University of

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to help shape the future of the nation. The University is public, while nourished by the strong support of its alumni. It is also selective; the 20,000 students who comprise the University's graduate and undergraduate programs have been chosen because they show the exceptional promise Jefferson envisioned. U.Va. offers 48 bachelor's degrees in 46 fields, 94 master's degrees in 64 fields, six educational specialist degrees, two first-professional degrees (law and medicine), and 55 doctoral degrees in 54 fields.