Frequently Asked Questions

What sets the UNH programs in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences apart from other institutions? 

The inclusion of engineering, physical sciences, and the mathematical and computer sciences within a single college is unique.  The organizational structure guarantees that students in these various disciplines will be engaged in coursework together and it lowers the barrier to interdisciplinary projects and co-curricular activity, which can be a springboard for professional success in today’s dynamic society. This structure mimics life after college, where the interactions between scientists, engineers, and mathematicians are at the foundation of discovery and development. 

What are the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio?

The overall student-to-faculty ratio in CEPS is 16-to-1. Introductory chemistry, mathematics and physics courses typically have lectures of more than 100 students, although these classes are broken into groups of 15 to 25 for laboratories and recitations. A few of the engineering departments have large (75-120) introductory courses (freshman and sophomore level), although as a student progresses to junior- and senior–level courses in all of the college’s programs, the class sizes are reduced dramatically. 

What are the college-specific scholarship opportunities?

The college has awarded more than $900,000 in scholarships each year in recent years, with some of them listed here. The majority of this is used for continuing/returning students, primarily restricted in this way due to the wishes of the donor. Other restrictions regarding major, state of origin, etc., may also have been specified by the donor. Each year, the college announces the availability of scholarship support, and students are asked to apply for consideration. The money is then made available for the following academic year.

Are there any housing options available to CEPS majors?

Handler Hall and Hubbard Hall are homes to InCEPStion, the living-learning community for incoming CEPS students. Approximately 50 students in CEPS majors are grouped together in each of these locations. Advantages include the opportunities to make connections with students in your classes and majors as well the reputation of being a serious and academically focused group of students. Current CEPS students might be better suited to speak about the advantages of specific dorms/locales on campus.

What academic support is provided for students?

Close working relationships between faculty and students is a hallmark of a UNH education, and assistance in navigating the academic challenges is widely available, including through the Center for Academic Resources (CFAR) and the Connors Writing Center, which is a peer-staffed facility that provides non-directive coaching to all UNH students on their writing process (also oral presentation advice). Other resources offered through the college include the Mathematics Center (MaC) and the Programming Assistance Center (PAC).  The physics department and the chemistry department offer support services for introductory courses through tutoring centers and learning assistants.

At the university level, the Center for Academic Resources (CFAR) employs educational counselors and peer mentors to assist UNH students to reach their academic goals. UNH also offers the Knack platform that helps connect students to tutors across a wide range of courses.

What are the best tips for work/school/life balance?

We recommend students limit themselves to joining two student organizations, in the first semester: one in any area of interest and one associated with professional growth that may be degree program related. More information on student organizations at UNH can be found here.

It’s helpful to find a group of friends who want to succeed academically as much as you do, as well as students who are in majors that require similar amounts of work outside of class. If this is not available in your dorm, find another place on campus to make your go-to study space.

Attempting to work at a job for more than 10 hours a week should be avoided. If it is necessary to work more than that amount of time, careful attention should be paid to course selection and schedule. Also, be sure to keep a calendar and reserve time for exercise.

What opportunities are there for CEPS students to study abroad?

There is a variety of opportunities to study abroad at UNH. The Education Abroad office offers a variety of options for UNH students to study abroad while at UNH. It is best to check with your department’s study abroad advisor, which can be found here. There are also a variety of research programs available on and off campus in the summer, including the International Research Opportunities Program (IROP), the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and more.

Selection of Major

When do students have to declare a major?

University rules indicate that all students with greater than 64 credits (junior-standing) must have a declared major; however, it is strongly encouraged that CEPS students do not wait that long to do so.

As a freshman, should I declare a type of engineering or be undecided in engineering if I am unsure between multiple options?

We strive to work with undeclared students to provide them the appropriate courses for keeping their options open whether they are interested in a branch of engineering, a physical science, mathematics or computer science. If a student truly cannot decide, the undeclared option is the appropriate one, although there is great value in selecting a major and experiencing a supportive cohort.

Does every CEPS major have an introduction class?

Yes. Each major in CEPS has an introductory class for its students. More information on course requirements can be found on the individual department’s website or in the UNH course catalog.

Is there a class for undeclared students, such as introduction to engineering?

Yes. TECH 400 is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about the various programs in the college and make connections with departmental representatives for further engagement.

How easy is it to switch majors?

Students wishing to switch majors can do so by completing an online form that is circulated to advisors and departments for the necessary signatures. Students are encouraged to have conversations with the targeted department prior to initiating the change.

A conversation with an advisor in the new department is crucial to ensure students have an understanding of the degree pathway in the new major (required foundational courses, timing of sequential courses, etc.) associated with a new degree program.

If I declare a specific type of engineering degree program (electrical, mechanical, chemical, etc.) how easy is it to transfer to a different type?

The process is similar to the question above. A change in degree program the first year at UNH can typically be accommodated without serious implications with respect to your graduation date. A conversation with the department is key to understanding the nuances of the curriculum mapping.

Engineering departments typically have predictor courses for students in the major. These are a set of courses that require specific grades prior to moving on to higher level courses. If a student wants to transfer into a department’s program, these predictor courses are typically reviewed. Completion of these predictor courses is frequently a requirement for transfer. 

What is the robotics program like here? 

The robotics program is very interdisciplinary, involving undergraduate and graduate students from a range of majors such as Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Computer Science, Computer and Electrical Engineering, and more. 

There are multiple ways to be involved with robotics at UNH, including senior project teams, competition teams such as LunaCats or through research at the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center.  A strong research program in human-robot interactions is central to the cutting-edge robotics program at UNH.

Facilities

How are the facilities in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences?

We have worked diligently to provide first-rate facilities for all of the programs in the college.  Almost all of the college’s buildings have been renovated within the past fifteen years, with the intent of providing students multiple opportunities for active learning.  Significant investments have been made in laboratory spaces and equipment, computer clusters, instrumentation, and the CEPS machine shop in the past five years.

Where are the college’s academic programs located on the UNH campus?

Many of the college’s academic departments are housed in Kingsbury Hall, including chemical and bioengineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and mathematics. Parsons Hall is home to chemistry and materials science. Earth sciences is in James Hall, and the support staff and faculty members within environmental engineering are housed in Gregg Hall. DeMeritt Hall is home to physics and engineering physics. 

What unique facilities are part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences?

The recently expanded Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory features large wave and engineering tanks where students conduct research in ocean engineering, ocean mapping, ocean acoustics, marine robotics and more.

The Flow Physics Facility is the largest wind tunnel of its type in the world, allowing engineers and physicists to study aerodynamics in such areas as atmospheric wind over the ocean, wind turbine design or air flow around an airplane.

The John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center allows students to work alongside faculty, researchers and industry partners to solve real-world problems in manufacturing, one of New Hampshire’s most important employment sectors.

A campus partner, the UNH InterOperability Laboratory, is one of the world’s leading test facilities for data networking. More than 100 CEPS students work at the lab to test data communications products in collaboration with some of the top technology companies in the world.

