New England College: A Comprehensive Overview of Degree Programs
New England College (NEC) is a private, non-profit institution located in Henniker, New Hampshire. Founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicemen and women returning from World War II under the G.I. Bill, NEC has evolved into a diverse and comprehensive college offering a wide array of academic programs. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, NEC serves over 5,000 undergraduate, graduate, and online students annually. The college's motto, "Dura duranda alta petenda," translates to "We work hard to achieve greater heights," reflecting its commitment to challenging students to transform themselves and their world.
Campus and Location
Nestled in the small town of Henniker, New Hampshire, the 225-acre campus of New England College seamlessly integrates with the surrounding community. Located approximately 17 miles west of Concord, the state capital, 31 miles northwest of Manchester, and 81 miles northwest of Boston, the college benefits from its proximity to both urban centers and the natural beauty of New England. The Contoocook River flows through the heart of Henniker and alongside the NEC campus, adding to the picturesque setting. The campus features 30 buildings, characterized by white clapboard-style siding or brick mid-century architecture, and is recognized for its commitment to environmental education initiatives.
Academic Divisions and Degree Programs
New England College offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across four divisions: Art & Design, Humanities, Management & the Science, and Health & Education Division. These divisions encompass a diverse selection of degrees, catering to a wide range of student interests and career aspirations. NEC offers more than 60 associate and bachelor's degree programs, over 20 master's degree programs, and a doctoral program with multiple tracks.
Associate Degree Programs
NEC provides a foundation for further academic pursuits or direct entry into the workforce through its nine associate degree programs. These programs offer focused training in specific fields, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
The college's 37 bachelor's degree programs provide students with a well-rounded education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. These programs prepare graduates for a variety of careers and advanced studies. One notable example is the Bachelor of Science in Health Science program, which focuses on building a foundation for careers or graduate study in health science and medicine.
Read also: Your Guide to New England Colleges
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science program at New England College is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the biological, chemical, and mathematical principles underlying health and medicine. The program requires 120 credits, typically completed in four years of full-time study. The curriculum includes core courses in biology, chemistry, and math, followed by upper-division health science courses tailored to students' specific career and educational goals.
A key component of the Health Science program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students have opportunities to strengthen their applied laboratory and research skills through hands-on lab courses, internships, and research projects. Majors conduct a science research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor, allowing them to delve deeper into a specific area of interest and develop critical research skills.
Graduates of the Health Science program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the healthcare field. Potential career paths include:
- Health education specialists
- Community health workers
- Pharmaceutical sales representatives
- Patient care advocates
- Laboratory science
- Clinical research
- Social services
The Health Science program also serves as an excellent foundation for students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, allied health, or other related fields.
Master's Degree Programs
NEC's over 20 master's degree programs offer advanced study and professional development opportunities for students seeking to enhance their expertise and career prospects. These programs cater to a variety of fields, providing specialized knowledge and skills.
Read also: The NEASC Accreditation Process
Doctoral Program
The college's doctoral program provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research and make significant contributions to their chosen field. This program is designed for individuals seeking the highest level of academic achievement.
Accreditation
New England College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation signifies that NEC meets rigorous standards of quality and integrity in its educational programs and operations. All programs offered by New England College are included in this regional accreditation. Furthermore, the school's business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), demonstrating a commitment to excellence in business education.
Experiential Learning
A hallmark of the New England College experience is its emphasis on experiential learning. NEC believes that students learn best by doing, and the college provides numerous opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Experiential learning opportunities include internships, research projects, clinical placements, and community engagement activities. These experiences allow students to develop critical skills, build their resumes, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at NEC has been instrumental in helping students launch their science and healthcare careers. For over a decade, SURP has provided students with the opportunity to conduct research alongside faculty mentors, gaining valuable experience in the scientific process.
Faculty Research
NEC's faculty members are actively engaged in research, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects. Faculty research areas include:
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- Dr. James Newcomb: Physiological mechanisms underlying behavior. Dr. Newcomb has been a professor at NEC since 2006 and co-director of NEC’s Center for Undergraduate Science Research since 2019. He has maintained an externally funded research lab since 2010, obtaining over $800,000 in extramural grants.
- Dr.: Plant growth promoting bacteria of plant roots. Dr.'s future research interests include identifying the microbiome of the soil and rhizosphere of the grapevine Vitis vinifera and comparing the microbial composition of grape varieties in local regions of New Hampshire to the bacteriome of the Pinot Noir variety.
- Dr. Lori Koziol: Biofilm-forming bacteria. Dr. Koziol's lab studies antibiotic-resistant bacteria of the soil and soil-plant microbial interactions.
Student Life
New England College offers a vibrant student life with a variety of activities and organizations to engage students outside of the classroom. The college is home to 27 student organizations, including student government committees. While NEC once had an active Greek life presence with two sororities (Kappa Phi Sigma and Phi Sigma Sigma) and three fraternities (Sigma Phi Delta, Lambda Epsilon Delta, and Sigma Alpha Beta), these organizations dissolved beginning in the late 2000s. In 2023, NEC announced the official reopening of their varsity football program after a 50-year hiatus, further enriching the student experience.
Diversity and Inclusion
NEC has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 25 colleges in the nation that have diversified their student body the most since 1990. The college has strengthened its diversity efforts by establishing an Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), which works to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Notable Alumni
New England College has produced a number of successful alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Notable alumni include:
- Geena Davis (actress)
- Ira Joe Fisher (meteorologist)
- Mariela Griffor (television personality)
- Siad Haji (soccer player)
- Mark Lindquist (author)
- Allen Steele (science fiction writer)
- Wallace Stickney (former director of FEMA)
- Steven Zirnkilton (voice actor)
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