Academics · Keene State College

Think critically. Act creatively. Serve the greater good."

Education with purpose and passion

Ryan LaLiberty

“The faculty and students here are on a first-name basis, with great opportunities for research.”

Ryan LaLiberty, American Studies major, now in graduate school

Your education – as a scholar, as a citizen – is our goal. At Keene State, academic excellence and civic responsibility go hand in hand. Working as an academic community, we accomplish this through:

Small classes and access to faculty from the start
A 100-year tradition of hands-on learning and service to others
Thorough preparation for careers and a purposeful life
Encouraging students to discern, to distill, to synthesize

This is the power of a liberal arts education. We call it wisdom to make a difference. More about Education with purpose and passion

Areas of Study

Chris Riley

“What I love about my major is that our design solutions have an enormous impact on people’s lives. We are designing the future.”

Chris Riley, Architecture major

Whatever you plan for your future, Keene State can give you the knowledge and skills to put you on the path to success. Whether you see yourself as an artist, a teacher, a nurse, a scientist, a physical trainer, a business leader, a designer for high-tech manufacturing – let your imagination be your guide – we offer over 40 areas of study to get you where you want to go. More about Areas of Study

Check out our list of programs – plenty of wise choices await.

Arts and Humanities

By understanding the human condition – the historical, cultural, and artistic influences that impact us all – we are positioned to participate in and shape the world around us through both our personal and professional lives. More about Arts and Humanities

Professional and Graduate Studies

Graduates of the Keene State College School of Professional and Graduate Studies are among the best prepared new professionals in education, safety studies, technology, and health science in New England. More about Professional and Graduate Studies

Sciences and Social Sciences

Education is a dynamic process – our students learn through research, service learning, and active citizenship. We emphasize critical thinking and creative problem solving as a way to approach any challenge. More about Sciences and Social Sciences

Mason Library

Mason Library is a student’s go-to place for articles, books, journals, laptops, printers, scanners, DVDs, CDs, bicycles (really), streaming music, “Ask a Librarian” live chat, interactive whiteboards for group projects, and so much more! More about Mason Library

Graduate Programs

$34,600

Minimum starting salary for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree, 2011-12*

$39,600

Minimum starting salary for a teacher with a master’s degree, 2011-12*

* Example taken from Monadnock (NH) Regional School District, courtesy New Hampshire Department of Education

Education (M.Ed. and certification programs): Keene State began as a teachers college, dedicated to raising the standards in that profession. Today we graduate hundreds of teachers each year with dual baccalaureate degrees in teaching and in a content area, and we also offer several graduate programs for educators. Our Graduate Studies office can help you reach your professional goal.

Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences (M.S.): Advanced study for individuals engaged in protecting the health and safety of employees in the workplace. More about Graduate Programs

Continuing Education

Morgan Mitchell

"Because of KSC's summer courses, I am graduating on time."

Morgan Mitchell, Journalism major

Continuing Education offers courses year-round:

For professional development
For students wanting to earn credits in the summer
To upgrade workforce skills
To satisfy your curiosity

The courses are open to all – simply pay tuition and fees on a per-credit basis at the time of registration. Our programs are flexible to accommodate busy schedules. More about Continuing Education

Academic & Career Paths

Job fair

Job fairs bring students face-to-face with prospective employers

The Academic and Career Advising (ACA) office helps students connect academic success in college with jobs and careers. KSC advisors help students develop realistic educational plans to meet their goals.

ACA helps new students make the transition to college
ACA helps all students decide on a major and map out the path to graduation
ACA sponsors job and internship fairs and career advisories
ACA teaches students how to write effective résumés and cover letters

Learn more about the wealth of services and support available to all students. More about Academic & Career Paths

Grants & Research

Why write grants?

“Learning deepens when our students move from being consumers of knowledge to producers of it by carrying out research or creative projects of their own design and choosing.”

Dr. Melinda Treadwell, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

At Keene State, students and faculty work together on funded research and scholarship projects, often as early as a student’s first year. The Office of Sponsored Projects and Research (OSPR) helps faculty, students, and staff write grants to fund original research, scholarly projects, and creative endeavors.

Some of the most powerful learning occurs when our students glimpse the process of innovation and creativity in real time by working closely with a faculty member.

OSPR news, how-to, success stories, and helpful hints: More about Grants & Research