College of the Canyons will host an open house event at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center designed to highlight the array of new programs being introduced in 2012 and provide information to prospective students interested in learning how they can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree — without ever leaving the Santa Clarita Valley.

Cited as the college’s solution to the lack of upper division, graduate school and continuing educations programs in the Santa Clarita Valley, the University Center was created with a goal to increase student access to advanced degrees by forging partnerships with surrounding four-year colleges and universities — which then make their academic programs available to students through courses offered at College of the Canyons.

During the open house event attendees will be able to learn more about the various educational opportunities offered by the University Center’s partner institutions, as well as speak to university representatives, meet with counselors, fill out applications, learn about financial aid options and tour the University Center’s classrooms and facilities.

The University Center currently hosts 38 programs offered by partner universities: California State University (CSU) Bakersfield, CSU Northridge, CSU Los Angeles, University of La Verne,Brandman University (formerly known as Chapman University) and National University.

Available at the University Center for the first time in 2012 are programs in the areas of:

MS Criminal Justice (NationalUniversity)

Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program (National University)

BA Sports Psychology (National University)

MS School Psychology (University of La Verne)

BS Engineering with an emphasis in Manufacturing (CSU Los Angeles)

The University Center open house will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in the University Center lobby, located on the COC Valencia campus.

Parking in campus parking lots 13, 14, and 15 is free for this event.

For more information about the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center open house event and the full lineup of University Center partners and programs, visit www.cocuniversitycenter.com.