April 22, 2009 - At a news conference today in Lancaster, California State University, Bakersfield announced plans to expand the educational programs at the university's Antelope Valley Center. Beginning in June, the center will launch a new master's degree program in public administration and create a center for graduate studies in education. Additionally, the undergraduate business curriculum will be strengthened with the addition of a management track and increased course offerings in general business.

The announcement was made by CSUB President Horace Mitchell in conjunction with Antelope Valley College President Jackie Fisher, Drew Mercy for Senator George Runner, and Lancaster Vice Mayor Ron Smith.

The expanded programming at the center is the result of ongoing partnerships with the City of Lancaster and the Air Force Research Laboratory, housed at Edwards Air Force Base. Both entities expressed the need for additional local graduate degree programs for employees wishing to pursue career advancement.

"I was approached by managers at Edwards Air Force Base and the City of Lancaster to determine the feasibility of developing an M.P.A. program locally," said John Hultsman, CSUB associate vice president and director of the Antelope Valley Center. "We've responded with a program that will have some common core courses, but also offers a track that emphasizes subjects appropriate for local government employees and another track appropriate for those holding undergraduate training in engineering. It is an exciting and much needed addition for the local area."

The Center for Graduate Studies in Education targets employees in regional school districts who are looking to improve their careers by obtaining an advanced degree. The center will provide master's degrees in special education, educational administration, and educational curriculum & instruction. Additionally, post-baccalaureate credentials may be earned in elementary, secondary and special education.

"We're appreciative of CSUB's responsiveness to our community's needs," Smith said. "Education is an important part of growing and advancing a community and these programs will help to take us to the next level. We look forward to our partnership with the university continuing and growing."

Applications are currently being accepted to the new programs. The M.P.A. program is offered through CSUB's Extended University. Information can be found online at [ http://www.csub.edu/eud ]www.csub.edu/regional/mpa.html or by calling (661) 654-2441. For information about the education center and business programs, call (661) 952-5000.

The Antelope Valley Center opened in 1998 and serves as a CSUB satellite campus for about 1,000 students. Including the programs announced today, the center offers 10 bachelor's and seven graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs.