DURHAM, N.H. — Amid a proposal that could see the positions of University System of New Hampshire chancellor and the University of New Hampshire president merged into one role, UNH now will offer a way to earn certain applied bachelor’s degrees with 90 credits in three years, and save up to $10,000 in tuition costs.
The UNH College of Professional Studies announced it is offering two new programs: the online applied bachelor of science in management and the applied bachelor of science in computer information technology degrees. Both programs are currently open for enrollment, with a start date for classes being Aug. 31. The programs offer open-rolling admission, meaning students are admitted five times per year.
“There are two programs; one is in the field of management, and one is in computer information and yechnology. They’re applied bachelor’s programs, meaning they are less than the traditional 120-minimum credit. We launched these two to really meet what we’re hearing from students and employers that we need affordable, accessible opportunities,” said Tamara VonGeorge, UNH associate vice provost for online learning.
VonGeorge said the programs will be completely virtual, and the target audience is “working adults, military students, transfer students, or folks who are trying to earn a bachelor’s degree while they are engaging in other activities, primarily the workforce.”
In creating the programs the university utilized its accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education, which reviewed them and determined they meet all the foundational requirements.
“We have a student outcomes assessment in place where we are evaluating these programs to hold students to the same (standard as students in 120-credit courses),” VonGeorge said. “We expect the same level of outcome out of these students.”
Experiential learning opportunities within the programs could provide internships for students looking to gain hands-on experience. The courses are also transfer-friendly.
She said advisors are starting to hear from folks who are interested in the reduced-credit option.
“I think it’s really an opportunity for people to explore, and think about, ‘Is this right for me? Or is a more traditional degree right?’” she said.
She noted that about 70 colleges around the country are piloting similar programs.
Leadership consolidation
On June 26, the University System of New Hampshire’s Board of Trustees voted to approve consolidating the positions of the USNH chancellor and UNH president into one role. The presidents of Keene State College and Plymouth State University would report to the consolidated position, though the two colleges will retain their independence. The three universities — UNH, KSC, and PSU — make up the overall university system.
Because the move would require change to the law governing the state’s public university system, the decision now is in the hands of lawmakers who will take the change up during the next legislative cycle. If approved by the Legislature, the change could be effective as soon as July 2027, according to Lisa Thorne, director of communications for USNH.
USNH Chancellor Catherine Provencher is set to retire June 30, 2028, and has been tasked by the Board of Trustees and university presidents with conducting research on what the model should be for the university system, Thorne explained.
The consolidation is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to streamline decision-making and lower expenses. Thorne said there’s a great deal of competition for what has become a decreasing number of students seeking higher-education degrees.
There were 162,660 students enrolled in New Hampshire public and public charter schools at the start of the 24-2025 school year, according to a 2025 report from the New Hampshire Department of Education. In the 2005-06 school year, there were more than 205,000 students enrolled.
“There are fewer and fewer students graduating; everybody’s competing for these students, and more so, competing for the future workforce of our states,” Thorne said. “… But, how do you compete? You continue having an outstanding experience for students, they get great jobs, they enjoy their experiences here and feel equipped when they leave. UNH, Plymouth State (and) Keene State are all working to do that.”
UNH President Elizabeth S. Chilton could not be reached for comment, nor could Plymouth State University President Donald L. Birx, PhD, who is also currently serving as interim president of Keene State College.