Research Opportunities

What are the research opportunities for each of the different majors?

The research opportunities vary across the degree programs within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, but they are available to students as early as their first year through the Innovations Scholars Program (see below).  Every department (and major) includes faculty members who routinely work with undergraduate students in true research activities.  The unique nature of the college also allows for dozens of interdisciplinary research opportunities where students can conduct research or compete on a team with students and faculty members from multiple degree programs and departments.

There are also a variety of research programs available on and off campus in the summer and beyond to include the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, International Research Opportunities Program (IROP), the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and more.

These opportunities are available in campus laboratories within our traditional academic buildings and in some of our other state-of-the-art research facilities such as the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory and the Flow Physics Facility, the longest wind tunnel of its type in the world. There are additional opportunities to conduct research off campus as well.

What is the Innovation Scholars Program?

Innovation Scholars is a research driven introduction to the university for first-year students in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS). Students will be part of a cohort of students under the direction of a faculty member that guides them through a year-long research experience culminating in a presentation of research results at the Undergraduate Research Conference. Participants will develop skills that will open doors of opportunity at UNH and more broadly, and experience the interconnectedness of UNH scholarly activity with UNH Innovation and UNH Career and Professional Success.

What are the research areas covered by Innovation Scholars?

There are currently four research topics, including advanced manufacturing, internet engineering, biomaterials and ocean and environmental sensing. Each group works within a specific laboratory setting, including the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory, the UNH InterOperability Laboratory, and College Woods to conduct their research. There may be additional options added in the future as the program is expected to grow.

Who can participate in the Innovation Scholars Program?

Participation in Innovation Scholars is available to any first-year CEPS student interested in starting research to supplement the typical first-year curriculum.

Scholarships are available for New Hampshire students with financial need, please contact Prof. David Mattingly to apply (david.mattingly@unh.edu). Limited availability, please apply early.

Co-curricular and Student Organizations

What professionally oriented organizations are available to students in the college?

There are more than two dozen student organizations within the college to include the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Engineers Without Borders and many more. There are opportunities to compete in competition teams such as the Lunacats, UNH Precision Racing, and more. Many of these teams travel to compete in a national competition against other universities.

How easy is it to connect with student organizations?

Most student organizations and groups affiliated with CEPS are open to all CEPS students. At the beginning of each academic year, the college hosts its annual CEPS Day, a cookout and community gathering in which CEPS-specific organizations are present to meet and recruit new members to their organizations. In a similar way, UNH hosts U-Day, where more than 100 student organizations are on hand to provide information on their organization and recruit new members.

Career and Professional Success (CaPS)

The Career and Professional Success (CaPS) team within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences is committed to empowering students in proactively building the skills they need to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing future.  We are coaches, connectors, and champions for our students and alumni.  In partnership with faculty, staff, employers, and our global alumni network, we orchestrate opportunities for experiential learning, mentoring, networking, and personal growth, equipping students with the tools to thrive throughout their lives. 

At the University of New Hampshire, students develop personal and professional skills beyond the classroom by following the Wildcat Way to Professional Success.  Our aim is to outline and share action steps students can take toward career readiness and provide a guide for professional development to support each student’s academic experience.  Career and Professional Success provides events, services, and coaching in each of these core areas to support Wildcats as they explore the option and opportunities that await them after graduation.

What are the career outcomes for recent CEPS graduates?

Data available for the most recent graduating class (2022) shows that 96% of CEPS graduates are employed or enrolled in a graduate program within six months of graduation. Furthermore, 96% of those who reported employment are working in a field closely related to their major. The career team in our college has established relationships with upwards of 400 employers, many of whom visit campus and recruit students for internships and full-time employment annually.

How do students find internships?

The college has forged strong relationships with industry partners through its alumni network and the Career and Professional Success (CaPS) team. The college has full-time staff members dedicated to ensuring all students have access to engaging experiential learning opportunities. The CaPS team supports students with their internship search by assisting in preparation of resumes, cover letters, applications, and interviews, as well as offering assistance in how to search/apply for such opportunities. CaPS also brings hundreds of employers on campus to recruit student interns and encourages employers to post these opportunities in Handshake. Department staff and faculty also receive intern requests from alumni that they share with students, providing a rich network with a variety of opportunities for students to consider.

Data from the Class of 2022 shows that 77% of graduates completed at least one internship experience and that 93% were reported as paid experiences.

Where do I go for assistance with career development?

The Peter and Paula Vosotas Career Center, which opened in September of 2020, provides a central location for career development support within the college. It is located in Kingsbury Hall adjacent to the north lobby. CEPS students and alumni can schedule a career appointment with a member of the CEPS career team through Handshake.

Are there any mentor programs within the college?

The CEPS career team also partners with alumni to provide professional development and career support to students. In the spring of 2021, they launched the CEPS MentorSHIP Program where students were matched with industry professionals for the purposes of industry exploration, professional development, and promoting the value of mentoring relationships. The program runs each spring semester.

Are there any co-op opportunities?

While our college does not have a formal co-op program, we do support students in the process of obtaining valuable internship experiences during the summer. In fact, many students have more than one experience by the time they graduate, making them very competitive in today’s market. If a student is interested in exploring the possibility of an extended experience (co-op), they can connect with the Career and Professional Success team in CEPS (CaPS) and coordinate with their academic department to see if a co-op experience makes sense for their track.

For more information on the libraries within CEPS, visit:

Chemistry Library

Math Library

Physics Library

What is the difference between Chemical Engineering and Chemistry? 

Chemical Engineering uses the concepts of chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to combine materials and energy to develop commercial processes and products to improve the life of humankind.  Chemistry is the study of the properties and interactions between various materials. 

What are employment opportunities for Chemical Engineering graduates?

Our graduates find employment in various industries such as biotechnology, biochemical and biomedical engineering, energy engineering, industrial chemicals, petroleum and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and medicine, plastics and textiles, and pollution abatement.  Graduates also work in finance and even go to law or medical school. 

Is there a difference between bioengineering at UNH and biomedical engineering? 

Bioengineering focuses on the application of engineering on biological processes, food, agriculture and environmental processes. On the other hand, biomedical engineering is focus on the application of engineering to biological and medical sciences to improve healthcare delivery systems.  The emphases of UNH-Bioengineering are on the applications of biomaterials, and cellular/tissue engineering.  Our program is quite flexible with 5 program electives for students to tailor their program to their individual needs.

What are employment opportunities for Bioengineering graduates?

The bioengineering program at UNH prepares students to enter the biofuels, bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, biomedical devices and equipment, biotechnology, cell and tissue engineering, pharmaceuticals and medicine, rehabilitation engineering and supporting industries as well as the food and agricultural processing industries.

Will I have an academic advisor to help me during my program?

