Obtaining Credit for Courses
A student will earn credits for a course upon the successful completion of the course. A course is deemed as successfully completed when students have earned a grade of “D-” or better on the letter grade scale, or a grade of “S” on the Satisfactory/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading scales.
Duplicate Credit
Earned University credits past the approved maximum credits allowed for a course.
Duplicate Credit between Different Courses
Some courses are not designated as equivalent courses but may overlap enough for departments to deem them as duplicate credit courses. A student may not earn credit for both courses; thus, when a student has earned duplicate credit, the first course taken will have its credits omitted from the total earned credits. However, grades from all duplicate-credit courses taken will still be computed in the GPA. For example, if a student takes MATH 124 and earns a C, then takes MATH 126 and earns a D, both the C and the D will count towards the GPA, but no credit will be given for MATH 124.
Grade reports may not initially reflect the duplicate credit courses. Credits attempted, and credits earned are manually adjusted by the Office of the Registrar.
Repeating a Course
A student may repeat any course regardless of the grade received. However, some courses restrict enrollment to a certain number of attempts, as shown in the Catalog. To avoid the duplication of earned University credits past the approved maximum credits allowed for a course, a student who chooses to repeat any previous successfully attempted University course will only earn credit for the latest successfully attempted course. A course is deemed successfully attempted when there is a final grade earned from “A” through “F” or an “S” or “U”. A student may actually end up losing credit if the latest course is successfully attempted but not successfully completed (meaning earning a grade of “F” or a “U”).
When a course is successfully attempted more than once, only the original grade is omitted in computing the student’s GPA. The repeat grade(s) must be on the same grading option as the original grade. All grades will remain on the student’s transcript with suitable notation to ensure an accurate academic record.
Grade reports may not initially reflect the repeated courses. However, GPA, credits attempted, and credits earned will be manually adjusted prior to the end of semester, which automatically update the student record.
A student is not precluded from repeating a course for the purpose of improving a grade even if the University has granted them a degree. The repeat grade, however, will not alter the student’s permanent academic record (as it stands at the time of degree conferral). Prior to repeating a course, a student should discuss how the new course will affect their overall credits and GPA with their academic advisor.
An unsuccessfully completed course (“F” or “U” grade) does not have to be repeated unless the course is a University General Education Core requirement or a specific college or department requirement. Students should discuss their options with their academic advisor.
Transfer Credit Repeats
Transfer students are strongly encouraged to review major program requirements in the Catalog and to consult with an academic advisor to understand how transfer coursework may satisfy University degree requirements. A transfer course may be equated one-to-one to a University course. A student can repeat the course at the University or may have taken the course at the University previously. However, if a transfer course is deemed equivalent to a University course, any earned credit at UNLV (“D-” or better) will cause the transfer course to be excluded from credit calculations regardless of transfer grade, date taken, or credits transferred.
Credit by Examination
The University allows credit by examination for courses listed in the Catalog with the exception of projects, thesis, research, internship, practicum, and other courses at the discretion of the University. Credit by examination is subject to the following requirements:
- A student must provide evidence that they have covered the subject matter of the course as a result of having taken a comparable course in a non-accredited educational institution or by systematic, independent study or directly pertinent occupational experience.
- All active undergraduate students, not on academic warning or suspension, are eligible for credit by examination. Graduate and non-degree seeking students may not apply.
- A student may earn a maximum of 30 semester credit hours by credit by examination.
- Credit earned by examination does not apply toward satisfying the minimum on-campus resident credit requirement for graduation and does not constitute an interruption of the resident credit requirement.
- Credit by examination may not be obtained for a course previously completed at an accredited institution including courses previously taken at the University, regardless of grade.
- Students are not permitted to repeat the same examination for credit.
- Credit by examination cannot be obtained in a course that covers at an elementary level the subject matter of a more advanced course for which the student has already received credit.
- Native speakers of languages other than English may not receive lower-division foreign language credit for courses in their native tongue.
- The posting of satisfactorily completed credit by examination to the student’s permanent academic record shall clearly identify that the credit was earned by examination along with a grade of “S” or “U”.
- Credit by examination for variable unit courses shall not exceed five (5) credits (with the exception of EDWF 135 and EDWF 477 which may be taken for up to 15 credits - additional fees apply).
Students must request an application before taking the examination and obtain written approval from the student’s own major advisor and dean, the instructor of the course, and the department chair and dean of the college offering the course. The fee per course must be paid in advance. The form may be found here: https://www.unlv.edu/sites/default/files/page_files/27/CreditByExamForm_0.pdf
Regardless of whether or not the student wants the grade recorded, the instructor will enter a grade of “S” or “U” on the Credit by Examination form and submit the form. The instructor will file the completed examination according to the instructions of the dean or department chair; these examinations may be inspected by any faculty member. Under no circumstances will the Office of the Registrar accept a Credit by Examination form submitted by a student.
