Nevada, a state known for its vast desert landscapes, growing cities, and vibrant entertainment hubs like Las Vegas, also offers a range of higher education opportunities. While public institutions dominate the educational landscape, Nevada is home to several private colleges and universities that provide specialized programs, professional degrees, and faith-based education. These institutions play a crucial role in diversifying the state’s academic offerings.
1. University of Southern Nevada (Roseman University of Health Sciences)
History and Overview
Roseman University of Health Sciences, previously known as the University of Southern Nevada, was established in 1999. It has campuses in Henderson, Nevada, and South Jordan, Utah. Roseman is a private, non-profit institution dedicated to preparing students for careers in healthcare.
Academic Offerings
Roseman University focuses exclusively on health science programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Key areas of study include:
- Pharmacy: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, providing a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practice.
- Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated BSN, and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice.
- Dental Medicine: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, offering clinical training and experience in oral health care.
- Health Care Business: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on healthcare administration, preparing students for leadership roles in health services.
Key Features
- Block Curriculum: Roseman uses a unique “block curriculum” that allows students to focus on one subject at a time, resulting in in-depth learning and mastery before moving on to the next course.
- Accelerated Programs: The university offers accelerated programs, particularly in nursing and pharmacy, allowing students to complete their degrees more quickly than traditional timelines.
- Community Outreach: Roseman is deeply involved in community service, providing free dental clinics and health screenings to underserved populations in Nevada.
2. Sierra Nevada University
History and Overview
Sierra Nevada University (SNU), located in Incline Village near Lake Tahoe, was founded in 1969 as a private liberal arts college. SNU is known for its strong liberal arts foundation combined with a focus on professional programs and environmental sustainability.
Academic Offerings
Sierra Nevada University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular emphasis on business, education, and the environment. Major areas of study include:
- Liberal Arts: Majors in English, Humanities, Psychology, and Environmental Studies.
- Business: Undergraduate and MBA programs with concentrations in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Global Business Management.
- Education: Programs in Elementary and Secondary Education, with a focus on teacher certification.
- Fine Arts: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Arts and Visual Arts, preparing students for careers in creative industries.
Key Features
- Focus on Sustainability: SNU is located in the Lake Tahoe region, which offers students unique opportunities for environmental research and outdoor education. The university emphasizes sustainability in its curriculum and campus operations.
- Entrepreneurship: SNU has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, with dedicated resources like the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences and the Eagle Entrepreneurship Program, encouraging students to start their own businesses or develop sustainable business practices.
- Outdoor Learning: With its stunning location near Lake Tahoe, SNU integrates outdoor education into its programs, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning related to environmental science and outdoor recreation.
3. Nevada State College
History and Overview
While Nevada State College (NSC) is technically a public institution, it operates with many characteristics of a private college, particularly its small class sizes, personalized attention, and a strong focus on professional programs. Located in Henderson, Nevada, NSC was established in 2002 to provide affordable, high-quality education in a more intimate setting.
Academic Offerings
Nevada State College offers a broad range of undergraduate programs designed to meet the growing needs of Nevada’s workforce, especially in healthcare and education. Key programs include:
- Nursing: One of the largest programs at NSC, offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and RN-to-BSN for working nurses.
- Education: Programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, with teacher certification options.
- Business: Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Management, and Marketing.
- Biology and Health Sciences: Programs in Biology, Pre-Medicine, and Public Health designed to prepare students for healthcare professions.
Key Features
- Diverse Student Population: NSC is known for its diverse student body, with a focus on serving first-generation college students, minorities, and working adults.
- Hands-On Learning: Many programs, particularly in nursing and education, emphasize clinical experience and fieldwork, ensuring students are well-prepared for their careers.
- Growing Campus: Although relatively new, NSC has experienced rapid growth, expanding its campus and program offerings to meet the needs of its students and the surrounding community.
4. Touro University Nevada
History and Overview
Touro University Nevada (TUN), founded in 2004, is a private, non-profit institution located in Henderson, Nevada. Part of the Touro College and University System, TUN specializes in health sciences and education, with a strong focus on preparing students for service in the healthcare field.
Academic Offerings
Touro University Nevada offers a variety of graduate and professional programs, with an emphasis on medical and health-related fields. Key programs include:
- Osteopathic Medicine: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, designed to train physicians with a holistic approach to healthcare.
- Physician Assistant Studies: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS), preparing students for careers as physician assistants.
- Nursing: Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Nursing, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
- Occupational Therapy: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program, training students to work in rehabilitation and therapy fields.
Key Features
- Holistic Health Approach: Touro emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, particularly through its Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, which focuses on preventative care and treating the whole patient.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The campus features modern simulation labs, a cadaver lab, and clinical training facilities that provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
- Commitment to Community: Touro University Nevada is actively involved in the local community, providing free health screenings, flu shots, and outreach programs to underserved populations in the area.
5. Chamberlain University – Las Vegas
History and Overview
Chamberlain University is a private, for-profit institution focused primarily on nursing education. Its Las Vegas campus is part of a national network of Chamberlain schools that offer nursing programs to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals.
Academic Offerings
Chamberlain University’s Las Vegas campus offers nursing degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Programs include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A comprehensive program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and entry into the nursing profession.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Specializations in Nurse Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Informatics.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): A terminal degree focused on advanced practice nursing and leadership in clinical settings.
Key Features
- Accelerated Program Options: Chamberlain offers accelerated BSN programs, allowing students to complete their nursing education faster than traditional timelines.
- High NCLEX Pass Rates: The university boasts high pass rates for the NCLEX-RN, indicating the quality of its nursing education and preparation for professional licensure.
- Hands-On Clinical Training: Chamberlain emphasizes clinical training, with extensive simulation labs and clinical partnerships with healthcare providers in Nevada.
6. DeVry University – Henderson Campus
History and Overview
DeVry University is a private, for-profit institution offering career-oriented education with a focus on technology, business, and healthcare. Its Henderson campus serves the Las Vegas metropolitan area and provides flexible learning options for working professionals and adult learners.
Academic Offerings
DeVry University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that are career-focused. Key areas of study include:
- Business and Management: Programs in Accounting, Business Administration, and Human Resource Management.
- Technology: Degrees in Information Technology, Computer Science, and Network Security.
- Healthcare Administration: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees focused on managing healthcare organizations and services.
- Engineering Technology: Programs in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology.
Key Features
- Flexible Learning Options: DeVry offers both on-campus and online learning options, allowing students to balance work, family, and education.
- Career-Oriented Programs: The university emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with a strong focus on preparing students for the workforce through internships and career services.
- Accelerated Learning: DeVry’s degree programs are designed to be completed in shorter timelines, allowing students to enter the workforce more quickly.
7. National University – Nevada Campus
History and Overview
National University (NU) is a private, non-profit university with campuses across the United States, including a campus in Henderson, Nevada. Established in 1971, National University focuses on adult learners, offering flexible and accessible education tailored to working professionals.
Academic Offerings
National University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. Major areas of study include:
- Business and Management: Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Business Administration, Project Management, and Human Resources.
- Health Sciences: Degrees in Public Health, Health Informatics, and Nursing.
- Education: Programs for aspiring teachers, including credentialing and advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Design.
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Cybersecurity, IT Management, and Network Security.
Key Features
- Flexible Schedules: National University offers one-month courses that allow students to focus on one subject at a time, making it easier to balance education with personal and professional responsibilities.
- Military Friendly: NU is recognized for its commitment to serving military students and veterans, providing special resources and benefits to active-duty military and their families.
- Online Learning: NU is known for its robust online education platform, offering most of its programs entirely online for students who need flexible scheduling.