The University of New Hampshire Graduate School equips students with the industry expertise and 21st century skillset they need to succeed in today’s fields. With interdisciplinary faculty expertise, cutting-edge facilities and an abundance of pre-professional opportunities, here are five ways this R1 national research university prepares career-ready graduates.
#1: A programme for every ambition
Even further, you’ll contribute to an academic environment powered by discovery, collaboration and innovation. There are more than 2,300 students pursuing graduate education at UNH, bringing a wide variety of perspectives, career backgrounds and lived experiences to their coursework. You’ll learn from your incredible peers – and not just your faculty.
#2: Focus on sustainability
At UNH, sustainability is a university-wide endeavour. As one of a handful of the nation’s land-, sea-, and space-grant research universities, the university receives significant funding for their sustainability research , such as grants from NASA, Ford Motors, NOAA, and many other public and private organisations.
This funding helps power world-changing research taking place at its College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS), College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering (MSOE), amongst others.
For example, three researchers from UNH’s Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space recently received grants from different government agencies totalling over US$4.6 million to study how drones and snowpack surveillance could be used to effectively measure the impacts of climate change. A new National Science Foundation grant will also support UNH efforts to understand the impact of three significant global changes — climate warming, the release of nitrogen into the atmosphere and invasion by non-native plants — on soil located in the American Northeast.
As a UNH Graduate School student, you’ll gain real-world experience collaborating on high-impact research with some of the top minds in this field. Prepare for a future of changemaking.
#3: Exposure to excellent research
UNH findings are impactful. Research strengths here include space physics, ecology, marine science and ocean mapping, as well as work strengthening supports for vulnerable populations and promoting a more comprehensive understanding of American history. Its discoveries help scientists learn more about the world and our place in it.
One project — to optimise the design of a compact, relatively-simple space instrument to measure protons in the solar wind — was selected for a US$50,000 mini award by N.H. NASA EPSCoR within their research and infrastructure development cooperative agreement. Another UNH-led US$20 million partnership of higher education and industry aims to improve human health by advancing the state’s rapidly growing biomaterials industry — think hip implants, tissue engineering, and organ growing.
Students stand to gain a lot from these initiatives. They can get involved, apply cutting-edge research methods and gain the expertise to create global solutions. Competitive fellowships from organisations such as EPA, Ford, Merck, NASA, NIH, NOAA, and NSF ease their journey, ensuring no talent is hindered by financial obstacles. Internship and capstone projects further enhance the university’s experiential learning offerings.
“The capstone took me to new heights as a student and left me with greater confidence in myself and my ability to contribute to the cybersecurity field going forward,” says online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management (CPRM) student James Glennon. “Additionally, the programme made me a better problem solver, critical thinker and communicator, skills that can be used in any job that I’ll end up in throughout my career.”
#4: A commitment to professional development
UNH offers numerous resources and services for professional development. These include the Professional Development and Training office, the Centre for Excellence and Innovation in Teaching and Learning, workshops, guest lectures, various presentations, and a robust alumni association.
Last year, many of these went digital — with success. The annual UNH Graduate Research Conference (GRC) — a week-long interdisciplinary celebration spanning across different platforms — continued with students presenting work as a digital poster or a narrated video presentation. Over 60 graduate students also gathered on Zoom for a virtual edition of the Graduate School’s seventh-annual Winter Writing Retreat. The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Challenge — a competition where graduate students describe their research in three minutes or less — forged on.
To learn more about the professional development opportunities and other programming sponsored by the UNH Graduate School, check out its webinar series.
#5: A safe, secure, and vibrant campus
Ask UNH students what it’s like to live on campus and the consensus is clear: it’s the best of both worlds. You’re surrounded by breathtaking scenery — from the rocky wildlife refuge at Odiorne Point to New Hampshire’s famous White Mountains — while being able to access New England’s many cultural opportunities, sporting events and historical sights.
UNH is also consistently ranked among the top 10 safest college campuses in the US. International students can expect numerous safety resources at their disposal, from walking escorts for all Wildcats anywhere on campus to safety apps and top-notch electronic security systems at residence halls.
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