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What courses do I need for UNLV ?

I am receiving my Associate's Degree in Sociology to transfer. However, I want to be able to transfer out of state to the University of Las Vegas as we are moving there next year. I would like to attend UNLV to receive my BA in psychology. What classes will I need to join that program?

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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Ycela,

Transferring to UNLV for a BA in Psychology seems like a great plan! Here’s a breakdown of the courses you’ll likely need and how to prepare for a smooth transfer:

1. General Education Requirements
At UNLV, all students need to complete core general education (GE) courses, even as transfer students. Since you’re transferring with an Associate’s Degree, you may already have some of these covered, but double-check to ensure the following areas are fulfilled:
- English Composition
- Mathematics (likely a statistics course is recommended for psychology)
- Natural Sciences (with or without labs)
- Humanities
- Social Sciences (which might overlap with your Sociology degree)
- Fine Arts

2. Pre-Psychology Major Requirements
For the BA in Psychology, UNLV requires foundational courses. While some of these might be completed during your associate’s program, you should prioritize the following:
- Introductory Psychology (General Psychology)
- Statistics for Psychology or an equivalent statistics course
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Sociology or Social Sciences courses (some may transfer from your Associate’s Degree in Sociology)

3. Upper-Division Psychology Coursework
Once admitted, you’ll take more advanced (upper-division) psychology courses, such as:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Social Psychology

You’ll also need to take electives within the psychology department based on your interests, such as clinical psychology, counseling, or forensic psychology.

4. Transfer Credit Evaluation
- UNLV Transfer Policies: Ensure your Associate’s Degree meets UNLV’s transfer criteria. Check their transfer credit database or talk to an admissions counselor to confirm how your credits will transfer.
- Complete Transfer Requirements: Some schools require a minimum GPA (usually around 2.5–3.0) for transfer students. For psychology, aim for the higher end to stand out.

5. Additional Recommendations
- Advising: Once you know you’re transferring, schedule a meeting with a UNLV academic advisor to map out the courses you’ll need.
- Take Statistics and Research Methods Early: These are essential for psychology majors and often prerequisites for upper-level courses.
- Check Nevada-Specific Requirements: UNLV may require Nevada history or additional state-mandated courses, so inquire about those.

6. Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Keep syllabi from your current courses to show equivalency if UNLV has questions during the credit evaluation process.
- Visit UNLV’s transfer website or contact their Office of Admissions to ensure your credits align with the psychology program.
- If possible, complete a transfer agreement with your current school to guarantee smoother credit articulation.

Resources for You
- UNLV Psychology Department Website: Check for updates on their degree requirements.
- Transferology.com: This tool helps you see how your current courses will transfer to UNLV.

You’re already on a great path with your Sociology degree. Once you arrive at UNLV, you’ll be set to dive into psychology and make progress toward your BA!

Best wishes!
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Ycela !

I am thinking that an Associates Degree from a community college in Los Angeles may be transferrable to a University in Nevada. I know that if you're attending LACC it carries weight.

That being said, the University of Nevada at Las Vegas doesn't have a Guaranteed Transfer Program, only but for one local college. I am thinking you may be okay, but a good thing to do would be to compare your current general education requirements to what is expected of you for general ed at UNLV. Since your Associates degree will be in Sociology, look at the lower tier sociology courses at UNLV to see what is expected of Sociology Majors, too. This will give you some answer to that but you can always call UNLV Admissions Department and they'll get you to the person who can speak with you about it. It may just be as simple as asking if they accept transfer from your community college.

The University of Nevada at Las Vegas offers students the opportunity to petition for a waiver if they're told that one of their courses doesn't transfer over. You would speak with the Academic Advisor there at UNLV about it if you are told one of your courses doesn't transfer.

UNLV has this core requirement of students taking a first year and second year seminar for Learning Outcomes. Since you'd have your Associates Degree already, most likely you wouldn't be expected to take those, but ask anyway. I have left a link below for the Psychology Major course requirements so you can have a glance before you call UNLV.

Think about having to pay out of state tuition which is charged for students who haven't lived in Nevada for more than 12 months. However, if your family has moved to Nevada not for the sole purpose of going to college, you might qualify for in state status. If you're moving there because your parent or partner/spouse got a job there, that may qualify you for in-state tuition. Definitely ask staff at UNLV about this.

