Klaipėda University (Lithuanian: Klaipėdos Universitetas or KU) is a university in the Lithuanian seaport Klaipėda. The University was formally founded on January 1, 1991 by a decree of Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament). The new university incorporated existing institutions of higher education in the city. At its inception, it comprised 3,000 students and three faculties (Humanities and natural sciences, Marine Engineering, and Pedagogy). It has since grown to seven faculties and eight institutes: faculties of Natural Science and Mathematics, Humanities, Marine Engineering, Art, Pedagogy, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences; Maritime Institute, Seascape Institute, Institute of Continuing Studies, Coastal Research and Planning Institute, Institute of Baltic Sea Region History and Archaeology, Institute of Regional Policy and Planning, Mechatronics Institute, and Musicology Institute. Having 9,700 students and 600 persons in educational staff (in 2006), the University offers 67 undergraduate (bachelor degree), 4 specialized professional, 48 graduate (master's degree), and 3 postgraduate (doctoral) study programs. Klaipėda University occupies a former cantonment.