Yes. You will have an academic advisor throughout your program.  In your first year, the department chair will be your academic advisor.  At the end of your first year, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you till you graduate from the program.  If you are transferring into UNH, the undergraduate coordinator will help you in identifying the coursework you need to graduate.  You will then be assigned an academic advisor who will guide you through the remainder of your program.

What student professional societies are Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering majors involved in?

Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering and majors have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of interesting projects and extra-curricular activities for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE), and Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES).  In addition, students may also join other UNH student organizations such as Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and Students Without Borders.

What are the research areas that undergraduate students can pursue?

Undergraduate students have research opportunities in areas of biomaterials, biomedical engineering, biophysics, catalysis, chemical and biosensors, energy storage, fluid dynamics, microfluidics, modeling and simulation, synthetic biology, and tissue engineering.    

Are there internship opportunities for undergraduate students?

Yes.  Undergraduate students seek internship opportunities as early as their freshman year though most pursue them between their junior and senior year. From First Destination Survey data, 71% of the class of 2022 graduates reported at least one internship experience during their academic career. Many of these internship opportunities are available through the CEPS Career and Professional Success (CaPS) team.

Why study Chemistry at UNH?

Our department is one where excellence in teaching and research are both prized. Our faculty will give you excellent instruction in your classes, preparing you for success in your chosen career. They’ll also give you state-of-the-art research opportunities in a wide variety of research areas including analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemistry biology, polymer chemistry, chemical education and more. And you’ll perform that research in our state-of-the-art facility that is among the nation’s best. Our faculty are recognized by their peers for their work in the classroom and in the laboratory. They’ve won numerous teaching and research awards. All in all, we’ll provide you an exceptionally strong background in chemistry that will serve you well in your career. Whether you intend to pursue graduate school, professional school, teaching, or work in industry, UNH chemistry will get you there.

What type of careers are out there for chemistry majors?

The sheer number of career paths available for chemistry majors is amazing. There are opportunities in many areas including but not limited to: energy, sustainable practices, chemical biology, medicine, environmental science, environmental health and safety, pharmaceutical sciences, dentistry, teaching, research and many more.

I’m not sure if I want to be in the BA program or the BS program. How would I decide?

Both programs are tailored to students who want to study a dynamic, creative and practical discipline. The BS program is ACS certified and offers advanced chemistry coursework and a senior thesis capstone, which is a yearlong research project with a faculty research advisor. If you are considering graduate school, then the BS program is for you.

The BA program includes an extensive set of chemistry courses but also offers room to explore a variety of courses outside of chemistry. If you are considering a dual degree or a minor in another degree program, then the BA program is for you.

Are there any problems if I switch from a BA to BS, or a BS to BA?

During your first year as a chemistry major, your program of study is basically the same. This enables you to switch programs a little more easily. If you were changing from a BA to BS in your second semester sophomore year, you may have to catch up on some Physics courses, but it’s doable.

What is a capstone experience?

A capstone experience is required for all chemistry majors during their senior year. The capstone experience for B.S. students involves a full year of research and culminates with a research thesis. Many students will not wait until their senior year to begin their research careers. In fact, some have started research during their freshman year. Our department has a long history (over 100 years!) of incorporating undergraduates into its research activities. B.A. students are also welcome to gain research experience if they choose although it is not a requirement for the B.A. degree.

What are the differences in the capstone experience? It may help me decide if I want to be in the BS or BA program.

The BS senior thesis capstone involves a year-long project that begins with a thorough literature review and includes state-of-the-art research experiences using a variety of techniques and equipment. Completing a senior thesis in chemistry prepares our students for success in the chemical (and related) industries, as well as in graduate school.

The BA capstone experience is Senior Seminar. Students work with the faculty member teaching the seminar to prepare a presentation based upon a research project or subject-driven professional engagement. The ability to integrate detailed subject matter and communicate this to the broader community, both scientific and general society, is gained. This exercise enhances the student’s writing ability, aids in the development of broader communication skills, and enables the student to obtain valuable research experience.

Are there other research opportunities?

Yes. We offer CHEM 696 Independent study which gives students the opportunity to work alongside a faculty research advisor and her/his other research students. The department also makes numerous summer research opportunities available for our students. We also have 2 summer research awards designated for undergraduate research; recipients are selected annually.

Are there any professional development opportunities?

Yes. There is the Undergraduate Research Conference where students present a poster describing their research project. There is also an annual department award, The Craig West Award for Professional Development, which provides funding to a deserving student to attend a national conference for the purpose of presenting their research. Additionally, the Career and Professional Success (CaPS) team within the college supports students with their professional development, orchestrating opportunities for experiential learning, mentoring, networking, and personal growth.

Are there department scholarship opportunities?

Yes. The Chemistry Department hosts an Annual Awards Ceremony in late April or early May where students, both undergraduate and graduate, are recognized for scholastic achievement, research, teaching and more. Last year, students received over $180,000 in awards. As an example, for students interested in becoming a high school chemistry teacher, we annually award two $10,000.00 scholarships. There are many more awards and scholarships that are passed out on an annual basis.

Will I have an advisor to help me develop my program?

Yes. You will work with our department Undergraduate Coordinator for your first year and then be assigned a faculty advisor to guide you through the rest of your program. We take pride in the level of advising our department offers. Our faculty are very active in advising our majors.

What if I am having difficulty in my courses?

In this case, please see your academic advisor as soon as possible so they can better assist you. There are many options for tutoring or mentoring that you may not be aware of, or maybe you need to discuss something else, and they can guide you. Also reach out to any of your course instructors if you are having issues with a class. Communication is key. We’re here to help you succeed.

What is the ratio of student to instructor?

As a Chemistry major, the largest course will be general chemistry lecture. This lecture style will expose you to a large classroom format which is a good experience to have. Even with a large lecture, instructors offer many opportunities to attend small help sessions and office hours to assist you. As a chemistry major, you’ll take laboratory courses with 10 to 24 students. Once you begin upper-level coursework, your lecture class sizes may be as small as 10 students, typically not larger than 20-25.

General information

We have 14 full-time faculty and 4 experienced lecturers who are here to provide an exceptional educational experience. We have a support staff of 5 who provide a variety of assistance to the department and students overall. We have 50+ graduate students in our MS and PHD program. Students working on Independent study or Senior Thesis research projects often have the positive experience of being mentored by a graduate student. We currently have 40 undergraduates, but we are seeking to grow that number by developing new options within our BA and BS programs in the areas of chemical biology and sustainability.

Parsons Hall was recently renovated and offers state-of-the-art facilities. Our labs are exceptional and provide an optimal educational experience.

 What do Civil Engineers do?

Civil engineers plan, design, construct and maintain the physical infrastructure and environmental protection systems for society. These systems include dams, water treatment plants, highways, bridges, tunnels, irrigation canals, traffic control systems, skyscrapers, airport runways and mass transit systems, just to name a few. Our role in society is to promote sustainable and resilient development for our and for future generations. 

