Academics

Academics
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Imagine your future. Look around UNH’s largest college and you’ll see amazing potential everywhere. Start with incredible choices in exceptional, experiential programs, some of the world’s best teachers and scholars and innovative, unparalleled research. Discover your passions at one of the nation’s top public universities in a caring community of small class sizes, responsive advisors and an approachable, accomplished faculty. Explore COLA’s many programs of study and interdisciplinary studies in the humanities, social sciences, fine and performing arts and education. If you're not sure what you want to major in, you've come to the right place — our faculty and advisors will guide you. Find what you love, then choose a major, or two. Or enrich your major with minors. Go beyond the classroom with internships and our more than 500 plus study abroad programs. Spark a lifelong love for learning. Start now.

 

Explore Programs

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Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Exceptional academic programs infused with real-world learning.

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Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs

Programs at the cutting-edge of knowledge in an R1 research institution.

Undeclared Students

Undeclared is a great way to start your academic journey. The College of Liberal Arts is the perfect place to explore your options. Our faculty and staff will help you discover the path that’s right for you.

The College of Liberal Arts is your launchpad. Here, you’ll have the options and freedom to find your path while mastering your understanding of language and people — unique liberal arts skills at the heart of nearly every work and life endeavor.

Regardless of the major, you’ll develop the skills that fuel workplace success, such as heightened critical thinking, complex problem solving and communication. Browse our Alumni Spotlights to see the range of careers our graduates enjoy.

Cognates

Cognates are three-course sequences that develop career-oriented skills. Whether you are undeclared and exploring program options or have already decided on a course of study, cognates help build your resume and develop in-demand skill sets for the professional world.

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Pre-Law Advising

Pre-Law Advising
If your goal is to attend law school, we're here to help.

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Study Abroad

Study Abroad
The opportunities to study away are almost endless.

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Phi Beta Kappa induction
Phi Beta Kappa

Phi Beta Kappa
A national honor society for the liberal arts and sciences.

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Socratic Society student organization meeting
Student Clubs/Orgs

Student Clubs/Orgs
Tons of ways to get involved in co- or extra-curricular activities.

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UNH Students studying English
Diversity

Diversity
Committed to being an inclusive community.

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Experiential Learning in COLA

UNH student at internship site
UNH anthropology students digging in Great Bay
UNH Students at Mock Political Convention

 

Opportunities for experiential learning abound in the College of Liberal Arts. Take advantage of experiences such as…

  • Internships! A majority of COLA students participate in at least one internship while at UNH.
  • COLA runs over a dozen faculty-led study abroad programs, from Cuba to Europe to Russia. Hundreds of other programs are available.
  • COLA’s Global Racial and Social Inequality Lab funds student research and internship projects.
  • UNH’s Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research funds student research at home and abroad.
  • Research assistants work closely with faculty on their projects and in their labs.
  • The Civil Discourse Lab trains students to organize community events around difficult topics in order to hone communication and citizenship skills.
  • Archeological digs take place on the UNH campus, on Great Bay in Durham and as far away as Belize and Turkey.
  • Music and theatre students perform in both professional venues and schools around the state, and as far away as China and Switzerland.
  • A faculty-mentored Mock Trial team competes regionally in staged criminal trials where students portray lawyers and witnesses and practice legal skills.
  • A faculty-mentored Model United Nations team travels to NYC annually, joining students from around the world.
  • Faculty-led trips to Boston and New York City provide opportunities to visit historical sites, museums and other locations relevant to coursework.
  • Kyle Nord at Mayan site
    Classics: Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations and Anthropology Majors
    I have always been fascinated by ancient cultures and their influence on our modern lives. I have also always felt connected to the clues they have left behind in their literature, architecture and the material remains we now call artifacts. I always wanted to become an archaeologist and had a vague understanding of where I could go in that direction; however, after taking Ancient Greek Civilization with Dr. McMahon, as well as some anthropology classes, I realized I could combine both of these interests in my studies.
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    Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies Majors
    When Caitlin Turner ‘23 realized the research opportunities offered at UNH, she made the connection between a UNH degree and her future. “The undergraduate research prospects are phenomenal. And UNH has fantastic alumni and networking opportunities,” Turner says. “I recognized that a degree from this university would lead to fascinating possibilities.” But before deciding for certain…
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    Anthropology Major
    Sometimes taking your time can lead to a direction you never considered taking. That was the case for Dariya Steele ’23. She entered UNH undeclared and tried on a few majors before settling on anthropology. “It took me awhile to find my place,” Steele says. “I took one anthropology class for a Discovery requirement, and I loved the professor and the topic, so I decided to explore it…
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    Political Science, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Spanish Majors
    Three majors: Political science. Women’s and gender studies. Spanish. And a minor in international affairs. Aliya Sarris ‘23 is as passionate about one as she is the others. Of her political science studies Sarris says, “I’ve been able to not only explore a variety of issues, but also develop the tools to critically analyze any problem that I will face in the future.” Women…
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    Sociology and Justice Studies Majors
    Maybe it was because of COVID restrictions. Or maybe she would have come to the same conclusion anyway: Aashaya Rajbhandari ‘23 cites learning to make the most of the time she has as the most valuable lesson she’ll take away from UNH. It’s a lesson that she’s good at. Here’s proof: Rajbhandari is graduating after only three years. She  chose to study both sociology and justice…
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