New Hampshire Geography Degree Programs

New Hampshire offers strong geography programs that combine academic excellence with the state’s diverse landscapes and proximity to major metropolitan areas. Students at Keene State College and the University of New Hampshire gain training in GIS, spatial analysis, and environmental studies while also developing skills in critical thinking, research, and problem-solving. With opportunities ranging from internships to study abroad, these programs prepare graduates for careers in urban planning, conservation, GIS technology, and public policy. Affordable tuition options and small class sizes make New Hampshire’s geography programs accessible while maintaining high academic quality.

This page provides a comprehensive guide to geography education in New Hampshire, including program rankings, affordability comparisons, and key highlights from each school. Visitors will find side-by-side profiles of Keene State College and the University of New Hampshire, covering curriculum strengths, credit requirements, tuition ranges, and career outcomes. The guide also explains which programs emphasize specialized GIS training, interdisciplinary research, or environmental applications. By presenting program details and cost considerations clearly, this page helps prospective students identify the best academic path for their career goals in geography.

2026 Best Geography Degree Programs in New Hampshire

If you're looking for the best geography degree programs in New Hampshire, you've come to the right place. At geographydegrees.org, we've put together a list of top schools to help you make a smart choice. Our rankings focus on things like program quality, faculty expertise, and job outcomes for graduates. We want to give you clear and reliable information to guide your education path. To learn more about how we create these rankings, check out our detailed process at https://www.geographydegrees.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

Keene State College

Keene, NH - Public 4-Year - keene.edu

Bachelor's - Geography

Campus Based - Visit Website

Keene State College's Bachelor of Arts in Geography prepares students to address global environmental and cultural challenges through hands-on learning and critical analysis. The program emphasizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with applications in public health, marketing, and urban planning, aligning with U.S. Department of Labor growth areas. Students complete 40 geography credits, developing skills in spatial technologies and problem-solving for careers in conservation and planning. A statistics course is recommended to enhance analytical capabilities. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for this bachelor's program.

• 40 credits required.
• Focus on GIS applications.
• Hands-on learning approach.
• Prepares for diverse careers.
• Statistics course recommended.
• Covers natural and cultural environments.
• Critical thinking skills development.
• Analytical problem-solving focus.
• Urban planning career path.
• Environmental conservation opportunities.

#2

University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH - Public 4-Year - unh.edu

Bachelor's - Geography Major

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of New Hampshire-Main Campus offers a comprehensive Geography major that integrates social and natural sciences to examine human-environment relationships. Students develop expertise in spatial analysis and digital mapping while addressing critical global issues such as climate change and urban development. The program features small class sizes, personalized advising, and hands-on learning through internships and study abroad opportunities. A capstone project and writing-intensive courses enhance research and analytical skills. This bachelor's program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and prepares graduates for careers in environmental conservation, planning, and other geography-related fields.

• Comprehensive foundation in geography.
• Skills in spatial analysis.
• Digital mapping techniques.
• Small class sizes.
• Personalized advising.
• Internship opportunities.
• Study abroad programs.
• Focus on global challenges.
• Blends social and natural sciences.
• Prepares for diverse careers.

*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

How to Choose the Right Geography School for You: A New Hampshire Program Guide

Selecting the right geography program in New Hampshire requires careful consideration of your academic goals, career aspirations, learning preferences, and financial situation. New Hampshire offers quality geography education opportunities that leverage the state’s diverse landscapes and proximity to major metropolitan areas, providing excellent contexts for geographic study and career preparation. Here’s a comprehensive analysis to help you determine which program aligns best with your objectives.

Consider Your Academic Level and Career Goals

Choose for Undergraduate Studies:

• Keene State College – Most affordable option ($11,800-$17,700 in-state) with specialized GIS focus
• University of New Hampshire – Comprehensive research university program with interdisciplinary approach

Choose for Specific Career Paths:

• GIS and Technology Careers – Keene State College (recognized by U.S. Department of Labor for spatial technologies)
• Environmental Conservation – Both programs offer strong environmental focus
• Urban Planning – Both programs provide urban planning career preparation
• Public Health and Marketing Applications – Keene State College (GIS applications across industries)
• Global Challenges and Climate Research – University of New Hampshire (interdisciplinary approach)

Choose for Academic Preparation:

• Graduate School Preparation – University of New Hampshire (research university environment)
• Professional Skills Development – Keene State College (hands-on learning emphasis)
• Interdisciplinary Studies – University of New Hampshire (social and natural sciences integration)

Evaluate Your Financial Situation

Most Affordable Option:

• Keene State College – $11,800-$17,700 annually (in-state), $20,900-$31,400 (out-of-state)
• University of New Hampshire – $15,300-$22,900 annually (in-state), $31,100-$46,700 (out-of-state)

Value Considerations:

