Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG), opened in 1962, is a branch campus of Texas A&M University. TAMUG is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission to grant bachelor's, masters and doctorate degrees. This ocean-oriented university offers a unique combination of marine as well as maritime courses including science, business, engineering, and transportation majors. Even though its academic courses are specifically aimed at the ocean including marine biology, marine engineering technology, marine fisheries, maritime management, maritime research, marine and coastal resources and marine environmental law. The atmosphere created by faculty, staff and pupils emphasizes the close relationship between the institute and the ocean. More than 5,000 international students from 181 different countries are welcomed here every year.