Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private co-educational university in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Founded in 1955 by the Society of Mary, a Roman Catholic religious order also known as the Marianists, Chaminade is located in the historic Kaimuki district of Honolulu. Chaminade offers bachelor's degrees in 23 fields of study and five master's degree programs. The school specializes in biology, business, criminal justice, education, forensic sciences, interior design, nursing and religious studies. Chaminade University is accredited with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Chaminade University of Honolulu was named after Father William Joseph Chaminade, a French Catholic priest who survived persecution during the French Revolution. He founded the Society of Mary in 1817. In 1849, Marianists sent missionaries to the United States to serve immigrant populations. In September 1883, eight Marianist priests arrived in Honolulu and established Saint Louis School, today a high school for boys. With the encouragement of Saint Louis alumni, the Marianists established a university to serve the educational needs of local Hawai'i Catholics.