• Keene State College offers significantly lower tuition costs
• Both programs provide strong career preparation and employment prospects
• Geographic location in New England provides access to diverse professional opportunities
• Small class sizes at both institutions provide personalized attention

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

• Keene State’s specialized GIS focus may provide immediate job market advantages
• UNH’s research university status may offer broader networking and research opportunities
• Both programs prepare students for growing employment sectors

Match Your Learning Preferences and Specializations

Technology and GIS Focus:

• Keene State College – Specialized emphasis on Geographic Information Systems
• U.S. Department of Labor recognition for spatial technologies training
• Industry applications in public health, marketing, and various sectors
• Statistics course integration for enhanced spatial analysis

Interdisciplinary and Research Approach:

• University of New Hampshire – Merges social and natural sciences
• Global challenges focus including climate change and urban sprawl
• Research university environment with broader academic resources
• Study abroad opportunities for international perspective

Hands-On Learning Emphasis:

• Keene State College – Hands-on learning approach with practical applications
• University of New Hampshire – Hands-on experiences through internships and field work
• Both programs emphasize practical skill development

Environmental and Conservation Focus:

• Both programs offer strong environmental conservation preparation
• New Hampshire’s landscape provides excellent field study opportunities
• Climate change and environmental policy emphasis

Consider Program Structure and Requirements

Credit Requirements:

• Keene State College – 40 credits in geography required
• Statistics course recommended for spatial analysis enhancement
• Focused curriculum with clear career pathway preparation

Academic Support:

• University of New Hampshire – Small class sizes with personalized advising
• Keene State College – Critical thinking and analytical problem-solving development
• Both programs provide individualized attention

Experiential Learning Opportunities:

• University of New Hampshire – Internship opportunities and study abroad programs
• Keene State College – Hands-on learning with real-world applications
• Both programs prepare students for diverse career paths

Geographic and Regional Advantages

New Hampshire Location Benefits:

• Access to diverse landscapes from mountains to coast
• Proximity to Boston for internship and career opportunities
• New England regional networks for professional development
• Four-season geography for varied environmental studies

Field Study Opportunities:

• White Mountains for physical geography and climate studies
• Coastal regions for marine and environmental geography
• Urban-rural interface studies throughout the state
• Regional planning and development analysis

Professional Networks:

• New England geography community connections
• Regional government and NGO partnerships
• Environmental consulting industry presence
• Academic and research collaboration opportunities

Admission Requirements and Accessibility

Admission Standards:

• Keene State College – Requires ACT or SAT scores
• University of New Hampshire – No specific entrance exam mentioned
• Both programs accessible to students with strong academic records

Program Accessibility:

• Keene State College – More affordable option for budget-conscious students
• University of New Hampshire – Research university resources and opportunities
• Both programs offer quality education in small state setting

Unique Program Features and Distinguishing Characteristics

Keene State College Advantages:

• U.S. Department of Labor recognition for spatial technologies focus
• Growing employment sector in spatial technologies
• Industry-relevant GIS applications across multiple sectors
• Cost-effective education with specialized skills training
• Statistics integration for enhanced analytical capabilities

University of New Hampshire Advantages:

• Research university environment with broader resources
• Interdisciplinary approach addressing global challenges
• Study abroad opportunities for international perspective
• Internship programs for practical experience
• Digital mapping techniques and spatial analysis skills

Career Preparation and Outcomes

Employment Sectors:

• GIS analysis and spatial technologies (both programs)
• Environmental consulting and conservation (both programs)
• Urban and regional planning (both programs)
• Public health applications (Keene State emphasis)
• Marketing and business analytics (Keene State GIS applications)

Skills Development:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving (both programs)
• Spatial analysis and digital mapping (both programs)
• Environmental policy and conservation (both programs)
• Technology and data analysis (both programs)

Quick Decision Framework

Choose Keene State College if: You want the most affordable option with specialized GIS training and immediate job market relevance

Choose University of New Hampshire if: You want comprehensive research university experience with interdisciplinary approach and study abroad opportunities

Choose Keene State if: You prefer focused, practical training in spatial technologies with industry applications

Choose UNH if: You want broader academic resources, research opportunities, and global perspective on geographic challenges

Choose either program if: You want small class sizes, personalized attention, and access to New England’s diverse geographic environments

Making Your Final Decision

The best New Hampshire geography program for you depends on balancing your academic goals, financial constraints, learning preferences, and career aspirations. New Hampshire’s geography programs benefit from the state’s strategic location in New England, providing access to diverse environments and proximity to major metropolitan areas for internships and career opportunities.

Consider your preference for specialized GIS training versus broad interdisciplinary education, cost considerations, and desired level of research university resources. Both programs prepare students for growing employment sectors and provide strong foundations for geographic careers.

Remember that New Hampshire’s compact size and diverse geography – from mountains to coast – provides excellent opportunities for field study and research, while its location within the New England megalopolis offers access to major urban centers for internships and career development.