The University of Nevada Reno was established in 1874 as the State University of Nevada. The original college was located 300 miles northeast of its present location in Elko, Nevada. The school was a university preparatory school but the location was impractical as the majority of the population lived in the Reno-Carson City area at the time. In 1885, the school was moved to Reno.
The first building on campus was Morrill Hall, named for United States Senator Justin S. Morrill who wrote the 1862 Land-Grant Act, now known as the Morrill Act, that led to the creation of the University of Nevada Reno along with many other colleges throughout the country. The first diplomas were presented in 1891.
By the start of the 18th century, Nevada was in economic decline as the silver and gold mining days on Comstock Lake had ended. The university struggled to build enrollment. The family of John Mackay, an Irish immigrant who operated two Virginia City mines, kept the campus alive. From 1907 to 1936, the family bequeathed more than $1.5 million for creation of the Mackay School of Mines, a building modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s at the University of Virginia. They also provided funding for an athletic field, additional land and the Mackay Science Hall.
Today, the Master of Business Administration degree program at the University of Nevada Reno ranks in the top 25 nationally according to BusinessWeek. The publication also ranks it as the most affordable MBA program in the country. Researchers at the university are working to create the world’s most accurate atomic clock and nationally known experts in earthquake science are faculty at the university. It is also home to the largest earthquake simulation laboratory.
University of Nevada Reno Accreditation Details
The University of Nevada Reno is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The accrediting agency is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a regional authority on institutional effectiveness and quality of education. Accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the agency. In addition, programs throughout the university are accredited by industry-specific agencies and associations.
University of Nevada Reno Application Requirements
Students who have not earned college credits after high school graduation are considered new freshmen. They must have a 3.0 GPA in academic courses. Students with a lower GPA may use ACT or SAT scores for admittance. They must have an ACT composite score of 22 or a combined SAT score of 1120. Students must submit an official high school transcript.
Students who have earned 24 or more credits from an accredited college or university and who have at least a 2.5 GPA may apply as transfer students to the University of Nevada Reno. Students must have completed college-level English and math requirements.
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Graduate students must complete an online application and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. One transcript must indicate the conferring of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students must provide a resume, a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation. Official GRE and GMAT scores are also required. Each program may have specific admission requirements so students are encouraged to speak with an admissions counselor before applying for graduate programs.
University of Nevada Reno Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition for Nevada residents is $215.50 per credit hour and for non-residents is $452.50 per credit hour. Graduate tuition is $269.25 per credit hour for residents and $565.50 for non-residents.
The Nevada Advantage program offers discounted tuition for students who are residents of participating states. Students can save approximately $8,000 per academic year. Participating states include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
In addition, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands and Guam also participate in the program. To qualify, students must have a GPA of 3.0 as well as an ACT composite score of 22 or higher or an SAT score of 1100 or higher.
Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and student work-study. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for financial aid.
University of Nevada Reno Degree Programs Available
Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology
The Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology prepares students for counseling careers dedicated to providing excellent services in public and private settings. Students may specialize their studies in Marital, Couple and Family Counseling, School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs. Students develop attitudes, characteristics and behaviors that will make them outstanding counseling professionals. Students are provided an understanding of ethical behavior in the counseling industry as well as an understanding of today’s diverse population.
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Master of Science in Counseling and Educational Psychology, IT Emphasis
The Master of Science in Educational Psychology provides students with a curriculum focused on information technology in education. The program is designed for educators and prospective educators with an interest in the use of information technology in teaching and learning. Students must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher in undergraduate work and must provide official GRE scores. A statement of career goals, resume and three letters of recommendation are also required. The program requirements are adapted to the needs of the student. Therefore, approval of the department is necessary before admission. Students must complete at least 15 credits in educational psychology, one of which must be in educational statistics. Students must also complete one educational research course, nine credits in information technology, three in counseling and nine credits in electives. One to three credits in comprehensive examinations are also required.
The University of Nevada Reno has provided outstanding education for more than 100 years, allowing students to achieve their higher education goals. The university is recognized nationally for their research and faculty experience. Some classes may be offered in flexible formats that allow students who may have work, family or social obligations to earn a degree in order to move into a new career or advance in a current career.