Bachelor of Arts in French Studies

at University of New Hampshire - Durham Campus USA

The undergraduate major in French offered by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures is centered on the study of the French language and the literatures and cultures of France and the French-speaking world. Students who complete the requirements for the major can expect to become proficient in French at a level that would allow them to communicate with native speakers, to develop an in-depth critical appreciation of French and Francophone cultures and literatures, and to be culturally sensitive members of society.

The program offers courses devoted to authors, works, and literary and cultural movements that span ten centuries and four continents. The curriculum also includes interdisciplinary courses on relations between literature and other areas of study such as history, law, religion, politics and the arts. All courses are conducted in French, and majors are expected to write papers and examinations in that language.

French can be taken either as a primary major or as one of two majors, in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. Appropriate majors to combine with French might include, but are not limited to, international affairs, political science, English, education, film and media studies, history, music, philosophy, theater studies, women’s studies, business and communication.

The French major may interest students desiring a general humanistic education based on the language and literature of the French-speaking world; students planning to teach French at the elementary or secondary level; students who intend to pursue graduate work in preparation for teaching and research at the college level; and students preparing for careers in such areas as international law, business, journalism, international organizations, and public or government service, which require both training in a major foreign language and/or a general background in a humanistic discipline.

The Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology (BMS:MM) program explores the world of microorganisms and how they interact with both humans and animals.  This major provides you with excellent academic training and laboratory experiences in the areas of microbiology, infectious disease, and public health.  BMS:MM graduates are prepared for successful careers in biotechnology or public health, or entry into graduate school or health professional programs.

Anthropology asks the question: What does it mean to be human? We answer this fundamental query with a global perspective on the human condition as students explore both the similarity and diversity of human experience. Through courses that cover a wide range of societies throughout the world, we investigate the human condition, past and present. Introductory courses provide an overview of the fields of anthropology: social and cultural anthropology, archeology, physical anthropology and linguistics. More advanced courses provide the opportunity for students to pursue intensive study of particular topics in cross-cultural perspective. The department emphasizes critical thinking and writing skills and encourages close faculty/student contact in seminar courses and at the upper level. Students, in consultation with their academic adviser, have the opportunity to take courses in other departments that complement specific foci in anthropology.

At this time of increasing globalization, anthropology provides students with a broad overview of diverse peoples and cultures. Majors are therefore well prepared to live in a rapidly changing world. The major both prepares students for graduate-level studies and serves as a foundation for a wide range of careers. With backgrounds in anthropology, our students become teachers, social workers, public policy experts, forensic investigators, health practitioners, primatologists, international business executives, and community and economic development specialists, as well as pursuing various other careers.

The B.A. in Computer Science will allow students to combine the study of computer science with the study of another field. Given the emergence of computational approaches to virtually all areas of scholarship and creative expression, it is important to offer this flexibility. The three tracks in the B.A. program contain the same computer science core as the B.S. program, but give more control to the student to choose the complementary and advanced courses. 

Social work is about helping individuals, families and community members with problems in their daily lives and advocating for those who need a voice. Social work promotes social, economic and environmental justice to enhance quality of life for all and improve human and community well-being. As a student in this program, you’ll learn about the history, values and ethics of the social work profession and social welfare policy. You’ll gain a solid foundation in the liberal arts while also studying human behavior and social work practices. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be prepared for generalist social work practice or continued education in social work or a related field.

A Student-Designed Option in Business Administration is available for those students whose interests are not fully satisfied by any of the other currently available options in business administration. Students desiring a self-designed option must submit the application to the faculty coordinator. After approval by the Faculty Coordinator*, the proposal must receive approval from the Undergraduate Programs Office in Paul College.

Students considering this option should begin to plan for it no later than the second semester of their Sophomore year. The formal application deadline is October 15 of a student’s Junior year; students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. The written proposal must contain an introduction to the option, the specific rationale for pursuing this program of study (including academic and career interests, and why none of the existing options are appropriate), and the specific program of study proposed (courses and schedule). The proposal will also include a current copy of the student's UNH transcript.  

The psychology major provides students with a broad education, while also allowing some specialization. The program exposes students to the scientific study of behavior and encourages an increased understanding of the behavior of humans and animals.

Students who wish to declare psychology as a major after enrolling in the University should consult with the department's academic counselor for application procedures and criteria.

Students in the Advertising and Public Relations option develop knowledge and skills relating to the use of strategic communication practices within a variety of settings such as ad agencies, commercial businesses, and nonprofit organizations. A dynamic mix of historical, social, ethical, organizational, creative, analytical, and experiential perspectives is used to create a strong foundation for professional success and graduate study. Coursework covers topics such as earned and paid media, social media, graphic design, media writing, data analytics, and audience research. Some courses use field trips and guest speakers to keep students up-to-date with current trends. An internship in advertising and public relations is required.

Bioengineering, as defined by the NIH, is "the application of life sciences, mathematics, and engineering principles to define and solve problems in biology, medicine, health care, and other fields."

The bioengineering program will train graduates in biology and physiology as well as engineering. The program will provide graduates with capabilities in advanced mathematics (including differential equations and statics), science, and engineering. Graduates will be conversant with solving problems at the interface of biology and engineering that may arise in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, as well as medicine and biofuels. By graduation, students will have experience measuring and interpreting data from living systems and addressing the interactions between living and non-living materials.

Students in the Digital Language Arts program develop high-level critical and creative thinking skills by planning and constructing innovative, entrepreneurial digital-age projects. By conceptualizing, theorizing, and authoring cutting-edge ideas for both art and business, you'll learn to excel in every type of literacy necessary for success in the digital marketplace. This includes, in addition to conventional print literacy, literacies in visual, audiovisual, digital, transmedia, performative, augmented reality, augmented virtuality, and virtual reality environments.