Civil engineers have influenced history since the water resources management of the Ancient Romans through the super-tall skyscrapers of the modern world.  Can you imagine your life without the contributions of civil engineers?  How would you live without clean water, safe roads, buildings and efficient transportation routes?

 What sets the Civil Engineering program at UNH apart from other institutions? 

• While some engineering programs rely on courses common to all engineering disciplines for the first two years, the UNH program helps students jump right into civil engineering with eight classes tailored to the major.  So if you like civil engineering, you don’t have to wait to start learning about it and if you find another major will be better for you, you find that out right away and can still graduate on time.
• Students learn AutoCAD and surveying or GIS in the first year giving them skills valued by engineering firms making it easier to land that first internship. 86% of our 2022 graduates reported that they had at least one paid internship, and of the 86% over half indicated that they took part in two or more experiences.
• We encourage minors and dual majors.  Each civil engineering student has a professor for an academic advisor for the duration of the program.  Your advisor will work with you to complete minors including those in architecture, leadership, and sustainability.  In addition, civil engineering students can complete dual majors in International Affairs, Sustainability, and more.
• You can study abroad and graduate on time.  We encourage students to study abroad and have long-established programs in Scotland and Australia.  Students have also studied away in other countries including Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Wales, and the Netherlands.
• You don’t get locked into a specific area early on.  In your junior year, you take courses in a wide variety of engineering areas and then, in your senior year, you can tailor your program to your goals.  Nearly every course in the senior year is an elective including seven senior-level electives in civil engineering chosen from over 40 offered courses.
• It’s possible to graduate in less time.  If you come to UNH with advanced placement credit and you decide it’s a good decision for you, it’s possible to complete the program in three years.
• We have a five-year, Bachelor of Science/Masters of Engineering option where qualified students can start their graduate studies in their senior year and go on to complete the master’s degree in just one additional year of study.
• We support our undergraduates with a dedicated student study room and a dedicated computer cluster with up-to-date computers and civil engineering software.
• Undergraduates can participate in research.  Our CEE faculty is passionate about educational and research innovations and not only love to share their research with their students but often include undergraduates in that research.  Over 2000 undergraduates in all disciplines present their research annually at the UNH Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Our graduates find work and/or go on to graduate school. 97% of our 2022 graduates reported that they were either employed or enrolled in further education within six months of graduation, with many securing plans during their senior year.

What type of high impact experiences are available through the Civil Engineering program UNH?

To ensure that the experience at UNH is rewarding and fulfilling, we encourage students to take advantage of all available opportunities such as getting involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter, Students/Engineers Without Borders (EWB), Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) Student Chapter, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and other student organizations. 73% of our 2022 graduates reported that they participated in one or more of such student organizations.

Can I participate in research opportunities as a Civil Engineering major at UNH?

Undergraduate research is a unique component of the civil engineering program at UNH.  There are several vibrant research centers and laboratories in the civil and environmental engineering department that employ undergraduate researchers. A large number of our undergraduate students participate in funded research opportunities through Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and undergraduate research assistantship programs offered by UNH’s Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research. Undergraduate students are also able to conduct research and earn course credit through research experience courses

How many students are there in the department?

The department currently has over 380 undergraduate students and over 80 graduate students.

What programs are offered by the department?

The department offers the following undergraduate degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (with options in Algorithms, Cybersecurity, and Systems), Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Analytics and Data Science (with two options: Analytics and Data Science). The department also offers MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science. 

What options are available to continue studies in the Computer Science graduate programs?

The department offers an early admission program where students can count up to three senior electives toward the graduate program. Students in this accelerated master’s program, depending on their progress, can graduate with both BS and MS degrees as early as in five years.

Is it possible to take part in study abroad?

Yes, students are encouraged to consider study abroad and there are various options to study all over the world. The best time to study abroad is the junior year, when students have completed their studies of fundamentals and before the capstone project in the senior year. All our programs are highly prescriptive, so students are encouraged to start planning their study abroad right from their freshman year.

What are some of the areas where undergraduate students can engage in research?

The department encourages undergraduate student participation in research projects. Areas where students can engage in research include artificial intelligence, machine learning, information retrieval, robotics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, natural language processing, and computer systems.

How much time can a student work and still expect to do well in their classes?

This varies widely depending upon the student, but generally speaking students should plan to work significantly less than 20 hours per week, especially as incoming students. By the middle of a semester, the typical course-load (four classes) results in work comparable with that of a full-time job. Some students may be able to handle this load investing 30% or 40% less than that, but others may need to put in significantly more time to get the same results. If at all possible, incoming students should keep non-academic work obligations to a minimum during their first semester, so they can work out a good balance without impacting their learning and performance.

Student Support

How are students advised?

All advising is done by the faculty of the department. After the first semester where advising is handled by the department chair and the program coordinators, students are assigned to a specific faculty member that will be their advisor for the rest of their studies.

What kind of assistance is available for students needing extra help with the programming assignments?

Students can receive help from their instructors and teaching assistants. The department also runs Programming Assistance Center (PAC), which is staffed by both undergraduate and graduate students and provides help for all the introductory courses.

Does the department offer a space for students to work?

Students in the department have access to student lounge equipped with computers, monitors to hook up for laptops, whiteboards, and large-screen TV for group meetings.

What student organizations are active within the department?

The most active student organizations are the Cybersecurity Club, Competitive Programming Club, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computer Science honor society). Students of the department are active in many of the student organizations that UNH offers.

Opportunities for Professional Development

At what point of their studies do the students do internships?

The most common time for an internship is between the junior and senior year. However, it is not uncommon for students to find internships in their freshman year. There are opportunities for on-campus work during an academic year. The Career and Professional Success (CaPS) team within the college supports students with all aspects of the internship search and application process, and students are able to make an appointment through Handshake or attend drop-in hours that run weekly during the academic year if needed.

What are the opportunities for on-campus employment?

Many of our students work in the UNH InterOperability Laboratory, a globally recognized leader in testing of network and data communication systems. Our Undergraduate Teaching Assistant program offers some of our best upperclassmen a unique paid opportunity to engage in the teaching process and to assist in our introductory courses. Many other groups on campus look for students with computer science, information technology, and data science backgrounds.

Are internships paid?

Yes, almost all internships are paid, the only exception could be work for a charitable organization.

Are all internships in New Hampshire?

No, while many of our students stay in New England for their internships, it is not uncommon to see students spend summers working all over United States.

Hardware and Software

What are the operating systems and platforms emphasized by the programs offered by the department?

The programs are fairly platform-agnostic; however, most courses use Linux.

What programming languages are taught in the programs?

The coverage of programming languages varies form program to program. The core languages include Java, Python, C/C++, Scala, and TypeScript. Other programing languages are introduced in more specialized elective courses.

Do students need to bring their own laptops?

