College of Life Sciences and Agriculture

Students presenting at UNH's Under Gradate Research Conference

St. Martin Career Exploration

The University of New Hampshire’s College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA), a premier land, sea and space grant institution with nationally and internationally recognized programs in life sciences, agriculture, natural resources and applied technical sciences equips students with a globally relevant education by nurturing creativity and providing an environment that fosters rigorous scientific inquiry and actively engaged learning. With over 25 majors, access to robust research and internship opportunities, COLSA students are well prepared for the 21st century workforce and graduate school.

91%


Employed or pursuing further education

77%


Completed at least one internship and/or research experience

40%


Participated in faculty-led research 

*Information collected from 73% of graduates (414/565) within 6 months of graduation

The COLSA Difference

Students follow their intellectual interests across traditional fields of study through interdisciplinary courses and programs while engaged in learning experiences that build practical skills, enhanced critical thinking abilities and professional knowledge. The result: well-prepared individuals who are able to address real-world challenges.

  • Understand the nature of biological systems
  • Manage and conserve natural resources
  • Improve agricultural profitability and sustainability
  • Enhance health and nutrition
  • Foster economic development

27%


Participated in Study Abroad

87%


The average acceptance rate of COLSA students applying to veterinary school – nearly double the national average (over last 5 years)

58%


The average acceptance rate of students applying to medical and dental schools; well above the national average of 40%  (over last 5 years)

COLSA Internship Sites

  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital
  • Dana Farber Cancer Institute
  • EMD Millipore
  • Genetic Alliance
  • Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Lonza
  • Medtronic
  • Nashua Regional Planning Commission
  • NH Dept. of Environmental Services
  • NH Fish & Game
  • Pfizer
  • Plum Creek Timber
  • UNH Cooperative Extension
  • UNH Faculty Laboratories
  • Unitil Energy Co.
  • Utica Zoo
  • Woods Hole Research Center
  • Zoo of New England

Employers Hiring from COLSA

  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital
  • Broad Institute/MIT
  • Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
  • EnviroSystems, Inc.
  • Farm Credit East
  • Genesis Healthcare
  • Harvard School of Public Health
  • Indexx Laboratories
  • Lonza
  • Massachusetts General
  • Hospital
  • National Institute of Health
  • New York University
  • NH Dept. of Environmental Services
  • Normandeau Associates
  • Novartis
  • Pfizer
  • Rockingham Planning Commission 
  • Salem Animal Hospital
  • Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
  • Stonyfield Farms
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Wentworth Douglass Hospital
  • Woods Hole Research Center

COLSA Skills

  • Advanced research, lab and field skills through hands-on investigations using critical thinking and problem solving
  • Trained in optimizing teamwork and collaboration to realize common goals
  • Possess technical expertise and use appropriate technology applications to accomplish goals
  • Communicate scientific and technical information with clarity to diverse audiences
  • Honed in leadership skills

Graduate Schools Students Attend

  • Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Harvard School of Dental Medicine
  • John Hopkins School of Public Health
  • Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • MGH Institute of Health Professions
  • Montana State University
  • New England College of Optometry
  • Northeastern University
  • Ohio State University
  • Stanford University
  • University of California Davis
  • University of New Hampshire
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison

colsa.careers@unh.edu | 603-862-1082 | Rudman Hall - G05