's degrees through web-based distance education. In terms of academic resources, a well-equipped library caters to students and research scholors. Beyond academics, the university curriculum also provides for student’s recreation and other activities. On campus, there is a student-operated cable television station, radio station, and a campus newspaper – The Houstonian. Students accommodations have been provided in the form of 35 residence halls. Also featured on campus are a hotel, health center, and planetarium and observatory.