The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson and is one of the eight original Public Ivy universities. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including business, law, medicine, and engineering. The university is known for its historic and picturesque campus, which was designed by Jefferson himself. The university is also home to several notable research centers and institutes, including the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service and the Miller Center of Public Affairs.