Founded in 1962, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra) is a private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Santiago de los Caballeros (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Santiago. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata. Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología, República Dominicana (Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic), Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) is a large coeducational Dominican higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. PUCMM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.