While our classes are designed to be taken without requiring laptops, students usually find them to be a helpful aid and student use of laptops in class has increased tremendously in recent years. We provide access to computers in public clusters. Some advanced classes can be significantly harder to complete using lab machines, and students usually end up finding a personal compute they can use. The recent pandemic forced our teaching online for an extended period, which is likely to result in more online content in our courses generally, so students at least need to have some sort of device that allows them to access (and hopefully participate in) videoconferencing sessions. [MPL]

Do students need to purchase any software licenses?

UNH provides free access for students to many commercial software packages. Essentially all software tools used in our programs are open-source and available for all major operating systems.

Why should I consider choosing Earth Sciences as a major?

The Earth sciences are critically relevant to society in the 21^st century.  As increases in world population and globalization place greater demands on Earth’s resources and stress the natural environment, there will be a growing need for finding solutions to environmental challenges, assessing and mitigating the impacts of climate change, and improving the ability to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.  To meet these modern and future challenges, our society requires a new generation of rigorously trained Earth scientists in the workforce, as well as a populace broadly educated in basic concepts of Earth and marine sciences.

What degree programs do you offer?

The Department of Earth Sciences currently offers four undergraduate degree programs: (1) a B.S. in Earth Sciences with tracks in Climate, Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography; (2) a B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences with degree options in either Hydrology or Geosystems; (3) a flexible B.A. in Earth Sciences. More details about these degrees and their specific course requirements can be found on our department web pages, along with a wealth of general information about our department: https://ceps.unh.edu/earth-sciences

What are the primary differences between the B.S. and B.A. degree programs?

One difference is that all B.A. degrees at UNH require completion of a foreign language course sequence, whereas B.S. degrees do not.  The B.A. in Earth Sciences provides a flexible liberal-arts-style degree for students who wish to explore other electives or pair their program with a second B.A. degree. The B.S. in Earth Sciences and B.S. in Environmental Sciences are directed science degrees that feature rigorous foundational coursework in calculus, chemistry, and physics, followed by a core curriculum that includes course sequences in intermediate-to-advanced-level Earth and environmental science topics relevant to the chosen degree track or option.

How many professors do you have in your department?

The Earth Sciences faculty is currently composed of 16 tenure-track faculty, 4 research faculty and 16 affiliate faculty.  Although tenure-track faculty deliver the bulk of the classroom instruction within the department, several research and affiliate faculty semi-regularly teach some courses and provide critical contributions to our curriculum.

How many undergraduate majors do you have in your department?

Over the past ten years, the total number of undergraduate majors in Earth Sciences has fluctuated between 45 and 65 students, with an average of about 55 majors.  All of our majors have the opportunity to participate in the department’s Earth Sciences Club, which is a student-run organization that helps support and integrate students, and coordinates a variety of activities including field trips and picnics.

How many students are typically enrolled in various Earth Sciences courses?

Our introductory Earth Sciences courses at the 400 and 500 level typically have approximately 75 students enrolled for the twice or thrice weekly lecture meetings, with students distributed between lab sections containing no more than 25 students.  Our intermediate and advanced-level courses at the 600 and 700 levels typically have between 10 and 20 students in total.

What opportunities exist for undergraduate research in your department?

Many Earth Sciences students participate in faculty-mentored undergraduate research, through the intercollege research courses (INCO 590, INCO 790) coordinated by the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research and through the department itself (ESCI 799, thesis courses).  Most of these students present their research at UNH's Undergraduate Research Conference held each spring.  The department has historically been a strong proponent of undergraduate research, and participation in independent research projects has expanded through efforts of the Hamel Center and with the installation of a capstone requirement for UNH undergraduate degrees.

What facilities does your department have for teaching and research?

Many of our buildings and facilities have recently undergone major state-of-the-art renovations that have brought significant improvements in teaching and research space.  Our classrooms are equipped with new HD digital projectors and sound systems, and we maintain a computer cluster with licensed software for undergraduate teaching and research.  Our laboratory facility and equipment upgrades include the acquisition of mass spectrometers and supporting instruments, flumes for fluid dynamics experiments, a scanning electron microscope with ancillary equipment useful for applications in the Earth sciences, a geochemistry clean lab, and a new oceanographic research vessel.

What employment and career opportunities will I have if I get a degree in Earth Sciences?

National labor reviews indicate numerous employment opportunities in the geosciences, and trends indicate that employment for geoscience graduates will be robust in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. 

• Advanced manufacturing
• Aerospace and defense
• Automotive and Manufacturing industries
• Biomedical engineering
• Embedded computer systems
• Integrated circuits and systems design industries
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Medical IoT
• Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
• Telecommunications Industries

Information from the First Destination Survey indicates that 80% of 2022 graduates had at least one internship experience during the course of their studies. We see no shortage of internships come through from our employer partners so any student that puts in the effort can secure an experience during their time at UNH.

Facilities

Where is the ECE department and what buildings are we located in?

The ECE main office is located in Kingsbury Hall, on the second floor. Most of the labs and faculty offices are either on the second or third floor of Kingsbury Hall. We also have two labs located next door in Morse Hall.   

Research and Teaching labs

Student Project Lab, Wireless System Lab, Digital and Computer Systems Lab, Advanced Electronics and Physical Instrumentation Lab (also known as Junior Lab), Bionics Lab, Reliable VLSI Systems Lab, Synthetic Vision and Pattern Analysis Lab, Biological Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction Lab, Electric & Electronic Circuit Development Lab, Systems & Network & Wireless Data Communication Lab, BioMEMS & Nanoelectrics Lab, Embedded Computer Systems & Digital Signal Processing Lab, Mechtronics & Controls Lab, Computer Architecture & Systems Security Lab.

ECE Student Room, ECE Study Nooks

The Electrical and Computer Engineering department has a student collaboration space where students can study, hold meetings with their peers, work together on projects, assignments, etc. The ECE department also has two study nooks near faculty’s offices where the ECE department tutors reside. Here students can work together with some privacy but are close enough to get a hold a professor if they have any questions.

InterOperability Lab

A campus partner, the UNH InterOperability Laboratory, is one of the world’s leading test facilities for data networking. More than 100 CEPS students, many including EE and CE majors work at the lab to test data communications products in collaboration with some of the top technology companies in the world. Hear from an Electrical Engineering student talk about his experience working at the IOL  .

What do Environmental Engineers do?

Environmental engineers are entrusted by society to create a sustainable world and raise the global quality of life. They serve as master builders, stewards of the environment, innovators, managers of risk, and leaders in public policy.

Environmental engineers plan, design and construct public and private facilities to minimize the impact of human activity on the environment and to protect human health. They are strong contributors to society, and provide responsible social, economic and environmental benefits and enhance the quality of life around the world. Environmental engineers design and build drinking water treatment systems, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, solid waste management facilities, contaminated groundwater remediation systems, and hazardous waste remediation facilities and provide solutions that are sustainable. 

Environmental Engineers have influenced history since the solid waste and water resources management of the Ancient Romans through the novel and sustainable treatment technologies of the modern world. Can you imagine your life without the contributions of environmental engineers?  How would you live without clean air and water, collection and treatment of sewage, removal of solid wastes, and remediation of pollutants in the environment?

