Oakland University (OU or Oakland) is a public research university in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1957 through a donation of Matilda Dodge Wilson and husband Alfred G. Wilson, it was initially known as Michigan State University-Oakland, operating under the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, before gaining institutional independence from the board in 1970. Oakland University is one of the eight research universities in the State of Michigan and is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". The university offers 132 bachelor's degree programs, 138 professional graduate certificate programs, master's degree programs, and doctoral degree programs, including those offered by the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.