The Challenging Academically Talented Students (CATS) program is designed to prepare high school students for the next step in their academic journey at UNH. The CATS program offers high school students the ability to earn college credit, explore career pathways, and showcase their ability to college recruiters – all at a discounted tuition rate.
The CATS program offers high school learners the ability to enroll in one of 50 pre-approved courses that include a variety of Discovery Courses, First-Year Courses, and current topics.
- Get a head-start on college by earning UNH credits.
- Save money on college by earning credits at a discounted rate.
- Explore topics that aren't available at your high school.
- Showcase your potential and college-readiness to recruiters.
- Gain confidence in your ability to succeed in college.
Start your journey at UNH and preview our CATS application today! It's free to apply.
Applying for CATS
Ready to take the next step? Gather the following documents that will be needed to apply:
- High School Transcript
-
Student Eligibility
CATS students should meet the following qualifications:
- 16 years old or older.
- Enrolled in Grades 11 or 12 at a U.S. based school.
- Overall 3.0+ GPA or B average.
- Be on track to be admissible to a 4-year college.
CATS Enrollment Calendar
| Semester | Application Deadline | Enrollment Window | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | Jan 8, 2024 | Dec 13 - Jan 23 | Jan 23, 2024 |
| Summer 2024 | May 6, 2024 | March 25 - May 20 | May 20, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | Aug 12, 2024 | July 17 - Aug 26 | Aug 26, 2024 |
Pre-Approved UNH CATS Courses*
College of Liberal Arts (COLA)
ANTH 411: Global Perspectives on the Human Condition
ANTH 412: Adventures in Archaeology
ANTH 415: Humans, Fossils, DNA: The Human Story
ANTH 500: Peoples and Cultures of the World
ANTH 501: World Archaeological Cultures
ANTH 550: Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
ANTH 625: Sexuality in Cross-Cultural Perspective
ARTH 400: Topics in Art History
ARTH 474: Introduction to Architectural History
ARTH 480: Introduction to Art History
ARTS 501: Introductory Ceramics
ARTS 510: Principles of Design
ARTS 525: Introductory Woodworking
ARTS 532: Introductory Drawing
ARTS 551: Introduction to Darkroom Photography
ARTS 552: Introductory Digital Photography
ARTS 567: Introductory Sculpture
ARTS 598: An Artist's Life
ARTS 610: Principles of Typography
ARTS 612: Interaction & Game Design
CMN 456: Intro Language & Social Interaction
LLC 540: Film History
LLC 552: Comparative Literature II
LLC 444l: US Latinx Cities
LLC 535A: Prof Culture in EU - Case Study: Germany
MUSI 401: Introduction to Music
MUSI 403: Roots of Rock
MUSI 404: Intro to Music, Media, Moving Image
MUSI 405: Survey of Music in America
MUSI 472: Theory I
MUSI 515: Music in World Cultures
NAIS 400: Intro to Native American and Indigenous Studies
PHIL 424: The Future of Humanity
PHIL 447: Artificial Intelligence, Robots, and People
POLT 402: American Politics
College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA)
NUTR 403: Culinary Arts Skills Development
NUTR 405: Food and Society
SAFS 405: Sustainable Agriculture & Food Production
Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics (PAUL)
College of Professional Studies (CPS) - Online
ART 550: Art History: Western World
ART 512: Fundamentals of Design
BEHS 445: Homeland Security and Emergency Management
CMPL 402: Excel
CMPL 525: Foundations of Cybersecurity
COM 480: Visual Communication
CRIM 425: Juvenile Justice
DAT 510: Introduction to Data Analytics
EDC 504: Health Safety and Nutrition in EC Settings
ENT 500: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
HIS 402: Great Civilizations
HIS 410: United States History to 1865
HMSV 424: Human Services and the Helping Process
HRM 635: Managing Conflict
HUMN 470: World Religions
HUMN 480: Introduction to Ethics
LD 600: Becoming an Effective Leader
MGMT 410: Principles of Management
MKT 510: Principles of Marketing
MKT 525: Presentation Excellence in Sales
MKT 600: Social Media Marketing
PSY 410: Introduction to Psychology
PSY 470: Child Development
PSY 480: Infant and Toddler Development
PSY 525: Human Development
PSY 565: Core Principles of Addiction
SCI 470: Physical Geography
SCI 490: Human Biology
SCI 502: Nutrition and Health
SCI 528: Natural History of Northern New England
SCI 550: Wellness and the Human Body
SOCI 410: Introduction to Sociology
College of Health and HUman Services (CHHS)
LAP 501: Lifetime Activity Program
LAP 502: Pickleball
LAP 504: Strength Training
LAP 505: Intro to Running
LAP 506: Fly Fishing
LAP 507: Yoga and Meditation
LAP 508: Vinyasa Flow Yoga
LAP 511: Disc Golf
LAP 516: Cycling
LAP 517: Personal Training
RMP 490: Recreation & Tourism in Society
RMP 501: Rec Services for Individuals w/ Disabilities
RMP 563 - Rec Management & Policy Practicum
Tuition and Fees
The CATS tuition rate is $300 per credit. Tuition does not include associated fees including but not limited to registration, technology, student services, course specific labs, course materials, and potential tax liability.
Policies and Procedures
Eligible high school students are able to take up to two (2) UNH classes per semester in their junior and/or senior year. Course availability for CATS students is limited to the classes listed in the Nondegree Enrollment Portal each semester, and acceptance into the CATS program does not ensure enrollment as priority registration opens first to matriculated UNH students.
*Seats fill on a first-come, first-served basis and courses may become unavailable once filled. Early registration is recommended. Courses not included on the pre-approved list may be requested while applying, but are contingent upon approval from UNH faculty and staff.