What sets the Environmental Engineering program at UNH apart from other institutions?

• The Environmental Engineering program at UNH is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. One of the requirements in obtaining a Professional Engineering (PE) license is graduation from an ABET accredited programs. There are no other ABET accredited Environmental Engineering programs in New Hampshire. Additionally, several nearby states lack accredited programs through their state funded academic institutions (inc. Maine, Massachusetts).
• You jump right into Environmental Engineering courses. The Environmental Enginnering program is housed in Gregg Hall, adjacent to College Woods. All of our Environmental Engineering faculty and laboratories are located in Gregg. It is the “home” of our faculty, students and staff. While some engineering programs rely on courses common to all engineering disciplines for the first two years, at UNH, students jump into Environmental Engineering courses and hands on projects their first semester, developing a strong group of peers and connecting with faculty. Students build on this foundation with core Environmental Engineering courses each semester thereafter.
• Students learn AutoCAD and GIS in their first two years, giving them skills valued by engineering firms and making it easier to land that first internship. According to the First Destination Survey data, 85% of 2022 graduates reported participating in at least one paid internship experience by the time they graduated.
• We encourage minors and dual majors. Each student is assigned an Environmental Engineering professor as an academic advisor before they start classes their first year, and they meet with this advisor every semester for the duration of the program.  Your advisor will work with you to determine coursework needed to complete minors including those in sustainability, architecture, energy, and/or leadership.  In addition, Environmental Engineering students can complete dual majors in Sustainability, International Affairs, and more.
• You can study abroad and graduate on time.  Study abroad is encouraged for the sophomore year, which provides opportunities for students to attend courses in long-established programs in Scotland and Australia as well as other countries of interest including New Zealand, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Wales, and the Netherlands.
• It’s possible to graduate in less time.  If you come to UNH with advanced placement credit and you decide it’s a good decision for you, it’s possible to complete the program in less than four years.
• We have a five-year, Bachelor of Science/Masters of Engineering option where qualified students can start their graduate studies their senior year through our accelerated master's program, going on to complete a master’s degree in just one additional year of study.
• We support undergraduate collaboration with two dedicated student study rooms and a dedicated computer cluster containing up-to-date computers and environmental engineering software, all located in Gregg Hall.
• Undergraduates can participate in research.  Our faculty are passionate about educational and research innovations and not only love to share their research with their students, but often include undergraduates in that research.  Over 2000 undergraduates in all disciplines present their research annually at the UNH Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Our graduates find work or go on to graduate school. In fact, 95% of our 2022 graduates who responded to our First Destination Survey reported that they were employed or successfully enrolled in graduate school within 6 months of graduation. The average salary reported by our 2022 graduates was $60,714. 
• Students can create their own capstone and service experiences. Each year, several Environmental Engineering students lead their own service learning or capstone projects with a participating faculty advisor. In the past, students have traveled to Africa and South America  and designed systems to collect and filter groundwater for rural communities.

What type of high impact experiences are available through the Environmental Engineering program UNH?

To ensure that the experience at UNH is rewarding and fulfilling, we encourage students to take advantage of all available opportunities such as getting involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter, Students/Engineers Without Borders (EWB), Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) Student Chapter, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), UNH Outing Club,and other student organizations.  In 2019, 74% of graduates reported that they participated in one or more of such student organizations.

What is the diversity of students in Environmental Engineering?

The Environmental Engineering program has one of the highest percent of females in the college. Currently, females make up 46 percent of the student population at the undergraduate level. Graduate students in Environmental Engineering are dominantly female (>75%). Students in Environmental Engineering currently come from 13 US states and 4 countries outside the US. The Environmental Engineering faculty are also diverse, with three female professors (Kinner, Mouser, and Mo) in the program and 39% overall in the department.

Can I participate in research as an Environmental Engineering major at UNH?

Undergraduate research is a dominant feature of the Environmental Engineering program at UNH and provides opportunity for students to work directly with faculty and be mentored by other graduate and undergraduate students. Currently, 45% of majors are involved in funded research projects. There are several vibrant research centers and laboratories in the civil and environmental engineering department that employ undergraduate researchers, including the Coastal Response Research Center and the Center for Spills and Environmental Hazards (https://crrc.unh.edu/), the Stormwater Center (https://www.unh.edu/unhsc/) and environmental laboratories/sustainability research groups run by Collins, Malley, Mouser and Mo.

In addition, a large number of our undergraduate students participate in funded research opportunities through Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and undergraduate research assistantship programs offered by UNH’s Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research. Undergraduate students are also able to conduct research and earn course credit through independent research experience courses.

At UNH what is the difference between Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science and Environmental Conservation and Sustainability?

The three separate degree programs are confusing.  In general, Environmental Engineers take the current understanding of science and using engineering principles and mathematical models they develop, design, construct and optimize solutions to current societal problems including providing, clean air, water, land and sustainable energy.  Environmental scientists generally study natural and human made phenomenon and perform fundamental research to better understand causes and effects of environmental problems. Environmental conservation and sustainability deals more with social science and policy related principles and issues related to environmental challenges.

What is the current job market and salary range for BS EnvE Graduates?

The current market has been extremely strong due to the large number of retirements in the Environmental Engineering field as many of those professionals joined during the 1970’s.  Most of our graduates choose to enter consulting engineering firms and tend to prefer to live and work somewhere in the New England area. For the class of 2022, 40% of graduates had two or more offers and the average reported salary was $60,714 per year with competitive signing bonuses and benefits packages.  

What opportunities are there for BS EnvE students to obtain Internships?

The UNH CEPS Career and Professional Success office works closely with UNH students and the BS EnvE faculty to promote internship opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to look for summer internships early (during the fall semester) to obtain the most competitive opportunities. BS EnvE students often intern in government organizations such as EPA, NHDES and NHDOT, in local consulting firms such as CMA, GZA, Wright-Pierce, Underwood, SHA and others find opportunities in industry such as United Technologies, Raytheon, Lockhead-Martin, Exxon-Mobile, Dannon, Lonza, etc. Some internships do have the potential to continue during the Fall and Spring semesters but those are less common.

What sets the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at UNH apart from other institutions?

The placement of the department within a College of Engineering and Physical Sciences is unique.  This structure means that students in mathematics and statistics have the opportunity to interact with peers in other STEM disciplines on a regular basis in classes and interdisciplinary projects; mimicking what happens in the workplace after college. 

Why major in one of the mathematical sciences at UNH?

Majors in the department at UNH work with a diverse faculty of accomplished mathematicians in a department where pure mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics education and statistics are integrated together to give students exposure to many different facets of mathematical knowledge. Students will enjoy small, specialized classes in their chosen major that will prepare them for a wide range of career options or graduate study. There are opportunities for field experiences, for more in-depth study through undergraduate research experiences, and for study abroad experiences. An accelerated master’s program is available for some programs, allowing qualified students to start their graduate studies in their senior year and, depending on their progress, go on to complete the master’s degree in just one additional year of study.

