Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

https://paulcollege.unh.edu/

Lucy Gilson, Dean
Luciana Echazu, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education 
Victoria A. Parker, Associate Dean of Graduate Education and Faculty Administration
 

The Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics (Paul College) empowers students to be mindful, dynamic leaders through rigorous academics and experiential-learning opportunities led by industry experts and researchers—creating an engaged academic and professional community. Paul College prepares students for careers in Business, Economics, and Hospitality Management. Each program has its unique disciplinary traditions and the simultaneous commitment to broad educational excellence in critical thought, communication, analytic skills, digital literacy, and ethical reasoning.

Paul College's undergraduate curricula combine a breadth of liberal education with specifics of professional education in business administration, economics, and hospitality management. In tandem with their studies at Paul College, undergraduates enrolled in Paul College programs take part of their coursework in other colleges in the University in order to fulfill the Discovery Program requirements. Beyond those requirements, students are encouraged to elect additional courses in the arts, social sciences, humanities, mathematics, and sciences. Thus, students who complete the Paul College programs in business administration and economics programs develop an impressive portfolio of marketable skills and knowledge base that may be applied to a variety of fields.

Accreditation

Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for the degree programs of business administration and hospitality management.

Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Analytical Economics 
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Business Administration

For information concerning advanced degrees, see the Graduate Catalog.

Degree Requirements

Paul College degree candidates must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements for graduation as well as the particular requirements of their individual major programs. Modifications tend to occur in major(option) programs during the four-year period of a student's undergraduate career; Students are expected to conform to these changes. In addition, candidates must complete a math course (MATH 422 Mathematics for Business ApplicationsMATH 424A Calculus for Social Sciences, or equivalent transfer course. Economics majors must also satisfy specific requirements associated with the bachelor of arts degree (see bachelor of arts degree requirements).

In order to graduate, students must achieve a grade-point average of at least 2.3 (2.0 for the B.A. in economics) in the major courses and a minimum grade of C- (for graded courses) or CR (for credit/fail courses) in each major course. Course listings are provided by program, or in the case of business administration by department:

  • Accounting and Finance (ACFI)
  • Business Administration (ADMN)
  • Decision Sciences (DS)
  • Economics (ECON)
  • Hospitality Management (HMGT)
  • Management and Entrepreneurship (MGTE)
  • Marketing (MKTG)

Prior to attaining junior rank, students will be considered "provisional Paul" students. Students are limited to two Paul College major required courses per semester during this period. A minimum overall GPA of 2.3 at UNH must be maintained by all Paul students in order to remain in the College. If the minimum overall GPA drops below 2.3 during the provisional period, the student will be placed on Paul College probation for one (1) semester. Failure to achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.3 after the probationary semester will require the student to change to a major outside Paul College.

Paul College courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis by a student majoring in business administration or economics. Any Paul College major required course in which a grade below C- is obtained must be repeated. No more than two Paul College courses may be repeated and each course may be repeated at most one time.

Students transferring into Paul College from other universities must have major courses reviewed and approved by the faculty through the Paul College Undergraduate Programs Office to be considered for major requirements. Transfer credit is normally granted only for 400- and 500-level courses, and normally only when the transferring institution is AACSB-accredited.

Paul College Programs

FIRE (First-year Innovation and Research Experience)

FIRE is an integrated, team-based, and game-like experience, developed for first-year students. Launched in the 2015-2016 academic year and under the direction of the Undergraduate Programs and Advising Office, this program was designed to expand upon the principles and mission of the Peer Advising program by engaging first-year students in developing habits and strategies for success. Students complete a one-credit, credit/fail course each semester (PAUL 405 FIRE: First-Year Innovation and Research Experience I/PAUL 406 First-Year Innovation and Research Experience II), guided by peer mentors (selected upper-class students) and alumni. Students collaborate and compete, both individually and in teams, through academic challenges, research, and game scenarios culminating in participation at the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC).  PAUL 405 FIRE: First-Year Innovation and Research Experience I and PAUL 406 First-Year Innovation and Research Experience II are required for all first-year students.  

More information can be found on the FIRE webpage.

FOCUS (Finding Opportunities, Careers, and University Success) 

Dedicated to second-year student success, the FOCUS Program bridges academic and experiential learning through its emphasis on skill development and exploration. Through PAUL 505 FOCUS: Finding Opportunities, Careers, and University Success, a two-credit, credit/fail course, students will explore academic pathways, prioritize personal and professional development opportunities, and connect their interests to future career opportunities. The FOCUS Program fosters an inclusive environment that elevates student well-being, university success, and career readiness. PAUL 505 is required for all second-year students.  

International Programs

International education is a high priority of Paul College with many Education Abroad opportunities available. Through semester abroad and short-term programs, students have the ability to immerse themselves in a variety cultural environments to better prepare for a career in a globalized business industry. Paul College students may engage in a diverse array of opportunities:

  • Study abroad in countries including, but not limited to: Australia, China, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Portugal, and Spain
  • Faculty-led programs to destinations such as Italy, Cuba, Greece, and England.  
  • International internships
  • Research grant programs
  • Volunteer or non-profit work

Students are encouraged to begin planning their international experiences early on in their academic careers by visiting the Paul College Undergraduate Programs and Advising Office. In most cases, students are able to take a semester abroad without losing any time towards graduation. Paul College students are highly encouraged to study abroad at schools accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and/or EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System). More information about international experiences can be found on the Paul College website as well as by programs offered through UNH Global.

Transfer Credit Policy 

Students transferring credits from other universities to a Paul College major must have the courses reviewed and approved by the faculty through the Paul College Undergraduate Programs Office to be considered for major requirements. Transfer credit is normally granted only for 400- and 500-level courses, and normally only when the transferring institution is AACSB-accredited.