These are just some things to talk about with UNLV. It will most likely go smoothly for you. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS https://catalog.unlv.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=1&poid=157&returnto=96
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Karin’s Answer

Hi ycela,

I would recommend you contact the Psychology Department at UNLV to get a definitive answer.

What you can do for yourself/with the help of your academic advisor is to look at their website and compare their course requirements with what you are taking/have taken.

You should get credit for courses of the same content as required at UNLV for your major. For gen ed requirements there is probably a bit more flexibility. You need to compare the actual syllabus since courses of the same name might have different content or one might include labs that the other one doesn't have making it not equivalent.

I am leaving some links to the UNLV information. You'll also find contact information there.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://www.unlv.edu/psychology/undergrad
https://www.unlv.edu/degree/ba-psychology#catalog
https://catalog.unlv.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=47&poid=13422
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John’s Answer

Hi Ycla,

With an associates degree, as long as you're attending an accredited school it should be fairly easy to transfer over to UNLV. However, each college and major has specific requirements for courses and which credits may or may not be transferrable, so I'd recommend sitting down with your academic advisor and asking if they can give you feedback about specific courses you might need. If there are any transfer requirements they are most likely "core" courses that everyone attaining an associates degree has to take. You could also try getting in touch with the academic advisor for the psychology department at UNLV to confirm with them.

Academic advisors are often an underutilized resource for undergraduates, asside from when you have to meet with them. However, they often have a wealth of information about scholarships, programs, extracurriculars, and even career paths. I would highly recommend building a good relationship with them and chatting regularly. That way if something unique comes up they are more likely to have you in mind as a good candidate.

I hope this helps! All the best,
-John
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Tiffany’s Answer

There are a couple of ways to go about this. One is asking either your future or current advisor, to which they may not be helpful. The other is look at the required courses for your future school and make sure those are the ones you are taking at your current. It's a little more work when selecting classes but worth it to not need another math, psychology, or whatever. If it's too late for that and you're simply wondering if they'll transfer, yes probably though not necessarily as required prerequisites.
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Dr’s Answer

Hey ycela! 🎉

First of all, congrats on getting your Associate's Degree in Sociology! That’s awesome, and it’s clear you’re already on your way to something amazing! Moving to Las Vegas and attending UNLV? I mean, if you’re going to move somewhere, you might as well make it the Entertainment Capital of the World, right? 🌟🎰

Now, let’s talk about the psychology program at UNLV. So, you’re already one step ahead with your sociology background, because sociology and psychology are pretty much cousins in the academic world! When it comes to transferring to UNLV for your BA in psychology, here’s what you should know:

Classes You Might Need for Psychology at UNLV

1. General Education Requirements – If you haven’t already knocked these out with your Associate’s degree, make sure to check with UNLV’s transfer admissions to see what’s needed for your GE (General Ed) requirements. They’ll likely require a mix of courses in English, math, science, history, and arts.


2. Psychology Prerequisites – UNLV’s psychology program might require some foundational psychology courses like:

Introduction to Psychology

Statistics for Behavioral Science

Research Methods in Psychology

Biological Psychology

Social Psychology

Developmental Psychology (You probably already took some of these, so check if they transfer over!)



3. Sociology and Psychology Overlap – Because you're coming from sociology, you'll likely have some overlap in terms of courses like social psychology or research methods. Make sure to highlight that when transferring because you may already be ahead of the game!


4. Additional Skills – Even though it’s not a "course," brushing up on skills like statistics (yep, math) and research methods can be super helpful. Psychology loves data! 📊📚



Tips for Transfer Success:

Talk to an Advisor: Before anything, contact UNLV’s transfer admissions and speak with an academic advisor. They’ll help you with course evaluations and what you need for a smooth transfer.

Transfer Agreements: Check if your current school has any formal transfer agreements with UNLV, which could make the process even smoother!

Online Courses: If you’re short on credits or need to take a specific class, consider looking at online options to knock them out before transferring!


Pathway to Success:

1. Get Your Degree and Transfer – Finish your Associate’s degree strong and work with your current school’s counselor to ensure you’re taking the right courses to meet UNLV’s transfer requirements.


2. Apply to UNLV – When it’s time to apply, make sure you have your transcripts, recommendation letters (if needed), and any required application materials.


3. Stay on Top of Your Classes – Once you transfer, keep your eyes on the prize—BA in psychology! Stay organized and balanced so you can enjoy your time in Vegas too (I mean, it’s Vegas, so… 😎).



Humor Break:

Psychology majors be like: "I swear, I’m not analyzing you...okay,
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