The University of New Orleans (UNO), the urban research University of the State of Louisiana, provides essential support for the educational, economic, cultural, and social well-being of the culturally rich and diverse New Orleans metropolitan area. It opened its doors 1958 as part of the Louisiana State University System "to bring public-supported higher education to Louisiana's largest urban community." Today, UNO offers 121 degree programs, of which 50 are undergraduate, 58 are masters, and 13 are doctoral programs. The 340-acre main campus sits on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, offering easy access to all parts of the metro area.