Are there specific experiences within the department  for first-year students?

The department offers a 1-credit seminar for all mathematics and statistics majors every Fall semester.  The course, Math 400, is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about the various major options in the department, research interests of faculty, and other UNH resources such as the CEPS Career and Professional Success (CaPS) team.

What are typical class sizes in the department’s major requirements and other courses?

Introductory mathematics courses, serving all departments in CEPS, may have over 100 students.  After these several introductory courses have been taken, a department major’s further courses will usually have 30 students or fewer, and many junior- and senior-level courses will have fewer than 20.

What is the ratio of women/men in the department’s major programs?

Overall, there is approximate gender parity among the department’s undergraduates.  

What careers are available after I graduate?  

Mathematics and Statistics graduates are able to work in a wide array of fields after graduation. They include (but are not limited to): mathematician or statistician in government, research or academia, quantitative specialist in business or industry, computational scientist, teacher, actuary, and/or software developer. The department hosts an Exploring Math Night every Fall where a panel of alumni share their experience, exposing students to a variety of career paths. Additionally, the Career and Professional Success team within the college supports students with their professional development, orchestrating opportunities for experiential learning, mentoring, networking, and personal growth during and after graduation.

How easy is it to switch majors within the department?

The department’s major programs (in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and mathematics education) are designed so that no matter their major, students are taking essentially the same department courses for the first three semesters. This means that during the early part of their UNH studies, a student can easily switch majors within the department without losing time to degree.

What discipline-related student organizations are available within the department?

The department is home to the New Hampshire Alpha chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society. This group promotes mathematics activities and general student success in mathematics courses through meetings, presentations, and tutoring activities. More recently a Society of Future Actuaries  has been established and has received official club status from the university. The club hosts numerous actuarial guest speakers and has had a 100% success rate on actuarial exam attempts.

What is Mechanical Engineering? 

Mechanical engineering is simply the study of objects and systems in motion, from the smallest micro-particles to the largest space vehicles and everything in between, even the human body. Consequently, mechanical engineering is one of the most diverse engineering fields thus allowing for a variety of career options that span a wide breadth of scientific and technical areas and their related applications. Technical areas include Robotics and Systems Control, Aero and Hydrodynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Manufacturing, and Energy. The applications and job opportunities related to these technical areas are far too numerous to list.

What does a mechanical engineer do?

Mechanical engineers apply the laws of physics and material science to design, build, test, and/or analyze mechanical systems. The potential for these mechanical systems to induce societal change is limitless. Historical examples include the following: Archimedes Screw, Catapult, Printing Press, Steam Engine, Train, Automobile, Plane, Artificial Heart, among many others.

Who are mechanical engineers?

The characteristics that best capture a mechanical engineer is as follows: someone who thinks everything can be improved, has a highly trained and organized common sense, finds faults but also finds remedies, doesn't accept "I don't know" for an answer, learns from their failures, would rather measure and calculate than suppose and speculate.

Where do UNH mechanical engineers get jobs?

The First Destination Survey data from the class of 2022 shows that 94% of UNH Mechanical Engineering (ME) graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Within the local area, UNH ME graduates are employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Pratt & Whitney, BAE Systems, Turbocam, Raytheon Technologies, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and Belcan to name a few. Outside of the New England area, UNH ME graduates are employed at NASA, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Lockheed Martin, among other companies. Other students have chosen to further their education in graduate school and reported enrollment at MIT, Northeastern, Syracuse University, University of Michigan, Boston University, Tufts University, and Stanford University among others.

What is the BSME degree program? 

The UNH Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree program is accredited by ABET and is designed to prepare students for both industrial engineering practice and graduate studies. UNH ME students are trained to creatively solve engineering problems through the use of analysis, computation, and experimentation. UNH BSME graduates are well-informed citizens who have the ability to grow intellectually and are able to solve new, challenging problems with self-confidence.

How big are the mechanical engineering classes?

Most of the ME courses required of the major are offered twice per academic year. Following the standard curriculum schedule, the class size for these required courses is approximately 100 students while the off-semester offerings are approximately 30 students. These courses are taught by ME faculty with the help of graduate student teaching assistants. The class size for mechanical engineering technical electives is approximately 10-50 students.

What is the ratio of women/men within the BSME?

Over the last 5 years, the percent of women in the program has varied from 12-17%. While these numbers are consistent with most ME programs, we can and need to do better.

Are there internships or co-op opportunities for ME students?  

From First Destination Survey data, 75% of the class of 2022 graduates reported completing at least one paid internship experience during their academic career. Many of these internships have been facilitated through the CEPS Career and Professional Success (CaPS) office. While the college does not have a formal co-op program, if a mechanical engineering student is interested in exploring the possibility of an extended experience (co-op), they can coordinate with their program advisor and connect with the Career and Professional Success team in CEPS (CaPS) to determine if a co-op experience will work within their degree plan.

Are there research opportunities for ME students?

Scientific discovery is a critical element of a sound engineering education. One very effective platform to provide opportunities of discovery is undergraduate research. Such opportunities are available to ME students in faculty laboratories, UNH Research Centers, and at other institutions. For example, UNH ME students have participated in research experiences for undergraduates (REU) programs at national laboratories and at other research Universities. Participation in these programs is typically during the summer months.

What best sums up the strength of the UNH mechanical engineering department?

The strength of UNH mechanical engineering is the people (i.e., faculty, staff, and students) and the facilities. The ME faculty, staff, and students are intelligent, hardworking, collegial and caring, and there is a great sense of community with the department. The facilities are world class and include the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, the Flow Physics Facility, and the Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory.

What is ocean engineering?

Ocean engineering is a field of study aimed at exploring, understanding, managing, and sustainably exploiting the coastal and ocean environment. It is an inherently interdisciplinary field, drawing from mechanical, electrical, civil, and environmental engineering, computer science, earth science, physics, and oceanography. There are several specialties within the field of ocean engineering, and at UNH our students take courses and conduct research in ocean acoustics, aquaculture, coastal processes, marine renewable energy, marine structures, marine robotics, and ocean mapping. Each of these areas is tied to the research program of one or more professors that, together, offer the BSOE.

Where do ocean engineers get jobs?

Within the local area, our graduates have gone to work at BAE Systems (large NH defense contractor), the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and the Army Cold Regions Research Lab. Other students have gone to work for environmental consulting firms and naval research laboratories, and still others have chosen to further their education in graduate school. There are many opportunities with high-tech dredging companies, ocean surveying/mapping companies, companies specializing in marine robotics, marine-focused defense contractors, and companies that build sonar systems. The First Destination Survey data from the class of 2022 shows that 100% of Ocean Engineering graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

What department offers the BSOE? 

The BSOE is not in an academic department, but rather resides directly in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.  Faculty with specialties in Ocean Engineering come from several departments, including Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Earth Sciences.”

Does the BSOE have ABET accreditation?

