The University of Nevada, Reno is constantly adding new majors, minors and certificate programs to the more than 150 degrees within its eight schools and colleges. In 2015, the University has introduced programs such as the new batteries and energy storage minor, special education minor, graduate programs in neuroscience, a graduate certificate in social justice and more. Below is a recap of all the new academic programs now being offered at the University.

Cyber Security Minor or Graduate Certificate

The College of Engineering is now offering an 18-credit minor and a graduate certificate in cyber security. Students will learn technical skills and knowledge to prepare them to identify security risks and build solutions to cyber vulnerabilities the evolving field.

"The new minor and graduate certificate in cyber security will expose students and professionals to this challenging field," George Bebis, the director of the Cyber Security Center on campus, said. "At the same time, they will help us to put the University on the map by setting the stage for developing strong education and research programs in cybersecurity."

For more information about the minor or the certificate, contact George Bebis bebis@cse.unr.edu.

Batteries and Energy Storage Technologies Minor

The College of Engineering is offering a new minor where students can delve into the field of batteries and energy storage. This rapidly expanding industry requires highly educated individuals who understand the fundamentals and technology of various battery systems.

"Students will learn how batteries work, how they function and how energy can be harvested," Dev Chidambaram, associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, said.

The 18-credit minor is open to any undergraduate student who meets course requirements, but the University anticipates that it will be of most interest to engineering students and possibly physics and chemistry students. Engineering students can customize the program to take courses that complement their specialty within engineering.   

For more information about the minor, contract Chidambaram at dcc@unr.edu.

Special Education Minor

The College of Education is offing a new 18-credit, special education minor. This interdisciplinary program in developmental disabilities is administered by the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities.  


Time-Based Media/Videography Minor

Time-based media classes have been offered as electives in the photography curriculum at the University for more than 15 years. Now, due to growing importance in the field of photography and student demand, the College of Liberal Arts has developed a 21-credit minor in time-based media/videography.

"The focus on time-based media explores and expands the breadth of visual literacy of the moving image through the medium of videography," Foundation Professor of Art Peter Goin said. "This minor will prepare students for competitive graduate studies in time-based media and/or the cinema arts. Students will have a broad understanding of contemporary video art production, concepts and theory in video art and experimental film."


Master of Science in Neuroscience/Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience

The University's new master's and doctoral program in neuroscience will further prepare graduate students in the dynamic field of neuroscience. It will fill the need for a graduate neuroscience program within the Nevada System of Higher Education and add to the strong undergraduate program and research in the field at the University.

"We started the undergraduate neuroscience program six years ago and it has been very successful," Michael Webster, foundation professor, co-director of the neuroscience major and director and principal investigator for Integrative Neuroscience, said. "This graduate program is the last, missing piece." 

The undergraduate program has received significant support and funding from Center for Integrative Neuroscience, a multidisciplinary Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) grant for Integrative Neuroscience. The new, advanced degree programs will allow students to continue their research and academic career at the University. The program was recently accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Association.
 
For more information, contact Michael Webster at mwebster@unr.edu or at 775-682-8691.

Master of Science in Information Systems

The College of Business's Master of Science degree in information systems is now offering students the choice to emphasize in data analytics of information management or in information systems management.

The data analytics track is geared to prepare students to become a data scientist or data analyst. Students will learn the skills and knowledge of statistics, computer technology, information visualization, the scientific method and an application domain to identify appropriate data sets, develop effective analytic models and create visualizations that help understand and solve problems. 

According to the Course Catalog, "The information systems management track prepares technology professionals to advance into the management of information technology related processes in organizations." Students on this track also have the option to complete a thesis.

Thirty credits are required to complete the master's program. For more information, visit the information systems, Master of Science degree web page.

Doctorate in Education

The doctorate program in the College of Education has two new emphases that students can choose to focus on in their program. The counselor education and supervision emphasis is for students wishing to excel in research, writing, teaching, service, securing external funding and assuming professional leadership roles in the counseling field. The other new emphasis that students can choose is the English language learners/emergent bilinguals. Students will be immersed in current research to support students who are learning English as a new language.


Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate

The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner post-master's track will begin offering courses this fall semester. The purpose of the certificate course is to prepare advanced-practice nurses who are specialized in the care of individuals, families, systems and communities in need of psychiatric and mental health care. Graduates of the track are prepared to assess, diagnose, develop and carry out psychiatric treatment plans for clients across the lifespan. Therapy skills include pharmacotherapy, and individual, group and family psychotherapy for individuals of all ages. Graduates will complete 720 supervised clinical hours and 30 course credits in specialty content in the program. 

For more information, contact the Orvis School of Nursing.

Graduate Certificate in Social Justice

The University's School of Social Research and Justice Studies is now offering a newly accredited graduate certificate in social justice for community members and graduate students.

"The purpose of the certificate in social justice is to provide students and professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of inequality and social injustice," Mary Stewart, director of the School of Social Research and Justice Studies in the College of Liberal Arts, said. "It provides students with an integrative and focused experience."

This 12-credit certificate program is open to anyone who has received a baccalaureate degree and for students currently enrolled in a graduate program at the University. The certificate provides a great opportunity for professionals and community members who want to further their careers. The program was recently accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Association.

For more information about the certificate program, contact Mary Stewart at mwstewart@unr.edu or call 775-682-6481.

Counseling and Educational Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization

The College of Education is reactivating its counseling and educational psychology master's program with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling. The program requires 64-66 credits.

Psychology, Behavior Analysis Specialization

The Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts is now offering undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a psychology degree with a specialization in behavior analysis. The specialization requires 19 credits in behavioral analysis classes.


Doctor of Public Health, Epidemiology Specialization or Social and Behavioral Health Specialization

The Division of Health Sciences is now offering a doctoral program in public health. Students have the option to either emphasize in epidemiology, the study of causes and effects of diseases and health, or in social and behavioral public health matters. Both specializations require students to complete 29 credits.

For more information, visit Division of Health Sciences website.