UNH Today

Three graduate programs in the University of New Hampshire’s College of Health and Human Services have earned recognition among top 100 graduate programs nationwide from U.S. News and World Report?(USNWR). UNH’s master’s nursing program, ranked at #68, is the highest ranked in northern New England. The graduate occupational therapy program is ranked 36th in the country and the master of social work (MSW) program is ranked at #94.?

“One of the primary reasons I was attracted to UNH is because of the widely known quality of its academic programs and the deep commitment our faculty have to provide our students with a rich academic and experiential education,” says Kirsten Corazzini, dean of CHHS who arrived at UNH in March. “While these rankings put a spotlight on these programs, all programs we offer, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, prepare students for successful careers in the health and human services fields.”

Enrollment in graduate nursing at UNH has grown steadily over the past several years, with programs added to address critical needs, such as nurse practitioner programs that focus on adult/gerontology acute care and psychiatric mental health. In addition, UNH’s direct entry master’s in nursing (DEMN) program is the first in New Hampshire to offer an accelerated clinical nurse leader track for those?without a prior nursing degree.

UNH’s master of social work program is a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited generalist social work program, which offers full-time (two-year, advanced standing), part-time, and online program options. In addition to traditional course offerings, the MSW program features the only Dual Degree Outdoor Education program (social work and kinesiology) in the nation, as well as graduate certificates in child welfare, substance use disorders, and disabilities. With the mission of promoting social justice and antiracism, the program features leading scholars in fields including mental and behavioral health,?adventure therapy,?positive youth development, child welfare, and gerontology.??The program offers small cohorts, an accessible curriculum, and a variety of internship opportunities in social work practice.

The graduate occupational therapy program at UNH has been ranked in the top 50 by USNWR for the past several years and has maintained high student enrollment in the master’s degree program during a period of national enrollment decline. Leading-edge faculty research has attracted students to the program in areas of mental health, intervention to promote family health and wellbeing, evaluating sensory processing for children, and developing robot-assisted home care for individuals with Alzheimer's.

The achievement of favorable USNWR rankings is a testament to the dedication of the College’s faculty and staff who contribute to, and sustain high quality academic programs and research output across a variety of health and human services disciplines. It is also a reflection of their commitment to provide the best possible education to students, ensuring their success as future changemakers and leaders in their fields.