Established in 1979, Al-Baath University is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the large city of Homs (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants). This institution also has a branch campus in Hama. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of Syria, Al-Baath University (BU) is a very large coeducational Syrian higher education institution. Al-Baath University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.