The University of Mary Hardin–Baylor, generally referred to as UMHB, is a Christian co-educational liberal arts institution of higher learning located in Belton, Texas. Founded by the Republic of Texas in 1845 as "Baylor Female College," it has grown to approximately 2,700 students and awards degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate levels. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The university is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). UMHB's first doctoral program, leading to the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), officially began in June 2007 with twenty-one students in the inaugural class. The university's overall student/faculty ratio is 15:1. UMHB's history dates to the time before Texas became a state. Its original charter was granted by the Republic of Texas (prior to statehood) in 1845 as the female division of Baylor College (present-day Baylor University). Classes began in May, 1846, in a small wooden building on a hillside at Independence in Washington County.