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Novato, California, is home to a few educational institutions, but it doesn't have a large, traditional university campus within the city limits. However, it is located near several prominent universities and colleges in the Bay Area. Below are details about educational institutions in Novato and nearby areas:

1. College of Marin - Indian Valley Campus

• Location: 1800 Ignacio Blvd, Novato, CA 94949

• Overview: The College of Marin’s Indian Valley Campus is a key branch of the College of Marin, a public community college in Marin County. It offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees, vocational training, and certification programs.

Programs Offered:

• Associate Degrees in Arts and Sciences

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs

• Art, Music, Business, and Environmental Studies

• Community enrichment classes

• Programs for students planning to transfer to four-year universities

Facilities:

• Art studios

• Music and performance spaces

• Outdoor areas for environmental and sustainability programs

Website: College of Marin

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2. Dominican University of California (Located in nearby San Rafael)

• Location: 50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901 (approximately 10 miles from Novato)

• Overview: Although Dominican University of California closed its undergraduate programs in 2020, it continues to offer graduate programs and serves as an important part of the region’s educational landscape. The campus is known for its focus on liberal arts education and graduate-level programs in various fields.

Graduate Programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

• Other graduate-level programs

Website: Dominican University of California

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3. Nearby Universities and Colleges

Although Novato doesn’t have a major university campus, it’s located in close proximity to several prestigious universities and colleges in the Bay Area, including:

• University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) - One of the most prestigious universities in the world, located about 45 minutes to an hour from Novato.

  • Website: UC Berkeley

• Stanford University - Located about an hour south of Novato, Stanford is another world-renowned university.

  • Website: Stanford University

• Sonoma State University - Located in Rohnert Park, about 25 miles north of Novato, Sonoma State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  • Website: Sonoma State University

• San Francisco State University (SFSU) - Located about 30 miles south of Novato in San Francisco, SFSU offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs.

  • Website: San Francisco State University

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4. Other Higher Education Options Nearby

• Marin Community College District: In addition to the College of Marin, the district includes other community educational programs and continuing education options across the county, providing pathways to four-year universities and professional certifications.

• Sonoma State University Extended Education: This program provides certificate courses and professional development opportunities.

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Conclusion

While Novato itself doesn’t have a large university, it is part of the larger Bay Area education ecosystem, with access to numerous higher education opportunities nearby. The College of Marin offers solid community college programs in Novato, while several major universities like UC Berkeley, Stanford, and San Francisco State are within a short drive.