The Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire is widely known for its research, policy education, and civic engagement work. The school publishes policy-relevant research briefs, offers four master's degree programs, and brings people together for thoughtful dialogue to address societal challenges.
Recent Publications and Upcoming Events
Explore Our Research
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Operating on Thin Margins: The Cost of Providing New Hampshire Child Care
In this primer, authors Tyrus Parker and Jess Carson summarize available data on the cost of operating a child care program in New Hampshire. Read the primer.
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New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program Reaches Young Children Statewide
In this brief, authors Harshita Sarup and Jess Carson offer an update on enrollment in the New Hampshire Care Scholarship Program and describe the age and geographic distribution of enrolled children. Read the brief.
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The New Hampshire Voluntary Paid Family and Medical Leave Program: Did the program increase coverage?
In this brief, author Kristin Smith evaluates whether the New Hampshire Voluntary Paid Family and Medical Leave program increased paid family and medical leave coverage. Read the brief.
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Factors Contributing to the Demographic Cliff: More U.S. Women of Childbearing Age, but Fewer Have Given Birth
In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that in 2024 there were 5.7 million more childless women of prime child-bearing age than would have been expected given fertility patterns prior to the Great Recession. Read the brief.
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Can the Government Control Hurricanes? New Survey Results on Conspiracies and Science
In this perspectives brief, author Lawrence Hamilton explores the results of a nationwide 2025 survey that asked over 1,000 people whether they agreed with conspiratorial claims such as government control of hurricanes, flat Earth, or faked Moon landings. Read the perspectives brief.
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In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that New National Center for Health Statistics data for 2024 show a slight increase in annual births and the birth rate from 2023. Read the brief.
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Modest Population Gains Widespread in New Hampshire Counties
In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that New Hampshire’s population reached 1,409,032 on July 1, 2024, an increase of 6,800 since July 2023, according to new Census Bureau estimates. Read the brief.
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Interested in writing for the Carsey School?
The value of writing for Carsey is in exposure to new, public audiences. To learn more about how you can empower your research, visit the Writing for the Carsey School of Public Policy webpage.
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2024 New Hampshire Civic Health Report
This report focuses on the civic health of New Hampshire from 2019 through 2024 using a specific set of indicators. The intent behind this report is that the data at the state level can be used to help both the state overall and local communities strengthen civic health. Read the Report.
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Local Civic Health: A Guide to Building Community and Bridging Divides
This seven-part guide is designed to help people at the local level collect data to better understand what factors bring people together or push them apart. The information can help communities to thrive and strengthen democracy at the local level. Read the guide.
Explore Our Centers
Is a Master's Degree in Public Policy Worth It?
Kennedy's Path from State House to Director of Federal Government Relations
What can you do with a master's degree in Public Policy (MPP)? Is the degree worth it? If you ask MPP alum Kennedy Nickerson '17G, the value far outweighs the investment.
"I would absolutely say that earning my master's degree from the Carsey School has paid off because in DC in particular, an MPP is gold...it will set you apart from the broader pool of applicants."
Kennedy now serves as the Director of Federal Government Relations for National Grid, but her path to policy leadership began well before her master's degree. As a kid, she spent time protesting the Iraq War alongside her mom and writing letters to the president about equal opportunities in professional sports.
That early drive to create change pushed her to pursue public policy, where she could help prevent harm and shape systems before people fall through the cracks.
Upcoming Events
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February4Noon - 12:45 p.m., Join NH Listens for a 45-minute informative and interactive session aimed at sharing bite-sized tips and resources from our toolbox for community engagement and facilitation. This session on Meaningful Introductions to Build Community will share tips around introductions in your community meetings that help people feel welcomed. ?? SAVE YOUR SEAT ??
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February118 a.m. - 9 a.m., In early 2025, the NH Food Alliance, in partnership with the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, UNH Extension, and more than 89 other food system organizations and hundreds of individuals, published their first-ever NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan. Join the February Carsey Policy Hour to learn about the Strategic Plan and how it's transforming the New Hampshire food system for the better. The NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan proposes 143…
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February11Noon - 2:30 p.m., New Hampshire Listens’ Online Basic Facilitator Training provides an overall glimpse into facilitating public engagement. It is an introductory training for frameworks on key facilitator concepts for facilitating online and in-person, including drawing people in, managing productive conversations, and strengthening your skills as a facilitator.We welcome everyone, no matter how little or how much you know about facilitation. We love it when there is a mix because it always…
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Recent News
Faculty Excellence Celebration Recognizes Outstanding UNH Educators
Faculty Excellence Celebration Recognizes Outstanding UNH Educators
Annual event highlights faculty members from all UNH campuses
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Building a Better Childcare System in New Hampshire
Building a Better Childcare System in New Hampshire
Carsey School's Jess Carson on the complex challenges Granite State families are facing
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