Current Enrolled UNH Student Transfer Credit Policy

All international and domestic transfer coursework must be approved in advance. 

Subject to approval of each individual course, students may transfer from other universities:

  • No more than 50% of the coursework for the option
  • No more than 30% of the coursework for the major core courses

In total, Paul College students may transfer no more than 50% of their major coursework from domestic and study abroad programs combined. 

External Transfer Student Transfer Credit Policy 

All major related coursework taken prior to enrolling at UNH must be evaluated by the academic department.  This review will determine if the course(s) will satisfy major requirements.  Although the university may have accepted credit for your transfer courses, this does not necessarily mean they will satisfy specific major requirements.  Students have up to one semester after matriculation to reconcile transfer credit. 

After individual course evaluations:

  • Students must complete at minimum of 6 major courses at UNH.
  • Students must complete at least 50% of their option coursework at UNH. 
  • Students may transfer up to 50% of the coursework for the option and no more than 60% of their option and core coursework combined. 

Advising System

Undergraduate advising in the Paul College is carried out jointly by dedicated academic advisors and faculty. The academic advisors are based in the Paul College Undergraduate Programs and Advising Office, where student academic records are kept. The advisors assist students in program planning, preregistration, understanding and meeting general academic/degree requirements, and general career planning. In addition, the advisors coordinate study abroad opportunties and cohort programs.  

Undergraduates are encouraged to develop an advisory relationship with one or more faculty members with whom they have mutual interests. By providing their own experience and expertise, faculty may provide additional support to students for course, program, and career selection. All students are urged to seek as much assistance as they need from appropriate sources, but are reminded that theirs is the ultimate responsibility for knowing and meeting the various academic requirements for a degree.

Five-Year Programs

Four-One Program: BS – MSBA

The accelerated MS in Business Analytics program offers students the opportunity to start their graduate education while completing their undergraduate degree. This innovative program reduces the time required to earn a highly sought-after master’s degree in BusinessAnalytics. Students take up to two dual-credit courses during their senior year, saving time and graduate tuition. Designed for students with a strong interest in data and analytics, this program emphasizes real-world applications, including coursework in Python programming and access to the UNH Center for Business Analytics. Application for admission is completed during the junior year, typically the semester prior to reaching 90 credits, and details are provided in the Programs of Study sections of this catalog and the Graduate Catalog.

Four-One Program: BS – MSE

The accelerated MS in Economics program is designed for students interested in careers in business, government, or academia. The program provides flexibility through its industry and academic tracks and enables students to gain real-world experience through an industry consulting project. Students begin their graduate studies with up to three dual-credit courses, saving both time and tuition while positioning themselves for success in fields requiring strong analytical and economic expertise. Application for admission is completed during the junior year, typically the semester prior to reaching 90 credits, and details are provided in the Programs of Study sections of this catalog and the Graduate Catalog.

Four-One Program: BS – MSF

The accelerated MS in Finance program allows students to begin their graduate education while completing their undergraduate degree, preparing them for careers in financial management, investments, or fintech. This program enables students to take up to four dual-credit courses during their senior year, saving time and graduate tuition. Students can tailor their education by selecting a track in Financial Analytics and Fintech, Investments, or a Self-Directed option. Application for admission is completed during the junior year, typically the semester prior to reaching 90 credits, and details are provided in the Programs of Study sections of this catalog and the Graduate Catalog.

Four-One Program: BS – MBA

After completion of the bachelors degree program, students may apply tothe Paul College Master of Business Administration full-time program.This innovative curriculum is designed specifically to accelerate yourprogress through this highly-ranked AACSB-accredited MBA program.Details are provided in the Programs of Study sections of this catalog andthe Graduate Catalog.

Four-One Program: BS – MSA

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), thenational association of professional accountants, mandated that fiveyears of university education be required for national certified publicaccountant (CPA) certification as of the year 2000. Most states haveapproved similar requirements for licensing/certification. PaulCollege offers an accelerated master’s program that can be completed in as little as 4.5 years, designed for students who desire aprofessional accounting career. The program leads to the joint awardingof a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting degree. Application for admission is completed during the junior year, typically the semester prior to reaching 90 credits. Details are provided in thePrograms of Study sections of this catalog and the Graduate Catalog.

Paul College—Minors and Courses for Non-majors

Minors

Paul College faculty has developed a group of courses for non-majors, which, when combined with certain other courses, can constitute a minor in Accounting and Financial Information, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management, Real Estate Finance and Investments, or Sales.

Non-majors

Paul College also serves the needs of undergraduates elsewhere in the University, within the limits of its resources, for whom selected courses in business administration, economics, or hospitality management are desirable complements to their primary course of study. To the extent that space is available after majors have enrolled, a limited number of Paul College courses are open to non-majors who have the prerequisite preparation. A maximum of 32 credits in courses offered by the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics may be taken by non-Paul College students. Students interested in these courses should contact the Paul College Undergraduate Programs and Advising Office.

Independent Study/Internship

Juniors or seniors in high academic standing in the Paul College may elect the internship or independent study course for variable credit. For either course, the student must secure a faculty sponsor in the area of interest and submit a written proposal prior to the start of the semester in which the project is to be undertaken. Independent study normally involves research, while internships are usually undertaken with cooperation of an off-campus organization and involve a non-routine but practical application of skills and concepts acquired in a student's program.

Independent studies and internships require considerable self-direction and self-monitoring on the part of the student, who must be in high academic standing. Careful prior review of requirements with the undergraduate adviser and faculty sponsor is necessary. Students may earn no more than 16 credits combined in internships, independent studies, field experience, and supervised student teaching experience.