Prairie View A&M University is a state-assisted, public, comprehensive land grant institution of higher education. The university was designated in a 1984 amendment to the Texas Constitution as an "institution of the first class." It is dedicated to achieving excellence and relevance in teaching, research and service. It seeks to invest in program and services that address issues and challenges affecting the diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population of Texas and the larger society including the global arena. The university seeks to provide a high quality educational experience for students who, upon completion of bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees, possess self-sufficiency and professional competences. The experience is imbued by the institution's values including, but not limited to, access and quality, accountability, diversity, leadership, relevance, and social responsibility.