College of Liberal Arts Admitted Student Resources

COLA Programs
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COLA Facilities
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UNH College of Liberal Arts (COLA) graduates go on to successful careers across a wide range of industries, leveraging their strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Here are some common career paths and examples of where COLA students have found success:

Communications, Media & Public Relations

• Careers: Journalists, editors, public relations specialists, digital marketers, content creators, social media managers.
• Examples: Working at news organizations, publishing houses, advertising agencies, and corporate communications departments.

Government & Public Policy

• Careers: Policy analysts, legislative assistants, intelligence analysts, foreign service officers.
• Examples: Working for local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as think tanks and advocacy groups.

Education & Academia

• Careers: Teachers, school administrators, education consultants, college professors.
• Examples: Teaching at K-12 schools, leading educational programs, or conducting research in higher education institutions.

Law & Criminal Justice

• Careers: Lawyers, paralegals, judges, law enforcement officers, forensic analysts.
• Examples: Attending law school, working in legal firms, joining law enforcement agencies, or advocating for criminal justice reform.

Psychology & Mental Health Services

• Careers: Counselors, clinical psychologists, social workers, behavioral therapists.
• Examples: Working in hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, or nonprofit organizations supporting individuals and families.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

• Careers: Musicians, actors, museum curators, art directors, filmmakers.
• Examples: Performing in theaters, working in museums and galleries, directing creative projects, or managing cultural organizations.

International Relations & Global Studies

• Careers: Diplomats, translators, international business consultants, nonprofit program coordinators.
• Examples: Working for NGOs, global companies, the United Nations, or in foreign service roles.

Social Services & Nonprofits

• Careers: Community organizers, nonprofit managers, program coordinators, grant writers.
• Examples: Leading advocacy efforts, managing outreach programs, and supporting social change initiatives.

Research & Data Analysis

• Careers: Data analysts, market researchers, sociologists, political scientists.
• Examples: Conducting social science research, evaluating policy impacts, and analyzing trends for businesses or government agencies.

With a strong foundation in critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, UNH COLA graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a wide range of careers or pursue advanced degrees in fields like law, medicine, education, and business.

As a UNH COLA student, you have access to a variety of clubs and organizations that align with your academic interests, career goals, and personal passions. Here are some great options to get involved:

Academic & Professional Clubs 

• The New Hampshire (TNH) Student Newspaper – Gain experience in journalism, writing, and editing.
• COLA Ambassadors – Represent COLA, assist with outreach, and connect with prospective students.
• Model United Nations – Debate global issues and participate in international simulations.
• Pre-Law Society – Connect with peers interested in law and gain insight into legal careers.
• Psychology Club – Explore psychology-related topics, research opportunities, and career paths.
• Sociology & Anthropology Club – Engage in discussions, events, and networking within these disciplines.
• WUNH 91.3 FM – Get involved in broadcasting and radio production.

Creative & Performing Arts Organizations 

• Mask and Dagger Dramatic Society – Participate in theater productions and performances.
• UNH Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir & Jazz Band – Perform in ensembles for music lovers.
• WildActs Social Justice Theatre Troupe – Use theater to promote social awareness and change.
• Aegis Literary Magazine – Showcase creative writing, poetry, and artwork.
• Writers Series & Writers Academy – Connect with peers through creative writing workshops and events.

Language & Cultural Clubs 

• French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian Clubs – Immerse yourself in language and culture.
• UNH International Affairs Council – Engage in discussions and events on global issues.
• Black Student Union (BSU) – Celebrate Black culture, history, and community.
• Alliance (LGBTQ+ Organization) – Support and advocate for LGBTQ+ students.

Political, Service & Advocacy Groups 

• Student Senate – Represent your peers and help shape UNH policies.
• College Democrats & College Republicans – Get involved in political discussions and campaigns.
• Habitat for Humanity – Participate in service projects and community building.
• Amnesty International – Advocate for human rights and social justice.

These are just a few of the many ways to get involved at UNH as a COLA student. Whether you're interested in media, politics, the arts, or advocacy, there's a club for you!

As a UNH COLA student, you’ll have access to a strong network of academic support services designed to help you succeed. Here are some key resources:

Academic Advising

• COLA’s Academic Advising Office provides guidance on course selection, major requirements, and career planning.
• Faculty advisors offer personalized mentorship and support within your major.

