OpenFieldCollege of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is the largest and most ethnically diverse public higher education institution in Nevada, operating three major campuses across Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas, renowned for hospitality management, healthcare simulation, advanced manufacturing, and software engineering.
Academic overview & excellence
A key pillar of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), CSN delivers over 180 associate degrees, university-transfer programs, and applied baccalaureates. The college houses world-class facilities, including the Engelstad School of Health Sciences clinical simulation complex, the Ralph & Betty Engelstad School of Hospitality kitchens and demonstration restaurants, and the Westside Education Center. CSN partners directly with global gaming resorts, the Las Vegas Medical District, and aerospace tech clusters to deliver high-impact workforce training.
Research admissions & criteria
CSN maintains an inclusive open-access admissions policy for high school graduates and adult learners. Selective-entry procedures govern limited-capacity programs (including Registered Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Surgical Technology, and Physical Therapist Assistant), requiring minimum prerequisite GPAs of 2.75 to 3.25/4.0 and aptitude exam scores (Kaplan or TEAS). International applicants must provide evaluated high school/college credentials, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 6.0), and proof of financial sponsorship for F-1 visa issuance.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (7)
Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Systems & Cloud Development
Four-year applied baccalaureate degree instructing full-stack software architecture, cloud database engineering (AWS/Azure), mobile app development, and cybersecurity integration.
Las Vegas Strip Hospitality & Gaming Resort Management Fellowship
Elite corporate fellowship rotating students through casino cage accounting, luxury hotel operations, convention catering logistics, and customer analytics on the Las Vegas Strip.
Associate of Applied Science in Cardiorespiratory Sciences & Respiratory Therapy
CoARC-accredited degree preparing respiratory therapists in mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gas analysis, neonatal critical care, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
CSN Foundation Presidential Academic Excellence Award
Merit-based scholarship awarded to high-achieving high school graduates in Clark County entering any transfer or technical degree path at CSN full-time.
University Medical Center (UMC) Level 1 Trauma Center Nursing Practicum
Extensive clinical preceptorship in trauma intensive care, burn care resuscitation, and emergency surgery at Nevada's only Level 1 Trauma Center in the Las Vegas Medical District.
Associate of Science in Environmental Climate Technology and Solar Energy
Two-year degree analyzing desert water management, photovoltaic solar array installation, battery storage microgrids, and urban heat island mitigation in the Las Vegas valley.
Certificate of Achievement in Advanced Casino Gaming Surveillance & Fraud Analytics
One-year professional certificate training gaming surveillance officers in CCTV pattern analysis, table game cheating detection, anti-money laundering (AML/Title 31), and facial recognition.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Dr. Federico Zaragoza
President, College of Southern Nevada · Office of the President
Dr. Federico Zaragoza serves as President of CSN, championing multi-campus workforce academies, bilingual healthcare training programs, and direct public-private economic partnerships in Southern Nevada.
Dr. Brian Aebi
Dean of the Ralph & Betty Engelstad School of Hospitality · School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Dean Brian Aebi leads hospitality education at CSN, collaborating with Las Vegas gaming corporations on luxury guest service analytics, gaming security protocols, and sustainable resort operations.
Dr. Patricia Charlton
Vice President and Professor of Health Sciences Administration · Engelstad School of Health Sciences
Dr. Patricia Charlton directs health sciences policy and clinical facility development at CSN, expanding regional hospital simulation suites and interdisciplinary nursing credentials in the Las Vegas Medical District.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with College of Southern Nevada.