Division of Continuing Education

William F. Murphy, Dean

The Division of Continuing Education provides access to higher education for
residents of New Hampshire and surrounding areas. Whether individuals are pursuing college study for academic, professional, or personal enrichment, UNH Continuing Education courses and programs enable them to participate in University programs appropriate to their changing educational needs. These needs may at times be best satisfied through participation in workshops, seminars, short courses, or certificate programs—at other times by enrollment in credit courses and degree programs.

The faculty of the Division of Continuing Education is drawn from the teaching staffs of the University and from experts in business, industry, and the community.
In addition to the programs listed below, it is possible to complete many of the degree requirements in other areas of study offered by the University through enrollment in credit courses scheduled by the Division of Continuing Education each semester and during the summer.

Associate in Arts Degree

The associate in arts degree gives students an opportunity to obtain a general, two-year college education and to elect coursework in several career-related fields. The program is particularly suited to adults who are returning to the University after an interruption in their studies, who wish to be either full- or part-time degree students, and who need some time to establish their academic goals.

A wide range of University credit courses is available during both the daytime and the early evening hours.

Within the A.A. program, students have the opportunity to complete concentrations in a broad range of subjects offered by all of the schools and colleges or to take courses in several fields of study to explore a major, or they may elect to concentrate in computer/information systems applications or pre-engineering and physical sciences.

The degree can be complete in itself or it can be a halfway mark toward a bachelor’s degree. Credits earned as an A.A. degree candidate are transferable into related baccalaureate programs at UNH and other colleges and universities.

Admission Requirements

For the associate in arts degree program, candidates must have a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate and should have demonstrated ability and motivation through academic achievement, work experience, and/or military service. Associate in arts degree candidates are not guaranteed housing but are encouraged to contact the Department of Housing, (603) 862-2120, to explore possibilities.

Graduates of associate in arts programs are usually awarded a minimum of 64 credits upon entry into a UNH bachelor’s degree program. Degree candidates wishing to continue their studies should consult with their advisers to ensure that their planned programs meet the specific requirements for the selected major at the institution awarding the bachelor’s degree.
The associate in arts degree program is offered on a full-time and a part-time basis. Students interested in the A.A. degree program should obtain the application form from the UNH Admissions Office or from the Division of Continuing Education.

Degree Requirements

For degree requirements, see Academic Requirements.

Career Concentrations

It is possible to earn a concentration in an area of study while enrolled in the Associate in Arts Degree Program. A concentration consists of 20 credits and is identical to a minor currently offered at UNH. Students are responsible for obtaining a list of courses needed for the minor from the department and following that curriculum. After graduation, the concentration will appear on the student’s UNH transcript.

Pre-Engineering and Physical Sciences

Adults who desire a University degree in engineering or the physical sciences may enroll on a full- or part-time basis through the associate in arts degree program.

This program satisfies first-year course requirements of most B.S. programs in engineering and physical sciences. For further information, see separate Pre-Engineering Bulletin.
Required courses: MATH 425-426; PHYS 407-408; CHEM 403-404.

Academic Regulations and Pass/Fail

Associate in arts degree candidates are subject to the academic requirements established by the University for all students.

Associate in arts degree candidates, after completion of a minimum of 16 credits at UNH on a regular graded basis of A to F, may use the pass/fail grading alternative in a maximum of two elective 4-credit courses. The pass/fail grading alternative may be used for a maximum of 4 credits per semester. No pass/fail grading alternative may be used in fulfillment of University general education requirements or for courses in students’ declared career concentrations. The minimum passing grade for credit is a D– (0.67).

Advising

Program planning and other advising services are provided by the professional staff of the Division of Continuing Education. Academic advisers are available on an appointment basis, call (603) 862-1548.

Financial Aid

Associate in arts degree candidates are eligible for the full range of financial aid offered by the University. See the Financial Aid section of this catalog.

Special Student Status

S pecial students—those who are not formally admitted into a degree program at the University of New Hampshire—may enroll in University credit courses each semester through the Division of Continuing Education.

All special undergraduate students are limited to 11 credits per term unless they obtain written permission from the director of admissions, Grant House. Special graduate students are also subject to enrollment limitations. Contact the Division of Continuing Education for details.

Undergraduate Courses

Special students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and be at least 18 years of age.

Graduate Courses

Special students must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.

Prerequisites

All students are responsible for satisfying course prerequisites, if any. Instructors may require students to withdraw from a course if they are not adequately prepared for the level of work.

Academic Standards

A cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 (C grade) is the minimum acceptable level for undergraduate work in the University. The records of special undergraduate students are examined periodically; academically deficient or potentially deficient students may be warned or excluded.

Noncredit Courses and Workshops

Throughout the year, the Division of Continuing Education offers a wide range of noncredit courses, seminars, and workshops to the community. These offerings provide opportunities for personal growth or professional continuing education in business, industry, teaching and education, government, or the professions.

Professional seminars typically meet for one or two days while courses meet in the evenings, one night a week. Topics are offered in management and supervision, computers, graphic arts, teaching, and human resources, engineering and manufacturing, nonprofit management, health and human services, and many more.

Personal enrichment courses are offered during the day and evening, during the week, and on weekends. Examples include physical fitness and recreation, parent-child communication, arts and crafts, local history, current events, personal financial planning, creative writing, and photography.

Noncredit Certificate Programs

Certificate programs consist of specifically developed sequences of courses or workshops that provide a sound balance of theory, fundamentals, practical skills, and specialized training. Certificates of achievement awarded by the Division of Continuing Education have earned professional acceptance as evidence of increased knowledge in basic principles and techniques.

Noncredit certificate programs include graphic arts, computer applications, human resources management, supervisory training, desktop publishing, CAD, Web site design, workplace safety, and train the trainer.

Institutes and Conferences

The Division of Continuing Education also conducts and arranges conferences and institutes, which range from half-day briefings on specific topics to residential programs lasting several days or weeks. Such programs are offered on topics of professional, managerial, or technical interest, or current issues of concern in business, industry, and the professions.

The Division of Continuing Education uses the facilities of the entire University campus for its programs, including the New England Center, the extension centers at Pease International Tradeport and in Manchester, and nearby commercial establishments.

Course Charges

Students who enroll in credit courses through the Division of Continuing Education pay on a per-credit basis, depending on course level. These course charges are listed in the Division of Continuing Education Catalog published before each semester. The course charges for noncredit courses and for conferences, workshops, and institutes vary according to the scope of the individual programs.

Class Schedule

While students may enroll in morning and afternoon classes through the Division of Continuing Education, many courses offered each semester are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate working adults.

All courses offered by the University each semester are open to special students on a space-available basis.

For More Information

For further information about programs or services, course offerings, registration procedures, and academic requirements, call or write the Division of Continuing Education, University of New Hampshire, Brook House, 24 Rosemary Lane, Durham, NH 03824-3529, (603) 862-4234; e-mail to learn.dce@unh.edu; or visit the Web site at www.learn.unh.edu. Students may also register for courses on the Web using a credit card.