Yes. The degree was accredited by ABET begining in the fall of 2020 and will join other CEPS programs on a 6-year review cycle.

How big are the ocean engineering classes?

Our OE classes vary in size, with a range roughly extending from 10 to 50, mainly because many of the classes that our OE students take are also technical electives from students for other programs. But our general goal is to have a class size of 25.

What is the ratio of women/men within the BSOE?

This varies from year to year, as you might expect. Over the last 5 years, the percent of women in the program has been as low as 29% and as high as 44%, with an average of 37%.

What kind of facilities do BSOE students use and have access to?

The OE facilities are one of the things we are most proud of, and they tend to attract both students and faculty alike. We have a large engineering tank (6m deep, 18m long, 12m wide) that is outfitted with several cranes for putting marine vehicles, wave energy buoys, and other large objects in, and is also outfitted with state-of-the-art acoustic calibration equipment. We have a 37m long wave and tow tank that is used for testing marine renewable energy turbines, aquaculture cages, and anything else that requires waves and/or towing. Our facility also includes several brand new research laboratories, a new hands-on teaching laboratory, a new undergraduate computer cluster and workspace, and new classrooms. Our BSOE students use all of these facilities: they have regular access to the tanks for classwork, research projects, and senior capstone projects, take classes in the teaching lab, and often work as interns in faculty research labs. More information about some of our more unique facilities can be found here: https://marine.unh.edu/research-centers/facilities/jere-chase-ocean-eng….

Is there an introductory class that helps students learn about the different focus areas with-in ocean engineering?

Yes, we have a class called OE 490 Introduction to Ocean Engineering. In this class, students meet and learn from a variety of ocean engineering faculty, and also conduct several hands-on laboratories that help get our students thinking about ocean engineering. We also have two, one credit OE Seminar Courses, OE 400 and OE 401, that introduce the students directly to Ocean Engineering faculty members, their research, and facilities wihtin the Jere A. Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory

What kind of internships have BSOE students had?

Several of our students have gone to sea on large research vessels, in locations ranging from the Caribbean to above the Arctic Circle (yes, there were polar bears). Others have had industry internships in the New England region with, for example, acoustic transducer manufacturers, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and oceanographic instrumentation/sensor manufacturers. Still others have joined our own faculty in their research labs, conducting research through the summer months and sometimes through the academic year

What the heck is physics?

Physics is the branch of science that explores the mysteries of the universe, addressing topics ranging from the origin of the entire universe, to the fundamental building blocks of matter, to everything in between. Physics addresses some of the most profound questions about the world around us, but also has produced many useful applications for our everyday lives (think modern electronics and microwave ovens).

Is physics hard?

Well, yeah, kind of.  Physics majors take a variety of courses in both math and science. These courses can be challenging, but the professors in the Physics and Astronomy Department are here to help you succeed. We use modern hands-on studio physics courses to help you learn and personalized advising to guide you through the program.

What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in physics?

Physicists have important skills in problem solving, mathematics, computers and technology that make them highly marketable. The First Destination Survey data from the class of 2022 shows that 100% of Physics graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. About half of graduates in physics go on to graduate school to pursue advanced degrees (Masters and PhDs). The other half are employed in a wide range of occupations, including working in the private sector, colleges and universities, high schools, department of defense, and the government. Here are two links to the American Institute of Physics that provides more general information and statistics on being a physicist and employment

Where are graduates from the UNH Department of Physics & Astronomy now?

Many have gone on to an array of graduate schools to include University of Colorado at Boulder, Duke University, University of Maryland, University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, Boston University, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany and more. 

Many have also gone into industry, working at companies such as Perkin-Elmer, MediTech (software developer), Raytheon (systems engineer), IBM (metrology engineer), DEKA, Dartmouth Medical School, BAE Systems and more. Some have also gone to high school teaching positions. 

What are my degree options in the Department of Physics & Astronomy?

The department offers three different majors and minors in Astronomy and in Physics.The three bachelor options include:

• Bachelor of Science: More courses, less flexible; essential for graduate school.
• Bachelor of Arts: Language requirement; but more flexible; fewer courses; appropriate for pre-law, pre-med or dual-degree program.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering-Physics: Merges core physics concepts with engineering disciplines to provide a physics-based approach to solving complex engineering problems.

What is an Engineering Physics degree program?

This is a program for students who want a deeper exposure to physical principles in conjunction with a preparation for an engineering or engineering research career. This program also provides an excellent background for graduate studies in systems engineering.

The UNH Engineering-Physics program merges core physics concepts with engineering disciplines to provide a physics-based approach to solving complex engineering problems. At UNH, the program combines physics and engineering courses, with the specific selection of courses dependent on the student’s goals. Our graduates have gone on to graduate schools and to industry, bringing with them a broad knowledge base that prepares them for a multidisciplined careers.

Are there options in the Engineering Physics degree program?

The program has two tracks. The Aerospace track builds on the in-house expertise of the UNH Space Science Center, which provides opportunities for student projects, specialized courses, and possible employment opportunities. The Engineering Research track involves a broader selection of engineering courses and provides students with an excellent foundation for research-driven engineering tasks.

Does the Department of Physics & Astronomy offer a 5-year accelerated Master’s degree?

Yes, our accelerated Master of Science in Physics degree is offered to our Bachelor of Science students who choose to enroll in our graduate program at the beginning of their senior year and complete one extra year of graduate class work past their B.S.

Can I get involved in research?

Absolutely. Our program offers remarkably diverse opportunities.  Early on we encourage our students to join one of the many research groups in the department to help us do ground-breaking research in subjects including space physics in the Institute for Earth Oceans and Space, high-energy astrophysics, nuclear and particle physics, materials science, lightning physics, applied optics, and physics education research. Every faculty member has a federally funded research program that involves undergraduate and graduate research assistants.

What is special about physics at UNH?

The Department of Physics & Astronomy is a welcoming and inclusive community of 29 tenure-track faculty (the professors), 11 research faculty, almost 100 undergraduate and 65 graduate students, 3 staff members. The department is large enough to offer a nice variety of interesting courses and research opportunities, but small enough to offer one-on-one help to all our students. It houses state-of-the-art educational and laboratory facilities in DeMeritt and Morse Hall and is engaged in world-class research in a number of areas. UNH has e.g. a long history of participating in successful space missions and is one of the few universities in the country that is still capable of building space instrumentation.

The UNH Department of Physics & Astronomy also places a high priority on student success, striking the right balance between being a highly rated research department and offering personalized top-rate educational experiences to all our students. All of our upper division courses (sophomore and higher) are courses of about 20-30 students, with dedicated, caring professors. UNH also offers a few unique courses. For freshmen there is Studio Calculus/Physics which bears the credit of two courses and allows for integrated learning of these two subjects in an active-learning small class setting. For sophomores, a year-long course called Linearity teaches multi-dimensional calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra in an integrated fashion. (The math department also offers each of these courses separately as well.)