Southern New Hampshire University
History
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, non-profit university located between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, along with national accreditations for some hospitality, health, education and business degrees.
The university was founded in 1932 by Harry A.B. Shapiro and his wife Gertrude Crockett Shapiro as a for-profit institution focused on teaching business. It was originally named the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science. In 1961, it was incorporated and renamed New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce. The state of New Hampshire granted the college its charter in 1963, which gave it degree-granting authority.
The first associate degrees were awarded in 1966, and the first bachelor's degrees in 1969. In 1971, the college became a nonprofit institution under a board of trustees. The college expanded its degree programs, offering a Master of Business Administration in 1974 and a Master of Science in Business Education in 1975.
In 2001, the college was renamed Southern New Hampshire University to reflect its growing number of graduate programs. The university's physical campus resides on 300 acres on the border between Hooksett and Manchester.
Academics
SNHU offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through its multiple colleges and schools. These include the College of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics; the School of Business; the School of Education; the School of Nursing; and the College of Arts and Sciences.
The university also offers a wide range of online programs, with more than 200 programs offered online. SNHU's online programs have made it one of the country's largest providers of online higher education.
SNHU's College of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics offers programs in aeronautical engineering, aviation management, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and robotics and artificial intelligence.
The School of Business offers programs in accounting, business administration, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, marketing, and sport management.
The School of Education offers programs in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, and education leadership.
The School of Nursing offers programs in nursing and healthcare management.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers programs in creative writing, environmental science, game design and development, graphic design and media arts, psychology, and sociology.
Campus
The main campus of SNHU is located in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional campuses in Salem and Nashua. The campus features a variety of facilities for students, including residence halls, a library, a fitness center, a dining hall, and a student center.
The Shapiro Library, named after the university's founders, offers a wide range of resources for students, including books, journals, databases, and special collections. The library also offers a variety of services, including research assistance, interlibrary loan, and instructional support.
The university's athletic facilities include a field house, a fitness center, and several athletic fields. SNHU's athletic teams, known as the Penmen, compete in the NCAA Division II Northeast-10 Conference.
Student Life
SNHU offers a variety of student activities and organizations, including academic clubs, service organizations, cultural clubs, and recreational clubs. The university also offers a variety of events and programs to enhance student life, including concerts, lectures, and cultural events.
The university's student government, the Student Government Association, represents the student body in university decisions and offers a variety of services to students.
The university also offers a variety of support services for students, including academic advising, career services, counseling services, disability services, and health services.
Notable Alumni
SNHU has a number of notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in a variety of fields. These include business leaders, politicians, authors, and athletes. Some notable alumni include author and television producer Steven Conrad, former New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson, and professional soccer player Chris Tierney.