Carsey School of Public Policy
The Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire is located in Huddleston Hall, on the campus of the University of New Hampshire in Durham. The Carsey School 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.
History
University of New Hampshire alumna Marcy Peterson Carsey, a 1966 cum laude graduate in English literature and the producer of such television shows as The Cosby Show, ''Roseanne, Grace Under Fire, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and That '70s Show'', established the Carsey Institute through a financial gift to the University in May 2002. In 2013, Marcy Carsey gave a second gift of $20 million to the University of New Hampshire to establish a school of public policy. This gift is the second largest in UNH’s history.In June 2014, Founding Director Michael Ettlinger joined the Carsey School of Public Policy, arriving from his post as a senior director at the Pew Charitable Trusts. Following his departure in January 2023 to return to policy work in Washington, DC, Daniel Bromberg—Carsey’s former director of academic programs and associate professor—became the interim director. In July 2024, joined Carsey as director, arriving from Clarkson University where he had established himself as a world-renowned and highly productive researcher in the fields of energy and environmental policy and as an award-winning professor and scholar.
Publications and Research
The Carsey School produces briefs that analyze complex data on pressing issues grounded in real-world conditions and tied to current policy debates. Current areas of interest include population trends, sustainable community development and finance, health, civic engagement, child care, public finance, and much more. The Carsey School also publishes a variety of briefs specific to New Hampshire.Academic Programs
The Carsey School offers four graduate degrees, including a Master in Community Development, a Master of Global Conflict and Human Security, a Master of Public Administration, and Master in Public Policy. Master in Public Policy students can also pursue a Master in Public Policy/Juris Doctor. In addition to its graduate degrees, the Carsey School offers public facilitator training through and offers a wide range of applied practitioner trainings in community development and equitable climate finance through the .Master in Community Development
Geared toward working professionals, the program prepares students for careers in community and economic development. Students learn the basis of community engagement and establish a foundation in sustainable and effective community development practices. A one-year executive degree option is available for this degree.Master in Global Conflict and Human Security
In the program, students acquire skills in international development policy and practice to build resilient societies in countries affected by state fragility, humanitarian crises, and conflict. They develop essential skills in data collection and analysis as well as project monitoring and evaluation.Master of Public Administration
In the program, the curriculum includes courses that cover concepts from management, public policy, budgeting, and planning, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of what it means to run an organization in the public and nonprofit sectors. A one-year executive degree option is available for this degree.Master in Public Policy
In the program, students engage in opportunities designed to deepen and broaden their education through meetings in Washington, DC, with key policymakers, government agencies, advocacy groups, and more while gaining practical experience through policy internships and capstone projects.Research Centers and Programs
The Carsey School oversees or contributes to a variety of programs and research centers, including the Center for Demography, the Center for Engaged Communities, New Hampshire Listens, the Center for Impact Finance, the Center for Social Policy in Practice, and the Changemaker Collaborative.Center for Demography
Population change exerts a significant impact on communities, families, and institutions. The engages in demographic research to inform public policy. Senior Demographer is a regular go-to for major media outlets and policy groups because of his expertise and ability to explain demographic information to a broad audience.Center for Engaged Communities
The is the home of NH Listens and expanding research on civic health and social trust. EnCo bridges the gap between people and policy. The Center supports communities and organizations in building strong pathways for civic participation, skills for navigating controversy, and reliable information to guide the way. In 2017, NH Listens received an , a Civvy, for its efforts to strengthen communities.Center for Impact Finance
The addresses income and wealth inequality and increases access to capital for under-served communities through research, training, and practitioner driven solutions. With a successful track record of working within communities and as respected national thought leaders in the field, the Center conducts original applied research, develops initiatives, designs programs, and implements financing products, projects, and policies that address societal challenges.Center for Social Policy in Practice
The collects, analyzes, and translates data that community stakeholders can use to design and deliver equity-enhancing programs and policies. The Center has special expertise in finding stories in messy data, focusing on topics that expose inequalities, and identifying methods for addressing them. It is home to the , which works to coordinate applied research on the state’s ECE system.Changemaker Collaborative
The is a joint partnership of UNH’s Sustainability Institute, the Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics, and the Carsey School of Public Policy.Funders
The Carsey School is funded through the support of philanthropic institutions, public and non-profit agencies, individuals, and a founding gift endowed by Marcy Carsey. Some of the school's funders have included Annie E. Casey, Couch Family Foundation, Everyday Democracy, Carnegie Corporation of New York, JPMorgan Chase Bank, NASA, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, Volunteer NH, Washington Center for Equitable Growth, The Mastercard Foundation, Regional Economic Development Center, and many other foundations and private donors.Notable faculty
- , director of the and political science professor at the
- , senior demographer and sociology professor at the ; awarded the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship to advance research in social sciences and humanities
- , founding director of the and professor for the Carsey School and Peter T. Paul College; former dean of the School of Community Economic Development at Southern New Hampshire University
- Jake Sullivan, Carsey School senior fellow; former United States National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden
- , founding director of the Carsey School of Public Policy; former senior director for the Fiscal and Economic Policy Portfolio at The Pew Charitable Trusts
- David Finkelhor, senior fellow and a Master in Public Policy professor; American sociologist known for his research into child sexual abuse and related topics
Fellowships