The Whittemore School of Business and Economics was established July 1, 1962, through the efforts of the late Laurence F. Whittemore, noted industrialist and long-time trustee and chairman (1955-60) of the UNH Board of Trustees. Since 1969, the school has been housed in McConnell Hall, named for Dr. John W. McConnell, the fourteenth president of the University (1963-71).

The basic intent of the Whittemore School's undergraduate curricula is to combine a breadth of liberal education with specifics of professional education in business administration, economics, and hospitality management. Undergraduates enrolled in the Whittemore School programs must take a substantial part of their coursework in other colleges in the University in order to fulfill the general education requirements. Beyond those requirements, students are encouraged to elect additional courses in the arts, the behavioral and social sciences, the humanities, mathematics, and the natural sciences. Thus, students who complete the Whittemore School programs in business administration, economics, and hospitality administration are prepared for employment and graduate study in both these and adjacent fields.

A minor is offered in business administration and in economics. Within the limits of its resources, the Whittemore School also intends to serve the needs of undergraduates elsewhere in the University for whom selected courses in business administration, economics, or hospitality management are desirable complements to their primary course of study. To the extent that space is available after majors have enrolled, some Whittemore School courses are open to nonmajors who have the prerequisite preparation.