Carsey School of Public Policy

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.

Explore Our Academic Programs

Explore Our Research

Universal Free Lunch: Why Not New Hampshire?
In this perspectives brief, author Delaney Hesler shares the results of a 2025 survey to assess local support in New Hampshire and Maine for universal free meals. She discusses the implementation of Maine’s program, challenges for implementation in New Hampshire, and future threats to universal meals. Read the brief.
What’s the Scoop on Life in New Hampshire? Youth Perspectives on New Hampshire as a Place to Live, Learn, and Work After High School
This brief analyzes the perspectives of New Hampshire youth and proposes actionable strategies that encourage them to build their futures in the state. Read the brief.
Ski Industry Professionals in New Hampshire Are Worried about Climate Change
In this brief, authors Jacklyn Tracy and Elizabeth Burakowski report the results of an online survey conducted in June 2025 with New Hampshire ski industry professionals to gain insight into how they perceive climate change. Read the Brief.
Public School-Affiliated Preschool Programs in New Hampshire, 2024–2025 School Year
In this brief, authors Tyrus Parker, Kamala Nasirova, and Jess Carson report on the results from the second annual New Hampshire preschool in public schools survey. Read the brief.
Carsey School of Public Policy 2024–2025 Annual Review
This review shares 2024–2025 highlights of our academic programs and centers; milestones of our students, faculty, fellows, alumni, and staff; and much more. Read the review.
All Six New England States Gain Population, but Demographic Basis of Gain Varies
In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that New England’s population grew by 310,000 between the 2020 Census in April 2020 and July 2025 and now stands at 15,432,000, according to new Census Bureau estimates. Read the brief.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

UNH Online Program Spotlight: Master's of Public Administration

The Master's of Public Administration (MPA) at UNH equips professionals with the practical skills to lead in the public service field. The MPA emphasizes hands-on leadership and prepares students to manage organizations, implement policy, and make a meaningful impact on government and nonprofit sectors.

Learn more from Carsey School Director Stephen Bird about what makes this program unique.

Can you give an overview of the program?

The MPA is a graduate degree for people who run, or want to run, public and nonprofit organizations. It is 36 credits, fully online and asynchronous, with a curriculum sitting at the intersection of leadership and management skills, budgeting, labor relations, program evaluation, and policy analysis. Working professionals with five or more years of experience can complete an Executive version of the degree at 30 credits, often in close to a year. Every student finishes with a capstone in either Management and Leadership or Program Planning and Development.

Why should students interested in public policy choose UNH?

Two things, honestly. First, our faculty are practitioners. Most of us have spent careers inside government, nonprofits, or applied research. Second, the program is small enough that students are not anonymous.

People get advised, mentored, and pushed by name.

The schedule also respects the fact that most of our students already have a job, which means the coursework is built so that what you read on a Tuesday is something that you can put to use on Wednesday.