Programs of Study

Why get an education specialist’s degree in administration and supervision?  The education specialist program is designed for educators who have a master's degree in educational administration or its equivalent. Once completed, you’ll be eligible for certification as a New Hampshire superintendent. Principalship certification is also possible for students who do not hold a master’s degree in school administration or principal certification, and can be earned through additional coursework. In this graduate program, you’ll be immersed in the subject matter, research, theory and field-... Read more about Administration & Supervision (Ed.S.)
Why get a graduate certificate in curriculum and instructional leadership?  The graduate certificate in curriculum and instructional leadership will provide you with the tools to plan, develop, implement and lead educational programs that meet the diverse learning needs of students. Designed for experienced teachers, the program focuses on curriculum, supervision, instruction and data analysis. You’ll learn to develop innovative curricula for schools and districts from a global, multicultural perspective. You’ll also explore supervisory and instructional practices, including assessment... Read more about Curriculum and Instructional Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
Why get a Master of Education in early childhood education?   The early years are critical for nurturing children’s curiosity, confidence and love of learning. In our M.Ed. in early childhood education, you’ll learn about the diverse backgrounds and development of young children, constructing appropriate learning environments and curricula. You’ll work to better understand the role of families, community and social policy in early development and classrooms. Your studies will culminate in an extensive, field-based internship.   Why choose UNH for your education degree?  Our... Read more about Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)
Why get an early childhood education M.Ed. with a special needs option?  The early years are critical for nurturing young children who are at risk for or have developmental difficulties and special needs. In the special needs option within our master’s degree in early childhood education, you’ll learn about the diverse backgrounds and development of young children, constructing appropriate learning environments and curricula. You’ll study the role of the family, community and social policy in early development and intervention, and learn how to take a noncategorical approach to... Read more about Early Childhood Education: Special Needs (M.Ed.)
Why pursue a Ph.D. in education at UNH?  Our education Ph.D. program is designed to broaden your understanding of the field of education through scholarly inquiry grounded in the reality of educational practice across varied settings. You’ll examine educational issues in philosophical, socio-cultural and policy related contexts, preparing yourself for a variety of research, teaching and leadership roles. Our graduates hold positions at all levels of schooling, from colleges and universities to K-12 schools, and in a range of related fields. Program Highlights  You’ll work with... Read more about Education (Ph.D.)
Why get a Master of Education degree in educational studies?   The M.Ed. in educational studies is designed for educators who wish to expand their knowledge, improve their educational practice and positively impact public and private schools. It also provides a foundation for education in a variety of settings, including business, educational and research centers, and national and state agencies. You’ll analyze current teaching, learning and mentoring methods; examine issues such as school reform; and undertake an in-depth research project. Whether you’re interested in educational... Read more about Educational Studies: Online (M.Ed.)
Why get an M.Ed. in elementary education?  With a Master of Education in elementary education, you’ll gain the knowledge, experience and skills to teach effectively in today’s classrooms and communities. Subject matter, research, theory and field-based experience will help you teach with confidence. Learn to foster caring, cooperation and improvement with internships available in culturally, linguistically and socioeconomically diverse urban and rural schools. We focus our teacher education program on preparing teacher-leaders  ̶  not only excellent practitioners, but teachers who... Read more about Elementary Education (M.Ed.)
Why get an M.S.T. degree in English?  The Master of Science for Teachers is a degree designed specifically for practicing English teachers who want to deepen their knowledge of literature and develop their own skills in reading and writing. This program is based on the belief that pedagogy emerges out of firsthand experience in the processes of reading and writing. This program is designed for practicing elementary, middle and high school teachers and is not appropriate for individuals seeking state certification. Why choose UNH for your English degree?  Our English department... Read more about English (M.S.T.)
