The FernUniversität in Hagen (Distance University of Hagen) is the only state-run distance teaching university in Germany. The Headquarters are located in Hagen, Germany. The FernUniversität was founded in 1974 to provide distance higher education for students at home and abroad and is an integral part of the regular public higher education system. In 2010 nearly 67.000 students are enrolled at the university. Obtained academic degrees and titles (Bachelor, Master and Doctorate) are equivalent to those awarded by common on-campus universities and are equally valid. The university has four faculties: The approximately 60 study centers, which are located across Germany and in some countries, provide an important aspect to the distance learning concept of the university. At these study centers, students can get information about the university, get to know fellow students, borrow books, study for exams, and learn to use the technical tools of the university. Furthermore, the study centers offer seminars and preparatory classes for exams.