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Born in India, Punnulatha Rout’s interest in Information Technology was sparked during her undergraduate program in Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science, where she saw how technology can solve everyday problems. She would go on to work for Infosys, an Indian outsourcing giant, for a VMWare Project, where she was responsible for monitoring clusters, troubleshooting host and VM server issues, and resolving tickets regularly.
Getting technical experience was exciting – further fuelling her passion for the power of technology. Seeking to deepen her knowledge in this area, she joined the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Graduate School’s MS in Information Technology. It offered the perfect blend of applied skills and theoretical knowledge, with a focus on key areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity — fields that are critical in today’s tech-driven world.
Rout chose UNH — an R1 university , a designation awarded to only institutions with “very high amount of research occurring” — for several reasons. “It is ranked as the best public university for my specific course requirements,” she says. “The university has a strong academic reputation and supportive professors. Although I already have a good technical background in IT, I knew that UNH would provide me with advanced knowledge and numerous opportunities for hands-on learning.”
It proved to be the right decision. Throughout her time there, Rout has been impressed by the resources available to students, engaging coursework that includes immersive projects, and supportive faculty members who are always ready to help. The professors, who are experienced scientists and business leaders, acted as mentors, helping students like Rout get up to speed with the latest technologies.
A graduate degree at the University of New Hampshire offers unique interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, enabling students to address urgent issues. Source: University of New Hampshire Graduate School
The UNH Graduate School offers over 130 master’s, certificate, and doctoral programmes designed to inspire rising stars and prepare them to become tomorrow’s leaders. For example, the MS in Information Technology programme is tailored for students eager to enter the fast-changing IT field. It provides the skills needed for a successful career while allowing flexibility to study full or part-time. Classes are offered at the urban campus in Manchester, which is known for its mix of international communities and cultural events that enrich the student experience.
Here, you’ll benefit from an internship experience, allowing you to integrate authentic professional experiences into your academic coursework. This interactive approach, supported by local businesses and organisations, helps you gain valuable insights early in your academic journey, preparing you for your future careers.
Specialised programs such as the professional MS in Bioinformatics further enhance the offerings at UNH. This program equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in data-rich fields, including agriculture and biotechnology. Unlike traditional programs, Bioinformatics emphasises practical courses that are immediately relevant to working professionals. You’ll engage with cutting-edge research through established centers such as the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies (HCGS) and the University Instrumentation Center (UIC), which enhances your learning experience and makes you more competitive in the job market.
Similarly, the professional master’s program in MS in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology (MCBT) at UNH delivers a customizable curriculum that equips you with essential skills for bioscience industries. With core and elective courses focused on biochemistry and molecular biology, you will have ample opportunities to engage with world-class researchers and develop analytical skills with cutting-edge instrumentation.
The University of New Hampshire welcomes graduate students from over 70 countries, creating a global community that enhances education and equips them for a connected world. Source: University of New Hampshire Graduate School
Career development is a cornerstone of every graduate program at UNH. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in industry settings and participate in fieldwork and internships. The Career, Professional, and Community Development programming at UNH is for all graduate students and postdocs, offering them the tools to explore career paths and make the most of their region known for top universities, biotech, global finance, and more.
It’s something Siva Sai Preetham Gudi, an current graduate student has benefited from.
“I was fortunate to take on several experiential learning opportunities during my time at UNH,” he says. “One notable experience was working as a Learning Space Technician team member, which allowed me to apply what I had learned in the classroom to professional situations. This experience gave me a better understanding of how theory translates into practice.”
Another student, Sajja Panta, who is pursuing a PhD in Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science, agrees. “I’ve gone on many field visits with other researchers and practitioners to see things firsthand, which has been very important for my learning,” she says. “I’ve also worked on projects that combine agroforestry and economics, allowing me to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-world situations. These experiences have helped me improve my research and fieldwork skills and better understand the practical side of my studies.”
When you’re not busy testing new knowledge in the real world, you’ll be at workshops and various events. A great way for anyone to develop public speaking and writing skills, it’s all part of the Graduate School’s vast range of resources that help students and postdocs hone effective communication and research skills. With weekly writing groups and annual retreats, UNH provides a supportive environment for tackling the exciting — and sometimes daunting — tasks associated with research and scholarship.
The university is just as committed to your mental and physical well-being. The campus itself is home to a diverse community, with students from 43 countries. You’ll always have someone to connect or turn to with New England’s verdant landscapes as a backdrop. With plenty of student organizations and recreational activities available, on and off campus, it’s easy to find a sense of community and maintain a healthy work-life balance here.
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