Founded in 1891, UC Berkeley Extension is the continuing education branch of the University of California, Berkeley. Today, Extension offers 1,500 courses each year, including online courses, along with more than 75 professional certificates and specialized programs of study in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Free and low-cost public events are also frequently held as part of Extension's service to the local community. UC Berkeley Extension—like all other UC Berkeley schools, colleges and departments—is accredited by WASC through the University.