Changing College, Major; Adding a Second Major
A student desiring to change their major or minor should visit the appropriate advising centers. Each student must satisfy the course requirements of the college and major to which transfer is made, including any admission deficiencies. A student may be accepted simultaneously in two colleges while pursuing dual undergraduate majors or dual undergraduate degrees. (See Dual Major and Dual Baccalaureate Sections below.)
Special Topics
Special Topics courses are intended to provide a platform for faculty to teach a class that might address a timely issue. The course is one which has a consistent disciplinary framework and where the content of the course changes each time it is offered. The subject matter or content may even vary within specific sections across terms as indicated by that course section’s title. Topics courses are listed in this catalog, but the individual topics offered in any given semester will appear on that semester’s class schedule. Students who have taken a special topics course will show the topic title instead of the course title on their transcripts.
Experimental Courses
UNLV encourages diverse, innovative, and creative curricula. Through experimental courses , faculty may introduce innovative and creative content and/or pedagogy on a trial basis, which may lead to the creation of permanent courses. Experimental courses are identified by an X after the course number and are often referred to as X courses. These X courses can be offered for a maximum of two (2) terms. Please consult your college for further details on available X course listings in the schedule.
Minors
Minors are secondary, or smaller, areas of academic specialization. While minors are not required for graduation, they are opportunities to gain a more in-depth understanding of an area outside of your major. Typically, a student can earn a minor in any area of study regardless of his or her major. A minor is defined by a department within the following guidelines:
- a minimum of eighteen (18) hours in subject areas (24 hours recommended),
- a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours must be at 300–400 level,
- and a minimum of nine (9) credit hours must be completed at UNLV.
Students who wish to declare a minor should make arrangements at the appropriate department office or advising center. Students will not be allowed to declare a minor for which they are already pursuing a major. Work required for a minor may be completed at any time but no later than the date of graduation. Completed minors will be posted to the student record at the time of graduation. Please consult your college for further details.
Concentrations
Concentrations are a specific area, track, or emphasis of academic specialization within a major. Majors may or may not have concentrations. When present, concentrations are opportunities to gain a more in-depth understanding of an area within your major. Typically, a student can earn a concentration within the major. The following guidelines define concentrations:
- a minimum of twelve (12) credits and a maximum of 30 credits is recommended,
- a minimum of twelve (6) credit hours must be at the 300-400 level,
- and a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours must be competed at UNLV.
Choosing a concentration is required in certain majors. Please consult your college for further details.
Certificates
Students may enroll in certificate programs as an additional credential earned while also working on an undergraduate degree. Generally, certificates require 12-29 credits for completion. Please consult your college for further details about certificates.
Microcredentials
Academic undergraduate microcredentials, which may be represented by badges, are alternative credentials that signify student achievement. Credit-bearing microcredentials consist of the following guidelines:
- a minimum of six (6) and up to eleven (11) credits of college-level coursework,
- a minimum of half of the total credits must be earned at UNLV
Additionally, microcredentals should have an emphasis on workplace competencies for post-graduate success, re-skilling, or up-skilling. Microcredentials may be applied toward a certificate and/or degree program, but they require the completion of fewer credits than either a certificate or degree program. Please consult your college for further details about for-credit microcredentials.
UNLV also has not-for-credit microcredential options which may be included inside of courses or may be taken independently. Not-for-credit microcredentials will not be used toward degree progression or completion. Please consult your college for further details about not-for-credit microcredentials.
Dual Major
Undergraduate students may add a second major and graduate with a dual major, provided the degree type is the same for both majors. Curriculum requirements for both majors must be satisfied in order to receive the degree. If the majors are in different colleges, the resident credit requirement must be satisfied in both colleges. The addition of a second major should be completed prior to undertaking the last 30 resident credits of work required for the degree sought. At graduation, both majors are entered on the permanent record and appear on transcripts and the diploma. Students will only receive one diploma displaying all majors.
Students who wish to earn two separate degrees simultaneously fall under the Dual Baccalaureate Policy and will need to complete all requirements from both areas of study, including an additional 30 credits of coursework, for each additional degree. Dual major students must request a dual baccalaureate with the Office of the Registrar before the conferral of degrees.
Students must receive approval from their academic advisors to add majors. Students who seek to graduate with more than three majors at one time must receive approval from their academic advisors and from Faculty Senate using the General Petition Form.
