Situated on 600 acres in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, SRU is situated less than an hour north of Pittsburgh, 90 minutes south of Erie and 45 minutes east of Youngstown, Ohio, in the borough of Slippery Rock in Butler County. Two major highways, I-79 and I-80, intersect seven miles from the University, conveniently linking it to the entire Commonwealth. SRU offers 150 programs leading to bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. In addition, students can take a variety of minors, concentrations and certificates that allow them to tailor their academic experience to meet their career goals. Certificates are also available to non-degree students seeking additional career preparation. In its 128-year history, SRU has transitioned from a normal school with the primary purpose of training teachers, to a masters level public university offering academic programs to almost 9,000 students. Fifteen new academic programs have been introduced since 2013. The University is characterized by a commitment to advancing students intellectual development and civic responsibility. Students are provided with a comprehensive education that combines academic instruction with enhanced hands-on learning experiences. Because of its strong financial position, growing enrollment and its commitment to providing a Rock Solid education, SRU has won accolades from a wide range of national publications. These recognitions include a rising rank in U.S. News & World Report, a listing in the 2016 Princeton Review, a rating as A Best Value Institution by Money magazine and recognition as a 2016-2017 College of Distinction. Additionally, it has been applauded by The Chronicle of Higher Education six times as a Great College to Work For. Its efforts in sustainability have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education among others. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 19 discipline-specific accreditation agencies.