The university had its beginnings when the Higher Teacher Training School at Prasarnmit was founded in 1949. Prasarnmit was the first of its kind in the country's history. In 1953, it became the College of Education, having authority to grant a bachelor's degree in Education in the subject majors taught in Thai primary and secondary schools. Subsequently, programs at both the bachelors and masters levels were developed. In 1964, branch campuses were established for the regions of the country. The following were eventually created: • Phitsanulok campus, for the north, now
Naresuan University • Maha Sarakham campus, for the northeast, now
Mahasarakham University • Bangsaen campus, for the southeast, now
Burapha University • Songkhla campus, for the south, now
Thaksin University Additional central campuses were also established: • Pathumwan campus, now merged with Prasarnmit campus • Physical Education campus, now merged with Faculty of Physical Education, Ongkharak campus • Bang Khen campus, now merged with Prasarnmit campus In 1974, the College of Education became a comprehensive university by a royal decree of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who granted the university the name of Srinakharinwirot (See-na-ka-reen-wee-rot), which means 'the glory of the city'. The university offered undergraduate degrees in education, humanities, social science, science, physical education, and graduate degrees in education. In the higher education development plan Phase Five (1982–1986), a faculty of medicine was added; in Phase Seven (1992–1996), engineering, fine arts, and dentistry; and in Phase Eight (1997–2001), pharmacy, health science, and nursing. SWU Prasanmit has developed to be a metropolitan university focusing on graduate studies. SWU Ongkaruk has focused on the development of health science, technology, environment and community services. Over the years, the regional campuses grew in size and became separate universities. However, they preserve an unofficial tie with Srinakarinwirot University and regard the Bangkok university as their "mother campus". ==Affiliations==