Dual Baccalaureate
Students may earn two or more baccalaureates, simultaneously, provided that all programmatic/curriculum requirements for all degrees are fulfilled. Courses taken for each additional baccalaureate degree must include a minimum of 30 credits earned per additional degree beyond the minimum requirements for the first baccalaureate degree. If the degrees are in different colleges, the resident credit requirement must be satisfied in both colleges.
The addition of an additional degree should be completed prior to undertaking the last 30 semester credits of work required for the degrees sought. Students who will graduate with multiple baccalaureate degrees must apply for graduation when requirements for all baccalaureates are completed and must submit a separate graduation fee payment for each degree. At graduation, both degrees are entered on the permanent record and appear on transcripts and the diploma. Students will receive a separate diploma for each degree.
A dual major student wishing to obtain dual baccalaureate will need to request the dual baccalaureate with the Office of the Registrar before the conferral of degrees. Students are encouraged to discuss the pathway to obtain a dual baccalaureate with their academic advisor as it could mean a delay in their original graduation date.
Students must receive approval from their academic advisors to pursue additional degrees. Students who seek to graduate with more than three degrees at one time must receive approval from their academic advisors and from Faculty Senate using the General Petition Form.
Post Baccalaureate
Students who seek to graduate with an additional baccalaureate after receiving the first are considered Post Baccalaureate. Students must file an application for admission into the second degree program. Upon admission, the student will need to discuss with their academic advisor for appropriate programmatic/curriculum requirement options.
Study Week
To ensure students have the proper time to prepare for final examinations, the week before final exams shall be designated as a study week, in which classes will meet as scheduled but during which instructors are encouraged to refrain from giving major tests (i.e. hour-long, sit-down, written exams). This policy does not affect such assignments as laboratory finals; performance exams (as in juries, theatre, music, dance, etc.); short quizzes; term papers; final reports; and similar activities.
Examinations
Each course instructor is responsible for the proper evaluation of enrolled students throughout the instructional period.
Final Examinations
The University requires that final exams given at the end of a course occur on the date and at the time specified on the Final Exam schedule. The general schedule is typically available at the start of the semester, and the classroom locations are available approximately one month before the end of the semester. See the Final Exam Schedule online. Final exams cannot be given during Study Week, as to do so shortens the length of the semester by one week, and thereby results in a course having fewer than the minimum required number of contact hours.
The standard time scheduled for final exams is two hours. Faculty are encouraged to allot sufficient time for students to complete the final exam, and it is expected that the final exam length and content will be commensurate with the time allotted. However, faculty are generally discouraged from offering final exams that do not meet for the standard two-hour period, as doing so negatively affects students’ schedules during an already stressful time. If faculty must allot more or less time for the final exam than the standard two-hour period, the Dean of the College or School must approve the non-standard exam time. In addition, the length of exam time must be indicated on the syllabus to provide proper notice to students and also communicated to the Registrar’s Office before the class schedule goes live for the term (generally around the midpoint of the previous regular semester) so that the exam time can be appropriately noted.
Academic Renewal Policy
This policy applies only to coursework attempted at the University. Academic renewal is for students who have been away from the University for three (3) years and wish to have one (1) semester of University course work disregarded in all the student’s calculations regarding academic standing, grade point average, and eligibility for graduation at the University. If summer courses are to be included in the work to be disregarded, then coursework from all summer terms of the same calendar year shall count as one semester. Students granted academic renewal may not graduate with Academic Distinctions. Disregarded grades may be calculated in scholarship awards, financial aid considerations, or for Excess Credit Fees.
Only semesters prior to the absence are eligible for academic renewal. Academic renewal will be granted only once during a returning student’s academic career at the University and applied only to the first undergraduate degree. Academic renewal can only be applied prior to graduation from the first undergraduate degree. Once a student graduates, academic renewal cannot be retroactively applied. Students may not apply for academic renewal from courses in which they received a sanction for academic dishonesty. Students must apply for academic renewal before they have completed 24 credits since returning to the University.
There will be no reimbursement of tuition and fees for the disregarded semester of academic renewal. Approval of an academic renewal request does not constitute acceptance into a UNLV college or school. If the petition qualifies under this policy, the student’s permanent academic record shall be suitably annotated to indicate that work taken during the disregarded semester, even if satisfactory, will not apply toward graduation requirements. All course work will remain on the transcript, ensuring a true and accurate academic history.
The electronic Academic Renewal Policy Request Form must be completed by the student via their Rebel Mail account and submitted to the Office of the Registrar. All Academic Renewal Forms will be processed at the end of the add/drop period of the semester the student returns to the University.
UNLV does not honor academic renewal policies from other institutions.
Go back to the Academic Policies page.
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