Why pursue a Ph.D. in English at UNH?  The English Ph.D. program is designed to prepare you for roles in teaching and scholarship in the fields of literature and language. We offer two concentrations: literature and composition studies. In the literature program, you’ll develop your competency in literary study while focusing on a specific area of interest. In the composition studies program, you’ll focus on composition studies and a secondary area of specialization, such as literature, critical theory or linguistics. With small classes and a supportive environment that is keenly... Read more about English (Ph.D.)
Why get a master’s degree in English studies?  Our M.A. in English studies degree program offers you the opportunity to develop expertise in all forms of the English language — spoken, written and digital. You’ll work in a supportive community to hone skills in research, critical thinking and persuasive writing — skills that will serve you well in your professional life, including further study for a Ph.D. if that is your goal. You’ll explore the diverse world of texts in their historical, national and global contexts, and develop your understanding of literature’s formal dynamics,... Read more about English: English Studies Option (M.A.)
Why get a master’s degree in English language and linguistics?  Our M.A. in language and linguistics offers you the opportunity to explore all facets of the study of human language. You will build a background in core areas like phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics, but also have the chance to delve deeply into such areas as sociolinguistics, neurolinguistics, language contact and bilingualism, language and gender, and history of the English language. You can also specialize in applied linguistics and learn about theory, methods, curriculum design, and assessment in... Read more about English: Language and Linguistics Option (M.A.)
Why get a graduate certificate in feminist studies?  The interdisciplinary feminist studies graduate certificate is designed for professionals and graduate students in other disciplines at UNH to pursue feminist scholarship and bring a feminist perspective to bear on research in their own field. You’ll be introduced to major conversations and methodologies in feminist theory, and you’ll discuss gender in relation to sexuality, race, class, nation, disability and religion.You’ll have the opportunity to study and conduct research in areas that support your own interests and career goals... Read more about Feminist Studies (Graduate Certificate)
Why get a master’s degree in history?  With an M.A. in history, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of how societies, cultures, economics, politics, science and arts of the past have shaped today’s world. Our Master of Arts degree is highly flexible, so you can tailor your program to meet your needs. Our faculty are experts in a wide range of times, places and subjects, with particular strengths in cultural history, women's history, military history, the history of religion, Atlantic history, and the history of science and technology. In this graduate program, you’ll be trained in... Read more about History (M.A.)
Why pursue a Ph.D. in history at UNH?  Our history Ph.D. program will prepare you for a career in historical research with a focus on U.S. history and colonial America. Our courses cover a wide range of times, places and subjects, with particular strength in cultural history, women's history, the history of religion, Atlantic history and African American history. You’ll refine your experience in methods of historical research and writing, gain competence in reading a foreign language, and work on a dissertation in collaboration with award-winning faculty in one of the top history... Read more about History (Ph.D.)
Why get an M.A. in history with an option in museum studies?  The museum studies option combines practical museum experience with solid academic training. Gain an advanced understanding of how societies, cultures, economics, politics, science and arts of the past have shaped today’s world. Enhance your academic training with two internships, where you’ll learn to research and design exhibits, catalog and interpret collections, develop and implement education programs for elementary and secondary school students, conduct oral histories and prepare public programming. In this graduate... Read more about History: Museum Studies (M.A.)
Why get a master’s degree in justice studies?  The justice studies Master of Arts degree program offers you a challenging and hands-on environment to prepare for your dream career advancing justice. You will develop in three areas: philosophical and theoretical understandings of justice, knowledge of the inner-workings and realities of laws and justice systems, and skills related to the implementation of justice. Pursuing a master’s in justice studies allows you to delve deeply into law, crime, courts, corrections, policing, drugs, terrorism, homeland security, immigration, forensics,... Read more about Justice Studies (M.A.)
Why get a master’s degree in liberal studies?  The liberal studies (or M.A.L.S.) program is innovative and interdisciplinary. Design your own course of study, choosing courses from across the university that focus on a topic, issue, perspective or cultural development, culminating in a scholarly thesis or creative applied project. Students have explored topics such as the arts, American studies, the humanities, ecology and values, labor studies, religious studies and urban studies. They have developed memoirs, documentaries, musical compositions, courses, theses and more. Designed for... Read more about Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.)
