Semester at Tahoe

Join us in the mountains where art, science, and the environment meet.

Complete an interest form

Explore our unique academic programs

During a Semester at Tahoe, students engage with an interdisciplinary curriculum and thoughtful place-bound experiences. Earn a certificate in sustainability, work toward a minor in Art, Land and the Environment or choose courses that fit your passion and interests.

Three unique full-semester opportunities

 

Arts, Land, and Environment minor

The Arts, Land and Environment minor gives students an opportunity to experience interdisciplinary study in a dynamic way, through a semester at the Lake Tahoe campus and through archival research at the Nevada Museum of Art. Courses in Art, English, Geography, Journalism and Sociology focus on creative interpretations of sustainability issues and are combined with outdoor exploration and immersive learning within the museum. Studying alongside students from across university departments, courses in the minor offer several core curriculum requirements and provide specialist skills and experience for future-facing careers related to Arts, Land and Environment.

Sustainability Certificate

This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges across industries. Coursework covers sustainability theory, environmental policy and hands-on fieldwork, integrating Tahoe’s unique ecosystem into the learning experience. Students gain a recognized credential that enhances any career path while engaging with faculty and peers in a dynamic small-cohort setting.

General semester study

For students looking to broaden their studies, our semester-long program offers diverse courses that align with their academic goals. Small class sizes and an inspiring natural environment create an ideal space for focused learning while field-based experiences provide opportunities to apply knowledge beyond the classroom. This option allows for academic exploration while benefiting from the close-knit community and expert instruction of our Tahoe campus.

Prim-Schultz residence hall room with a wooden bunk bed, cozy bedding, and decorative pillows near a large window overlooking pine trees. Includes an open wardrobe with clothes and a hoodie, a desk with a chair featuring a “grateful” pillow, and personal items like a backpack and laundry bag.

Lake Tahoe housing discounts available

University of Nevada, Reno students spending a Semester at Tahoe may qualify for a limited number of housing discounts in the Prim-Schultz dorms. Students living on campus must purchase a meal plan for Patterson Dining Hall. Details can be found below in the FAQ or by filling out an interest form.

Fill out an interest form to learn more

Who should apply?

Undergraduate students interested in spending a semester on the Lake Tahoe campus are invited to apply. Courses meet several core and elective requirements for University of Nevada, Reno students. You can continue progress toward your degree in a one-of-a-kind learning environment and optionally earn a highly marketable certificate.

Interested students are encouraged to fill out an interest form. A member of our academic advisor team will follow up with you.

Program structure

Students will take courses in interdisciplinary sustainability theory. A required colloquium invites leaders from various fields to speak to students throughout the semester on sustainability in their given field. Electives in sustainable topics and/or other available units toward their degree will fill the remainder of the student's schedule.

Meet the Teaching Faculty

Live at Lake Tahoe

Each semester's cohort of students will live in the dorms on the Lake Tahoe campus, located less than a mile from the shores of Lake Tahoe. Build lifelong connections with your classmates while exploring one of the world’s most stunning natural settings. Events and activities throughout the semester encourage a deep sense of community while inspiring environmental stewardship of the Lake Tahoe Basin and all our planet's most precious natural resources.

Welcome, NSE students

We welcome National Student Exchange (NSE) students to the Tahoe campus for a Semester at Tahoe! Learn more on the NSE website or contact Henry Conover at hconover@unr.edu.

An experience of a lifetime

Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain range provide unending opportunities to explore the natural environment and inspire your studies. Experience it all, from world-class skiing and snowboarding to miles of hiking and biking trails, destination-worthy rock climbing, scenic camping, awe-inspiring beaches and a thriving local community full of dining, shopping and activities.

Explore campus life

The exciting part about studying at Lake Tahoe is that we have a living laboratory. To live and experience a place while understanding the basics of science through the classroom can be a remarkable experience.

Sudeep Chandra

Professor and Director of the Global Water Center, Director of the Ozmen Institute for Global Studies and member of the Tahoe Science Advisory Council

Sudeep Chandra standing on a wooden dock near calm water with a mountainous backdrop at sunset. The person is wearing a light green checkered short-sleeve shirt, tan pants, and a red wristwatch, with hands clasped in front. A bright orange life ring is attached to the dock railing on the right, and shrubs and trees line the shore in the background.

Semester at Tahoe courses

Enrollment process

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested students should begin the process early as space in the program is limited.

1. Plan

Fill out the interest form. This will get you connected with advisors for the Lake Tahoe Campus who can look at your schedule, answer your questions and help you fit the semester-long experience into your program of study.

2. Enroll

Once you decide to spend a semester at Lake Tahoe, advisors for the Lake Tahoe Campus will enroll you pick your classes and, if you’re interested, enroll in one of our 12-credit certificate programs. credits are offered at the same price as your classes on main campus.

3. Live!

Once you are officially enrolled in the program, you will be prompted to secure your dorm room on campus. You can select a roommate or be placed with another participating student. Housing assignments will be generated the month prior to the start of classes and move-in.

Fill out an interest form to get started!

University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe identifier

Get to know campus — spend a weekend with us!

Faculty, staff and students are invited to join us on campus for several organized overnight excursions or flexible weekend getaways.

Spend a weekend with us

Request more information

Fill out our interest form and one of our advisors will reach out to you to discuss the program and your participation in more detail.

Complete an interest form