Academic
Credit and
Degree Programs
Students seeking undergraduate and graduate academic credit will find a wide
variety of options here. Whether you need the convenience of evening studies,
the flexibility of independent learning, or the accessibility of our teacher
recertification credits, we offer a variety of ways to pursue degree programs
or develop career skills while earning university credit – all with your
busy schedule in mind.
UCAN: University Credit Across Nevada
Academic credit courses for degrees, teacher recertification and career advancement are offered each year through Extended Studies. Students can earn credit on campus, on site in outlying areas across northern Nevada, and via electronic delivery. Academic credit classes offered in Reno and several off-campus locations for the semester are listed here.
Independent Learning
Study anytime, anywhere! An integral part of our commitment to distance education is Independent Learning, the only program of its kind offering university credit in the state of Nevada. Nearly 200 classes in 33 subject areas, including dozens of courses online, are available anytime, anywhere. Enrollment is always open. High school students can choose from 35 Independent Learning courses to further their education and complete graduation requirements. Many of the course requirements for the Bachelor of General Studies degree are also available through Independent Learning.
Academic Credit on the WEB! Students can choose from more than 40 online Independent Learning courses now available in subjects like criminal justice, counseling and educational psychology, English, health ecology and political science.
Earn Your Degree at Night with Evening Studies
With expanded studies and core curriculum choices beginning after 4 p.m., new and returning students of all ages and from all walks of life can earn a bachelor’s degree or an MBA or MPA, develop job skills, or take a course for personal enrichment with Evening Studies and Degree Programs. 735 classes in 77 subjects “after hours” offer:
- Convenient times for working adults
- Teacher recertification credits
- The highest caliber educational experience available in the area
- More choices for busy students — 77 subjects and 10 degree programs
- Professional advancement … and more!
Choose a class from the university’s 920 late-afternoon and evening offerings or work on one of eight undergraduate degrees or six masters degrees available at night. 14 complete degree programs available “after hours” include:
- Art
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- English
- General Studies
- Geography
- Political Science
- Psychology
- MBA Program
- MPA Program
- Master of Accounting
- MS in Educational Psychology
- MS in Finance
- MS in Information Systems
Bachelor of General Studies Degree
The BGS degree program is offered in association with the College of Liberal Arts and provides students an alternative to a traditional departmental degree. Designed for those who wish to complete their university education for general purposes, the BGS degree allows students considerable flexibility in the selection of courses and design for their program of study. Since the program’s inception in 1984, more than 1,400 students have graduated with the BGS degree.
For more information on the Bachelor of General Studies Degree Program, call the Academic Advising Center, (775) 784-4684. Email: advising@unr.edu

University of Nevada, Reno