WiSE

WiSE: Women in Science & Engineering

An all-female community of support at the College of Science.

Apply to WiSE

The Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Living Learning Community (LLC) is focused on building community among women who are pursuing degrees in science, math, and engineering programs. As incoming freshmen, all members of the WiSE LLC cohort will live together on the same floor of the Great Basin Residence Hall.

Premium housing

Premium student housing placement in the newest University residence hall: Great Basin.

Community

Build a strong sense of community and support in science, engineering and mathematics degree programs.

Professional development

Network with professional women who are well-established in their careers, often WiSE graduates themselves!

WiSE eligibility

Any first-time freshman female student who meets ALL of the following four criteria is eligible for the WISE program and is encouraged to apply.

WISE applicants must:

  1. Complete a Housing Application
  2. Place into or beyond Core Writing (ENG 101 or ENG 102)
  3. Place into or beyond Core Math (MATH 127).
  4. Declare a major in one of the following academic programs:
  • Animal Science
  • Atmospheric Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Community Health Sciences
  • Computer Science & Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering Physics
  • Engineering Undeclared
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Forest Rangeland Management
  • Geography
  • Geological Engineering
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Hydrogeology
  • Mathematics
  • Materials Science & Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Molecular Microbiology & Immunology
  • Mining Engineering
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutrition
  • Physics
  • Veterinary Science
  • Wildlife Ecology & Conservation

Program requirements

Space is limited. Students who have completed applications for University admission, housing and WiSE and have placed into appropriate Math courses will be given priority consideration.

Requirements:

  • Residency in WiSE LLC in the Great Basin Residence Hall.
  • Pursue a major in a science, mathematics or engineering degree program.
  • Have an SAT Math score of at least 630 or an ACT Math score of at least 27 OR successfully place into Math 127 or higher by taking the Accuplacer Math Placement Exam through the University Math Center.
  • Enroll in the 1-credit hour WiSE common courses, SCI 110 for Fall and SCI 120 for Spring semesters.
  • Attend the WiSE retreat scheduled the weekend before the Fall semester begins.
  • Be actively involved in WiSE community activities.
  • Maintain a University of Nevada, Reno 3.0 cumulative GPA through completion of a degree program in science, mathematics or engineering.

Thank you for your interest in the WISE program at the University of Nevada, Reno!

If you have any questions, please send an email to wise@unr.edu

Apply to WiSE

WiSE FAQs

Below are answers to a few commonly asked questions about the WiSE program.

Do I need to apply to both University Housing and WiSE to be considered for the WiSE LLC?

Yes. Be sure to complete your Residential Life application prior to applying to the WiSE LLC.

Does my preferred roommate also have to be in WiSE?

Yes. Everyone living in a WiSE residential community must be accepted into the program.

Are honors participants eligible for WiSE?

Absolutely. Most WISE members are eligible for placement in the Honors Program.

How do I find out whether I meet the English and Math requirements necessary to participate in WISE?

The University uses your best standardized test (i.e., SAT or ACT) scores to determine your initial placement in English and Math courses.

Scores used to determine placement:

English 101

English 102

Math 127

Math 181
ACT English 21-29 ACT English 30 or above ACT Math 27 or above ACT Math 28 or above
SAT Verbal 510-670 SAT Verbal 680 or above SAT Math 630 or above SAT Math 650 or above

What if I have not taken any standardized tests or my test scores do not place me into the courses listed above?

There are placement test options available for both English and Math courses. For English placement information, visit the Core Writing Program.

There are 2 sites that offer math placements exams:

  1. The University of Nevada, Reno Math Center located in the William Raggio Building (WRB) 1003.
  2. The Southern Office for Prospective Students located at 8050 S. Maryland Pkwy (Suite 110), Las Vegas, just off I-215 and Windmill Lane. Call (702) 940-5416 to schedule an appointment.

What is the WiSE retreat?

The WiSE retreat is an overnight trip to Grizzly Creek Ranch near Portola, California with your fellow WiSE LLC residents. The retreat is an opportunity for you to get to know other students in WiSE as well as faculty mentors in a beautiful mountain setting. Activities at the retreat include a challenge course for all abilities, night hiking, s'mores roasting and stargazing with the UNR Astronomy Club.

Transportation is provided to and from the University and Grizzly Creek Ranch and the cost of the retreat is covered by the College of Science. Come prepared for the overnight trip with a sleeping bag and pillow. Close-toedshoes and water bottle are required for participation in the challenge course.

The WiSE retreat is always the Saturday and Sunday before the start of the Fall semester. The weekend retreat is shared with the College of Science Living Learning Community.