UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

Extended Studies
Independent Learning Program
Reno, Nevada

Distance Learning Program

The Independent Learning Program at the University of Nevada, Reno offers an individualized method of learning and a flexible way to earn University credit. Students who are unable to attend on-campus courses due to location, scheduling conflicts, work, or other commitments can choose from more than 200 academic credit courses in thirty subject areas as well as high school offerings. Students may enroll any day of the year and take up to one year to complete a course for most classes.

Delivery Media

Instruction is given by means of a course syllabus, textbooks, video and CDs (where appropriate), and additional reference and instructional materials. Lessons are accepted via mail, fax, and e-mail. After review by the course instructor, work is returned to students. A number of online courses are available, both semester-based and open-enrollment. No classroom attendance is necessary for independent learning courses. All courses have a final examination, which must be taken in a proctored setting; many courses have two or three progress examinations. Students who reside away from campus may take examinations using an approved proctor in their area.

Program of Study

The University of Nevada, Reno is the sole provider of university credit through independent study in the state of Nevada. Academic credit courses are offered from the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Courses for high school credit and continuing education units are also available. Undergraduate credit courses are offered in thirty subject areas, which include accounting, anthropology, Basque studies, core humanities, counseling and educational psychology, criminal justice, curriculum, economics, educational leadership, educational specialties, English, environment, French, geography, German, health ecology, history, hotel administration, human and community sciences, information systems, Italian, journalism, management, mathematics, nutrition, political science, psychology, social work, sociology, Spanish, speech communication, teaching and learning, and women's studies. Graduate credit is available in Basque studies, counseling and educational psychology, educational leadership, and educational specialties. All credit courses have been approved by the departments and colleges of the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. High School credit courses meet Nevada State Department of Education approval.

Special Programs

New online courses are a convenient way to study at home and communicate with instructors via the Internet. Some classes also include a bulletin board feature, so students can ask questions of fellow online students and discuss course topics.

Established in 1864, the University of Nevada first offered classes in Elko, Nevada. In 1885, the campus was moved to Reno with 2 faculty members and 50 students. Today, the University of Nevada, Reno is the oldest of seven institutions in the University and Community College System of Nevada.

A land-grant university with an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students in ten schools and colleges, the University of Nevada, Reno offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including selected doctoral and professional studies. The University emphasizes programs and activities that best serve the needs of the state, region, and nation. More than one fourth of the students enrolled are pursuing advanced degrees. The University encourages and supports faculty research and its application to state and national problems and conducts more than $70 million in research grants and contracts each year.

The 255-acre campus is located just north of Interstate 80 near the majestic Sierra Nevada range and Lake Tahoe. The University of Nevada, Reno is an integral part of the thriving Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, home to about 311,000 people. With its blend of ivy-covered buildings, sweeping lawns, and functional, progressive architecture, the University's academic atmosphere is filled with rich surroundings for the cultural and intellectual development of students.

The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, ADA institution. The University of Nevada, Reno is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges and is recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

Student Services

All textbooks, videotapes, and course materials are mailed directly to students anywhere in the world. Returning lessons for grading uses convenient e-mail or fax services or traditional mail and air mail. Independent Learning students who live in the Reno area can take full advantage of the many student services available on the University of Nevada, Reno campus; these services include tutoring, math centers, academic counseling, and support group information for nontraditional students. Local students can also receive library and computer lab privileges and use the library's video loan service. Upon enrollment, each student receives a student handbook containing useful information, study tips, and guidelines. The Independent Learning staff is available to answer questions via phone, fax, or e-mail. Information about courses and programs is also included on the Independent Learning Web site, listed below.

Credit Options

A maximum of 60 credits earned through Independent Learning may be applied toward a University of Nevada, Reno bachelor's degree. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas awards up to a maximum of 15 semester hours of credit through Independent Learning toward a degree. Students interested in transfer credit may contact the University's Transfer Center office (telephone: 775-784-4700) for more information. Grades for all completed credit courses are recorded on a University transcript, which may be ordered from the University.

Faculty

All instructors for Independent Learning have been approved by the departments and colleges of the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. High school faculty members are certified high school teachers in Nevada high schools or are faculty members at the university or community college level.

Admission

Formal admission to the University of Nevada, Reno or the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is not required before enrolling in Independent Learning courses. Likewise, enrollment in Independent Learning does not constitute admission to either of these universities. Students who wish to apply may contact the University of Nevada, Reno Office of Admissions and Records (telephone: 775-784-4700).

Tuition and Fees

The standard course fee for all undergraduate Independent Learning courses is $99 per credit. Graduate tuition is $132 per credit. High school courses are $100 per one-half unit course. Textbook costs are not included in the course fee. Additional fees are charged for handling, stationery, syllabus, faxing, and special materials, as well as for air mail, international mail, and Internet courses. All students taking a college course must pay a one-time $60 application fee.

Financial Aid

Some financial aid may be available to certain qualified individuals through the University of Nevada, Reno Financial Aid Office (telephone: 775-784-4666), where students can call for application deadlines and forms. Independent Learning courses at the University of Nevada, Reno are approved for veterans benefits and for military personnel (DANTES) within or outside the United States.

CONTACT

Independent Learning Staff
Extended Studies/050
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada 89557
Phone: 775-784-4652
800-233-8928 Ext. 4652 (toll-free)
Fax: 775-784-1280
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.istudy.unr.edu

Applying

Students can enroll any time and take up to one year to complete each open-enrollment course. Semester-based courses are restricted to the University's general deadlines. Instruction by Independent Learning affords students the convenience of studying when and where they choose. Enrollment is accepted in person, via the Web, or by mail, phone, or fax.