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 College of LIFE SCIENCES AND AGRICULTURE

At the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, we seek to make a difference — from identifying the molecular pathway that leads to a new treatment for disease, to understanding the complex forces that impact our ecosystems and natural landscapes, to finding solutions for a global food system tasked with feeding billions.

Here, you will deepen your understanding of the world and learn to find sustainable responses to the planet’s biggest challenges. Leading edge research and hands-on experiences, combined with practical skill building in the lab and in the field, will create a firm foundation for your future.

When you graduate, you will join thousands of Wildcats who are forging their own paths to success, from here in New Hampshire to every corner of the world. 


Programs of Study

Departments

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Explore Undergraduate Scholarships


We offer many scholarships just for COLSA students that reward your achievements and help make college more affordable.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Owen Kanter '20 conducts moose research in New Hampshire.

Discover Research
Opportunities


Unique, hands-on research projects lead to challenges and achievements that extend far beyond the classroom.

Research Opportunities

olivia heghmann and amber ganley examine cayas teeth

Set Your
Course


Discuss goals and design your career plan with help from the professionals at our St. Martin Career Exploration Office.

Career Office 

UNH Diversity Statement

The University of New Hampshire is committed to building and nurturing an environment of inclusive excellence where all students, faculty and staff can thrive. We also are committed to providing open and inclusive access for all alumni, volunteers, learners, employees and visitors seeking to participate in our programs and activities. We venture to sustain a campus environment that fosters mutual respect and understanding. We believe diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are foundational values inextricably linked to achieving our core educational mission and embrace the many characteristics of our community members that make them uniquely themselves. Here, you belong and all are welcome.

UNH Land, Water and Life Acknowledgement

As we all journey on the trail of life, we wish to acknowledge the spiritual and physical connection the Pennacook, Abenaki and Wabanaki Peoples have maintained to N’dakinna (homeland) and the aki (land), nebi (water), olakwika (flora) and awaasak (fauna) that the University of New Hampshire community is honored to steward today. We also acknowledge the hardships they continue to endure after the loss of unceded homelands and champion the university’s responsibility to foster relationships and opportunities that strengthen the well-being of the Indigenous People who carry forward the traditions of their ancestors.

Listen to the acknowledgement read by Denise Pouliot, the Sag8moskwa (Head Female Speaker) of the Cowasuk Band of Pennacook Abenaki People from Alton, New Hampshire and a member of the Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective (INHCC), which includes her husband Paul Pouliot, several UNH faculty members and students, local grassroots organizers and community members and several members of other New England tribes.

  • UNH alumna Caroline Kanaskie
    Graduate Student Spotlight
    Caroline Kanaskie, from Tamaqua, PA, graduated this year with her Natural Resources & Earth Systems Science (NRESS) Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Caroline discussed her research and shared what's next for her.
    Learn More
  • UNH student Elayna Marinelli
    STEM MentorSHIP Spotlight
    Elayna Marinelli, a wildlife and conservation biology major, shared her experience participating in COLSA's STEM MentorSHIP Program. The STEM MentorSHIP (Students Harnessing Industry Perspectives) Program is a semester-long, facilitated career development experience designed for sophomores and juniors seeking insight from industry professionals. This one-on-one mentoring program provides…
    Learn More
  • UNH alumna Nicole Benjamin
    Alumna Spotlight
    Nicole Benjamin, from Burlington, MA, is a UNH alumna with a B.S. in genetics and an M.S. in molecular and cellular biotechnology. Nicole, who graduated this year in 2025, shared an update about what's next for her.
    Learn More
  • UNH student Lyv Syriac
    Transfer Student Spotlight
    Alyvia-Mae Syriac, from Manchester, NH, is majoring in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. Lyv shared her experience transferring to the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at UNH.
    Learn More
  • UNH student Jess Shapiro harvesting broccoli at Lilac Ridge Farm in West Brattleboro VT
    Studying Farming Practices' Impact on Carbon/Nutrient Cycling and Microbial Communities
    Jess Shapiro, from Westmoreland, NH, is majoring in environmental conservation and sustainability with a minor in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Jess studied the impact of farming practices on carbon/nutrient cycling and microbial communities.
    Learn More

Get the Facts

92%
of COLSA alumni are employed
or in graduate school

2023 First Destination Survey

73%
of students participate
in internships and/or research
prior to graduation

2023 First Destination Survey

77%
Average acceptance rate of
current students and recent grads
who applied to veterinary school
— well above the national average

 

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Four events over two days send students out in style

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