Why get a master’s degree in music composition?  The M.A. in music with an option in composition option offers both a broad knowledge of music and the opportunity for in-depth study of music composition. This graduate program encourages mastery of technique and theory, culminating in a final project in an area of interest such as a composition, a composition recital, a lecture recital or a research paper. Our composition faculty’s interests span all styles, periods and approaches, and the program is responsive to the individual ambitions of its students to prepare them for their... Read more about Music: Composition (M.A.)
Why get a master’s degree in music conducting?  The M.A. in music with a conducting option offers the opportunity to develop skills in all aspects of ensemble leadership from the conducting gesture to rehearsing, programming repertoire and program administration. Students choose a choral, orchestral or wind band emphasis while also being free to explore other areas. The program culminates in a conducting recital and/or significant performances with one of the major university ensembles. Our faculty’s interests span all styles, periods and approaches, and the program is intended for... Read more about Music: Conducting (M.A.)
Why get your master’s degree in musicology?  For music students who are interested in researching such topics as music’s history, social context or performance practices, the M.A. in music with a musicology option offers the needed skills for this work. Students explore the research process and enroll in three seminars focused on varying musical topics (recent topics include nineteenth-century instrumental music, John Cage and Wagner). As a final project, students write an article-length, original essay. With the M.A. in musicology, students can improve their skills and knowledge for... Read more about Music: Musicology (M.A.)
Why get a master’s degree in political science?  With an M.A. degree in political science, you’ll gain the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze and evaluate the workings of government, politics and public policy in today’s world. Focus on American, comparative or international politics, or tailor your program to meet your needs. Our faculty comprise a wide range of expertise including U.S. elections, environmental politics, international organizations, food and wine politics, democratization, social movements and identity politics. You’ll learn howto design academically... Read more about Political Science (M.A.)
Why get a master’s degree in psychology?  The five-year accelerated B.A./M.A. psychology degree program is for UNH undergraduate psychology majors who wish to gain extensive research experience as behavioral scientists in preparation for doctoral programs in psychology or applied psychology careers. You’ll develop a broad knowledge of psychology and perform research in one of three areas of specialization: brain, behavior and cognition; social/personality; and developmental psychology. Advance and further specialize your psychology education in only one additional year at UNH. This... Read more about Psychology (M.A.)
Why pursue a Ph.D. in psychology at UNH?  If you’re interested in taking your academic career one step further with the intent of teaching at the college and university level, our psychology Ph.D. program is for you. You’ll have the option to complete your degree in five years as you develop a broad knowledge of psychology, hone your teaching and communication skills, and perform research in your area of interest. We offer specialization in three areas: brain, behavior and cognition; social/personality; and developmental psychology. Nearly three-quarters of our graduates have gone onto... Read more about Psychology (Ph.D.)
Why get an M.A.T. in secondary education?  With a Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary education, gain the knowledge, experience and skills to teach in today’s classrooms and communities. Subject matter, research, theory and field-based experience will help you teach with confidence. Learn to foster caring, cooperation and improvement with internships available in culturally, linguistically and socioeconomically diverse urban and rural schools. The M.A.T. leads to certification for teaching in secondary schools with concentration in areas such as English, math, science, social... Read more about Secondary Education (M.A.T.)
Why get an M.Ed. in secondary education?  With a Master of Education in secondary education, you’ll gain the knowledge, experience and skills to teach in today’s classrooms and communities. Subject matter, research, theory and field-based experience will help you teach with confidence. Learn to foster caring, cooperation and improvement, with internships available in culturally, linguistically and socioeconomically diverse urban and rural schools. Our teacher education program prepares teacher-leaders  ̶  excellent practitioners who work toward improving education in and beyond the... Read more about Secondary Education (M.Ed.)
