Academic Programs

At the Carsey School, we offer a range of exceptional academic opportunities for students interested in public policy and social change. Our rigorous and innovative programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle complex policy issues. Our faculty comprises distinguished scholars and experienced practitioners who engage in cutting-edge research, creating an intellectually stimulating environment. Students have access to hands-on learning experiences through internships, research projects, and engagement with community partners. The Carsey School's commitment to experiential learning interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong network of alumni and partners make it a hub for aspiring policy leaders seeking to make a positive impact on society.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Fully Online Program
Ready to advance your public service career? Interested in working in public administration or managing a nonprofit organization? Join your online cohort in the fall or spring and complete your degree in as little as 12 months with the Executive MPA for those with 5 or more years of relevant work experience.

Master in Community Development (MCD)
Fully Online Program
Want to better serve your community? Through our 14-month MCD program, we'll prepare you to serve others as a community organizer, nonprofit manager, project coordinator, or fundraiser/development officer.

Master in Public Policy (MPP)
On-campus program
Gain the skills and learn the tools needed to make a difference and create change in the challenging world of 21st-century policymaking. Through this 14-month on-campus MPP, you will learn how to develop transformative policies through research, and how to strategically communicate those policies to bring your ideas to fruition.

Public Policy/Juris Doctor
On-campus dual-degree program
Our Master in Public Policy degree program complements the Juris Doctor (offered at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law) with a broad grounding in the world of public policy. The two degrees are generally awarded after three-and-a-half years, offering substantial savings in both time and expense.

Master of Global Conflict and Human Security (GCHS)
Fully online program
Are you ready to sharpen your problem-solving skills and learn strategies for enhancing human security around the world? Carsey's online Master of Global Conflict and Human Security prepares students to solve the world's most pressing problems with a career in humanitarian relief and global development. This program is partnered with the Peace Corp to support Returned Peace Corp Volunteers with the Coverdell Fellowship.
Carsey Student Experience
Characterized by an engaging and experiential learning environment, we offer a diverse range of experiential programs and opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop their skills.

Accelerated Master's
Available for the MPP and MPA Degrees
Are you a UNH undergraduate who wants to earn a master's degree? Qualified UNH seniors (students with 90+ credits) can start earning graduate credits (up to 12) for select undergraduate courses and complete their master's degree in just 12 months while saving on the cost of tuition (up to $10,380). Make the most of your time at UNH and leave fully prepared to excel in your new career!

Continuing Education
Online classes
The Carsey School of Public Policy expanded its graduate programming to make selected courses available to anyone who wants to advance their learning. Study alongside practitioners, community changemakers, and graduate students learning the skills and tools needed to make a bigger impact in their communities.

Executive Education
Available for midcareer professionals!
The Carsey School's Executive Master of Public Administration (MPA) online program welcomes midcareer professionals with at least 5 years of relevant experience seeking opportunities to hone their leadership skills and advance their careers without leaving their current situation.

Graduate Certificates
Earn a Master's Degree and a Graduate Certificate in the same amount of time!
The University of New Hampshire Graduate School offers a number of certificate programs with courses that also meet the requirements for Carsey's three master's degrees. On our Graduate Certificate webpage, we identify some of the certificate programs that pair best with our degrees, allowing you to make your tuition stretch further while simultaneously advancing your skill sets and becoming more marketable.

The Changemaker Collaborative
A Carsey School/UNH partner program
The Changemaker Collaborative brings together students, faculty, staff, businesses, non-profits and government agencies committed to advancing positive change for the good of all. The Collaborative supports the next generation of skilled, courageous and confident leaders, through real-world experiences and the tools of public policy and business, while helping community partners advance their sustainability initiatives.
If you have questions about which Carsey graduate degree program is right for you, please contact our Academic team.