Tutoring & Writing Support

• The Center for Academic Resources (CFAR) offers tutoring, study strategies, and academic coaching.
• The Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance for essays, research papers, and creative writing.

Career & Professional Development

• COLA Career Services helps with resume building, internship searches, and career planning.
• Networking events, alumni panels, and job fairs connect students with career opportunities.

Research & Experiential Learning

• Undergraduate research opportunities allow you to collaborate with faculty on projects.
• Study abroad programs provide global learning experiences tailored to liberal arts students.

Accessibility & Well-Being

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations.
• Psychological & Counseling Services (PACS) supports students’ mental health and well-being.

With these resources, COLA students receive the academic guidance, skill development, and personal support needed to thrive at UNH and beyond!

As a UNH COLA student, you’ll have access to diverse internship opportunities that align with your major and career interests. Here are some examples across different fields:

Communications, Media & Journalism

• Intern at WMUR-TV or New Hampshire Public Radio to gain experience in broadcasting and journalism.
• Work with local newspapers like The Portsmouth Herald in reporting, editing, or digital media.
• Assist in public relations and marketing at agencies like Calypso Communications or Seacoast Repertory Theatre.

Government & Public Policy

• Intern with New Hampshire State Government or a U.S. Senator’s Office.
• Work with organizations like the New Hampshire Institute for Civics Education on public policy initiatives.
• Gain experience in international relations at nonprofits like the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire.

Business & Marketing

• Work in market research and digital marketing at firms like Bottomline Technologies or Wedü.
• Intern in human resources at companies such as Liberty Mutual or Fidelity Investments.
• Gain hands-on experience at local startups through UNH’s ECenter internship programs.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

• Intern at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, helping with arts programming and event management.
• Assist with museum curation or education at the Currier Museum of Art or the Strawbery Banke Museum.
• Work in theater production or marketing at venues like the Seacoast Repertory Theatre.

Psychology & Social Services

• Intern at Seacoast Mental Health Center or Community Partners NH assisting with mental health programs.
• Work with nonprofits like Waypoint NH or Families First to support at-risk youth and families.
• Gain hands-on research experience through UNH’s Psychology Department internships.

Law & Criminal Justice

• Intern at New Hampshire Public Defender’s Office assisting with case research.
• Work with local police departments, courts, or law firms in legal and investigative roles.
• Gain experience in advocacy with organizations like New Hampshire Legal Assistance.

Nonprofit & Community Engagement

• Assist with fundraising and outreach at nonprofits like United Way of the Greater Seacoast.
• Intern with environmental groups like The Nature Conservancy or Conservation Law Foundation.
• Support refugee and immigrant services through groups like New Hampshire International Institute.

UNH COLA’s Career and Professional Success (CaPS) Office and internship programs help connect students with these opportunities, ensuring hands-on experience that complements their studies and career goals.

As a UNH COLA student, you’ll have opportunities to engage in diverse research projects across various disciplines. Here are some examples:

Psychology & Mental Health

• Conduct studies on cognitive development or behavioral psychology in UNH’s psychology labs.
• Assist faculty with research on mental health interventions or neuroscience.
• Analyze social media’s impact on mental health in modern society.

Political Science & Public Policy

• Research voter behavior and election trends in collaboration with faculty.
• Study human rights policies or international relations through the UNH International Affairs program.
• Work on public opinion surveys or government policy analysis.

Sociology & Social Justice

• Examine race, gender, and class issues in contemporary society.
• Study criminal justice reform and the impact of policing policies.
• Conduct ethnographic research on marginalized communities.

History & Cultural Studies

• Research New England’s colonial history using archival documents.
• Analyze WWII propaganda and media influence.
• Study historical preservation and museum studies at local institutions.

Communications & Media Studies

• Explore the effects of social media on political discourse.
• Conduct research on journalistic ethics and misinformation.
• Analyze film and television trends in relation to cultural shifts.

Literature & Linguistics

• Study Shakespeare’s influence on modern storytelling.
• Research language development and bilingualism.
• Examine contemporary poetry and its cultural impact.

Arts & Music

• Work on digital humanities projects combining art and technology.
• Study the role of music therapy in mental health treatment.
• Conduct art history research on a specific period or movement.

Many of these projects are supported by UNH’s Undergraduate Research Conference (URC), faculty-led initiatives, and independent study opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and contribute to their fields.