Why get a master’s degree in sociology?  The M.A. program in sociology will provide foundational training in critical thinking and research and a deeper understanding of the social causes and consequences of human behavior. You’ll build skills in data analysis, research design and sociological theory, and engage in research on topics such as environment and social change, gender, race and inequality, family, social demography, and stress and mental health. Our master’s program culminates in an original research thesis project, and these analytical and research skills will prepare you... Read more about Sociology (M.A.)
Why pursue a Ph.D. in sociology at UNH?  Our sociology Ph.D. program offers you the flexibility to pursue your area of interest while conducting in-depth study and research at an advanced level. You’ll study theory and methodology and will have the opportunity to tailor your program to your experience and intellectual goals. Our faculty specialize in crime and conflict, sociology of the family, social stratification, health and illness, and community and environment. You’ll be encouraged to publish your research and join professional associations such as the American Sociological... Read more about Sociology (Ph.D.)
Why get a master’s degree in Spanish?  The M.A. program in Spanish lets you pursue a broad range of challenging, advanced studies in linguistics, literature and culture. Students can explore second language acquisition, pedagogy and methodology; Spanish sociolinguistics (language variation and change); and Hispanic literature and cultural studies. The program also supports work in interdisciplinary Hispanic studies. The main goal of the master’s program is to prepare graduates for successful careers or advanced studies at the Ph.D. level through the further development of skills in... Read more about Spanish (M.A.)
Why get a graduate certificate in Spanish?  The Spanish graduate certificate is designed to provide teachers, professionals and graduate students in other disciplines the opportunity to improve their proficiency in Spanish and pursue a range of challenging, advanced studies in linguistics, literature and culture. You’ll study sociolinguistics and the history of the Spanish language. You’ll analyze literature, theatre, poetry and film from the Hispanic world and explore second-language acquisition, bilingualism, pedagogy and methodology. This post-baccalaureate certificate is perfect... Read more about Spanish Graduate (Graduate Certificate)
Why get your Master of Education in special education?  With an M.Ed. in special education, you’ll gain the advanced knowledge, expertise and experience to create effective, inclusive teaching and learning environments for diverse learners. We seek to prepare teacher-leaders who are not only excellent practitioners, but skilled collaborators with colleagues and families within communities. Throughout the course of study, we emphasize the essential nature of advocating for and promoting equity among students identified with a disability. We teach our scholars to be strong team members... Read more about Special Education (M.Ed.)
Why get a graduate certificate in special education administration?  The graduate certificate program in special education administration is designed to provide the knowledge and expertise needed to lead your school, district and state in the education of students with disabilities in K-12 school settings. As a graduate of the program, you'll be eligible for New Hampshire special education administrator certification. The program promotes high quality education and leadership through professional learning, strong partnerships and the pursuit of solutions to complex challenges situated... Read more about Special Education Administration (Graduate Certificate)
Why get a graduate certificate in trauma informed policy and practice?  The trauma informed policy and practice graduate certificate will prepare scholars enrolled in social work and/or education graduate programs, or current professionals in the field, in research-based practices and systems change strategies to improve outcomes for children and youth with significant support needs. This includes those with emotional and behavioral challenges, developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, and sensory and other learning disabilities. Upon completion of this program, you will... Read more about Trauma Informed Policy and Practice (Graduate Certificate)
Why get a Master of Fine Arts in writing?  Do you want to shape your gifts and passion for writing? Work one-on-one with nationally recognized faculty? Get the support of a talented community of peers? Focus on fiction, narrative nonfiction or poetry in our graduate M.F.A. program, which has launched the careers of hundreds of poets, novelists, storywriters, essayists and memoirists. What is notable is not just how hard students work on their own creative writing, but how much effort goes into their response to the work of their peers. Writers here care deeply about each other, and the... Read more about Writing (M.F.A.)