Established in 1953, Universidad Santa María (University of Santa María) is a private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Caracas (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially recognized by the Ministerio del Poder Popular para Educación Universitaria, Ciencia y Tecnología, Venezuela (Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Venezuela), Universidad Santa María (USM) is a large coeducational Venezuelan higher education institution. Universidad Santa María (USM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. USM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.