San José State University (San José State or SJSU) is a public research university in San Jose, California, United States. Established in 1857 as the state's first normal school, it is the oldest public university in the western United States and is the founding campus of the California State University system. Located in downtown San Jose, San Jose State's main campus spans 154 acres (62 ha), or roughly 19 square blocks. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and is classified among "R2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production". It is a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.