Southwest Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a public, comprehensive university. It was created to prepare teachers to teach in Texas public schools. That mission continues, as one in every 12 Texas teachers today has earned a degree or a certification from SWT. The university has grown to become a major comprehensive regional university, with several outstanding academic programs. Its program in geography and planning has been ranked the best in the nation, and programs in theatre arts, music, sound recording technology, communication disorders, mass communication, speech communication, physical therapy and sociology have gained national or regional recognition. Its 427-acre campus is located in San Marcos, 30 miles from Austin.