Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree may wish to enroll as a post-baccalaureate student to enhance their GPA before applying to graduate or professional schools, to pursue additional degrees, or to develop skills and knowledge for their professional growth. Many students use post-baccalaureate coursework as a bridge to pursue graduate or professional study in a field different from their original bachelor’s degree. Post-baccalaureate coursework may be used to complete prerequisites, gain foundational knowledge, and strengthen applications for master’s or doctoral programs in new disciplines. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to design a course plan that aligns with their educational and career goals.
Federal financial aid may not be available for post-baccalaureate studies. Post-baccalaureate students should meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss whether they are eligible for any financial aid programs.
26.1 Post-baccalaureate Study as a Bridge to Graduate Programs
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in one discipline and wish to pursue a graduate or professional degree in a different field (at NSU or another institution) may use post-baccalaureate study as a bridge to prepare for this transition. Post-baccalaureate programs can provide foundational coursework, prerequisite knowledge, and skill development necessary for admission to master’s or professional programs outside their original field of study. Students interested in this pathway are strongly encouraged to consult with academic advisors and graduate program representatives to design an appropriate course plan tailored to their goals.
26.2 Additional Baccalaureate Degrees
26.2.1 General Requirements
- The degree must have at least 18 unique credits that differentiate it from any other bachelor’s degree previously earned.
- The degree must be within a major discipline that the student did not complete as a major for any previous baccalaureate degree. Students may pursue an additional degree within a discipline that they previously completed an academic minor in, provided they fulfill all other requirements for the major and additional baccalaureate degree.
- Students are not eligible to enroll as undecided students.
- Aside from the requirements established in this chapter, students must adhere to NS policies on degree requirements, catalog years, pre-requisites, academic recognition (honors), and other academic requirements.
- Post-baccalaureate students may enroll in a degree or as non-degree-seeking students. They must meet all pre-requisites for courses they wish to take.
26.2.2 Enrollment After a Previous NS or Other NSHE Degree
- The student must apply for admission to the University.
- The student will be held to all school, major, and graduation requirements for the catalog year in which they are admitted for post-baccalaureate study
- Core Curriculum courses completed for previous degrees will satisfy Core Curriculum requirements for the additional degree, except for any new or additional Core Curriculum requirements effective in the catalog year of readmission.
- The student must complete 30 upper-division credits in residence at NS. Credits applied to earlier degrees earned at NS, even those above the 120 credits required for graduation, will not be applied toward the residency requirement for an additional baccalaureate degree. Specific courses required for the additional degree that were completed for an earlier degree will be waived; however, the credits toward residency must be made up through upper-division electives.
- The student must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all credits taken since the awarding of the previous degree.
- The student will receive an additional diploma listing the new degree and major earned.
- The student’s cumulative GPA will include all NSU coursework as well as any transferable coursework from other institutions. Degree-specific GPAs are calculated only using courses completed at NSU.
- The degree-specific GPA for an additional NSU degree includes coursework applied to the student’s first NSU degree and courses taken specifically for the additional degree at NSU.
26.2.3 Enrollment After Previous Degree from Outside NSHE
A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution must meet these requirements:
- Complete all school and major requirements for the additional degree.
- Fulfill all Core Curriculum requirements that are not fulfilled by the previous degree.
- Complete the Nevada Constitution Core Curriculum requirement, either by taking an applicable course at an NSHE institution or through credit by exam.
- Complete 30 upper-division credits in residence at NS.
26.4 Structured Post-baccalaureate Programs and Certificates
Some academic units offer structured post-baccalaureate certificate programs or formalized curricula designed to prepare students for graduate study or career changes in a new discipline. These programs provide targeted coursework and advising to meet prerequisites or foundational knowledge required by master’s or professional programs. Students interested in such options should consult their academic department or school for available programs and admission requirements.
26.5 Related Information and History
- Replaces language on additional degrees in Multiple Majors policy. This policy recognizes the value of post-baccalaureate study not only for earning additional undergraduate degrees but also as a pathway to master’s, doctoral, or professional programs in fields distinct from the student’s prior academic background.
26.5.2 Revision History
- Approved by Dr. Raul Tapia (Academic Senate), 12/16/2025; Deans Council, 11/21/2025; Berna Rhodes-Ford, General Counsel, 7/15/2026; Dr. Gwen Sharp, Interim Provost, 7/15/2026; Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, Acting President, 7/29/2026.