College of the Canyons (COC)
Overview
- OPEID/FAFSA College Code: 00890300
- Chancellor-President: Dianne G Van Hook
- Type: Public, 2-Year
- Calendar System: Semester
- Highest Degree: Associate's
- Local Area: Midsized Suburb
- Student Enrollment: 23,332
- College Alias: COC
Write First Review!

College of the Canyons is a two-year community college offering associate's degrees in more than 60 programs, and professional certificates in more than 65 programs. Academic programs range from television, film and video production to video game animation, or biotechnology to child development studies, from paralegal studies to industrial manufacturing or theatre arts.
College of the Canyons has recently received funds to improve existing programs and expand into new areas. It will soon add more classrooms, labs and facilities at its new Canyon Country campus. It will also upgrade its technology at the existing Valencia Campus in Santa Clarita, California, and expand instruction in public safety and a variety of other high-demand professions.
History
The College of the Canyon was created in 1967, and it officially opened in temporary quarters in the local high school in 1969. In 1970, the college purchases 153 acres in Santa Clarita along the Interstate 5. Since that time, College of the Canyons has expanded from a small community college holding its classes in modular buildings, to one of the nation's fastest-growing community colleges. The college is currently undergoing the highest rate of construction on its campus since its first buildings were erected in the early 1970s.
Academics
The academic calendar for College of the Canyons follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. There is a winter "intersession" between the fall and spring semesters. There are several short sessions offered within the 10-week summer semester.
Colleges and Schools
The academic units at College of the Canyons are divided into academic departments, rather than into colleges and schools. The academic departments are comprehensive, covering traditional disciplines and high-demand career areas such as fire technology, nursing or administration of justice.
Student Life
College of the Canyons has many student clubs and organizations available for participation on campus. Students that don't find a club that covers their interests among the nearly 100 existing clubs or organizations may establish their own club.
Student services at College of the Canyons include:
- Admissions, Records, and Online Services
- Adult Reentry
- Assessment Center
- Associated Student Government
- Campus Safety
- Career Center
- Continuing Education
- Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Counseling
- Disabled Students Program and Services
- Extended Opportunities Program and Services
- Financial Aid
- International Students Program
- Matriculation
- Service Learning Program
- Student Business Office / Cashier
- Student Development
- Student Health Center
- Transfer Center
- Veterans Affairs
Traditions
The traditional school colors for College of the Canyons are yellow, black and white. The school mascot is the cougar, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Canyons "Cougars."
Athletics
In addition to the option of studying sports medicine and strength and conditioning, the College of the Canyon "Cougars" athletes compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross County
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
In addition to its main Valencia Campus in Santa Clarita, College of the Canyons has a satellite Canyon Country campus, also in Santa Clarita.
Community Life
College of the Canyons offers many non-credit classes for the community. Current offerings include a series of classes on the issues of aging, a Federal and State Tax class, classes for English learners, and traffic school online.
College of the Canyons offers a variety of resources to the community, including many events that serve locals. The college staff participates in workshops, forums and information sessions that provide valuable assistance. Community members are encouraged to visit the College of the Canyons events calendar for a list of events and resources.
Single Mothers Outreach through College of the Canyons empowers single parents and their children by providing support and resources to help families become self-sustaining.
Student Services Offered
- Remedial Services
- Academic or Career Counseling Services
- Employment Services
- Placement Assistance For Graduates
- On-Campus Day Care Available
Special Learning Opportunities
- Distance Learning
- Study Abroad
- Weekend / Evening Classes Available
Website:
Mission Statement
Campus Map
Click Here to Launch the Campus Map of College of the CanyonsAccreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Facilities and Programs Offered
- Library Available
College Carnegie Classifications
- Basic Classification
- Undergraduate Classification
- Undergraduate Profile Classification
- Enrollment Classification
- Size Classification
Degrees & Programs
Awarded Student Degrees and Programs
The following is not a comprehensive or current list of degrees or programs offered. The table below details the number of degrees or certificates that were awarded in the 2010-11 school year to graduates broken down by degree or major type. Please contact College of the Canyons directly to learn more about what is currently being offered.
Business and Marketing Studies
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | 13 | 9 | |
| Bookkeeping | 6 | 114 | |
| Business Administration | 5 | 7 | |
| Hospitality Administration and Management | - | 9 | |
| Hotel Administration | - | 1 | |
| Real Estate | - | 2 | |
| Sales, Distribution, and Marketing | 6 | 9 | |
| Small Business Administration and Management | 2 | 12 |
Communication Technology
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects | 2 | 8 |
Communications and Journalism
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications | - | 7 | |
| Radio and Television | 2 | 3 |
Computer and Information Sciences
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | - | 1 | |
| Computer Systems Networking | 4 | 8 |
Construction Trades
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building and Construction Site Management | 1 | 2 |
Education
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, Early Childhood Special Education Programs | 3 | - |
Engineering
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering | - | 5 |
Engineering Technology
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Drafting cad | 1 | 2 | |
| Biomedical Technology | 10 | - | |
| Manufacturing Technology | 1 | 3 | |
| Water Quality Abd Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technician | 10 | 6 |
English Language and Literature
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | - | 31 |
Family and Consumer Sciences
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care | 1 | - | |
| Child Care Provider | 6 | 32 |
Foreign Languages and Literature
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Language and Literature | - | 3 | |
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation | - | 2 | |
| Spanish Language and Literature | - | 2 |
Health and Clinical Professions
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Training | - | 5 | |
| Nursing | - | 113 |
History
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| History | - | 22 |
Interdisciplinary Studies
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | - | 138 |
Legal Professions and Studies
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal | - | 7 |
Liberal Arts and Sciences
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts | 416 | 133 | |
| Humanistic Studies | - | 11 |
Library Science
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Library Assistant | 1 | 3 |
Mathematics and Statistics
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | - | 44 |
Mechanic and Repair Technology
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Mechanics Technology | 2 | - |
Personal and Culinary Services
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking and Related Culinary Arts | 5 | - | |
| Restaurant, Culinary and Catering Management | - | 2 |
Precision Production
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 3 | 1 |
Psychology
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | - | 35 |
Recreation and Fitness Studies
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education | - | 7 | |
| Parks and Recreation | - | 1 |
Security and Protective Services
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection and Safety Technology | 17 | 35 | |
| Police Science | 3 | 24 |
Social Sciences
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | - | 102 | |
| Sociology | - | 25 |
Visual and Performing Arts
| Certificate | Associate | More Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinematography and Film | 3 | 3 | |
| Drama | - | 3 | |
| Graphic Design | 3 | 6 | |
| Interior Design | 8 | 2 | |
| Music | - | 2 | |
| Photography | 2 | 10 | |
| Art Studies | - | 18 |
