About

The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences' dedication to teaching, research and service reflect the mission of the University of New Hampshire, the State's Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant institution and its only public research university. The College offers a full array of Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees in engineering, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, earth science and physics as well as interdisciplinary programs in materials science, environmental engineering and ocean engineering. The research and design project activities of the College fulfill an important part of its educational mission by providing "capstone" learning experiences for undergraduates, educating future research scientists and engineers and attracting, engaging and retaining excellent faculty and staff. The College also embraces its mission to serve the citizens of the State of New Hampshire, national and international needs where it may contribute, as well as the various professions represented by the faculty and staff.

Teaching

The College develops curricula and provides teaching and support for its undergraduate and graduate teaching programs by keeping up to date in both the subject content of the fields as well as the latest pedagogical techniques. Six of the undergraduate programs are accredited by ABET and the College regards maintaining accreditation, as well as approval or recognition by other professional societies, to be vital goals. Teaching will always be the single largest activity of the College and all members of the faculty must share a dedication to teaching excellence including constant improvement. Research faculty share in this dedication to the teaching mission of the College, at the very least, through active and proficient mentoring of research students.

Research

The College seeks excellence and recognition at national and international levels of its research and scholarship activities. The ability to engage in independent research, free from some of the short-term pressures and vacillations of the market place, offers the opportunity to make fundamental discoveries that are the cornerstones of science and technology. These activities attract and retain excellent faculty who are dedicated to continual renewal and improvement. The capstone research or design project experiences have always been fundamental components of the education experiences for the students of this College. Research as well as design projects integrate undergraduate classroom and laboratory learning experiences with intellectual independence and originality, teamwork, and the ability to present works of scholarship and professional practice both orally and in writing. Students engaged in graduate studies will be the research scientists and engineers of the future. It is vital that they learn the means to advance the state-of-the-art in their chosen fields. In general, engagement in research teaches students how to adapt even as their fields change drastically in future decades. Publication of reviewed research and successful winning of grants provide independent reviews of the quality of the College's research and scholarship.

Service

The College will provide service in support of the activities of the University, the State and its constituencies, professional organizations, the nation and the international community. One of the most desirable attributes of a university is the presence of experts whose excellence and independence from the influence of special interests provide a valuable resource when advice and expertise is needed and/or requested on complex issues. This "intellectual authority" can only be achieved if the College adheres to the highest levels of professional practice, scholarship and ethics. The College will contribute to the wider needs of the university through its participation in governance and in interdisciplinary programs. It will engage the State's educational community by being responsive to need and interacting with the State's two-year and four-year institutions of higher learning as well as its K-12 structure. These activities are likely to have impact beyond New Hampshire's borders. The College will contribute to the quality of scientific and technological activities in the State and beyond by supplying excellent graduates as well as through participation with faculty and staff both on and off campus.

CEPS Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive and welcoming community in which everyone, regardless of their background or identity (including but not limited to race, country of origin, religious beliefs, class, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), feels appreciated, respected, supported, and valued in decision-making processes.  CEPS recognizes that biases (e.g. racism, sexism, classism) exist and is committed to countering such discriminatory behavior.  We strongly believe that diversity among our students, faculty, and staff promotes new ideas and perspectives that are critical to solving the challenges facing society and the environment, advance humankind, further advances in engineering and the physical sciences, and assure the success of our students and the college.  CEPS and the entire UNH community thrive when all of our faculty, staff, and students have the opportunities, resources, and support they need to succeed.  We are committed to creating a more equitable, safe, and inclusive environment within CEPS and across the university.

Preamble

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with a Carnegie Foundation high research activity classification. The UNH College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) is nationally unique in the positioning of mathematics and the physical sciences (chemistry, earth sciences and physics) in the same administrative unit as computer science and the four engineering departments (Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering). This provides the opportunity to address 21st century problems, which inherently require interdisciplinary efforts, often combining engineering with the physical sciences, and both incorporating mathematics and computer science in educational, research and entrepreneurial activities. 

MISSION

Our mission is to foster a world-class, interdisciplinary education and research environment that cultivates mastery of science, math, and engineering fundamentals while promoting experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

VISION

We will be a welcoming and collaborative community of science, mathematics, and engineering scholars who guide our students and inspire each other to pursue innovative ideas and to develop sustainable solutions to grand societal challenges through state-of-the-art pedagogy, top tier research, and impactful entrepreneurship.

Core Values

Service to Community - As an academic college in a land, sea, and space grant institution (1 of only 17 in the nation), CEPS is committed to serving our region and beyond and to providing equitable pathways for success to students of all backgrounds.

Student-Centered Learning - Our longstanding tradition of student-focused education emphasizes personalized and engaged student learning throughout their time in CEPS. Experiential learning is a key attribute accomplished through curricular and co-curricular experiences including projects, internships, and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Excellence in Research and Scholarship - CEPS fosters knowledge creation, dissemination, and implementation at all levels through transformative research and scholarship.

Welcoming Community - CEPS is an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative community, welcoming individuals of diverse backgrounds, identities, and personal perspectives. Students, faculty, and staff choose CEPS due to its collegial culture and engaging learning, working, and living environment.