Northeastern University

Northeastern University (NU) is known for its experiential learning, providing both hands-on-learning and incorporating real life experience into their curriculum.  They accomplish this by having students students participate in co-operatives and research so that they may see real life applications of what they are learning in the classrooms as well as test and refine what they are learning.  This provides NU students with some of the strongest resumes for any graduating senior.  92% of NU graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school nine months after graduation.  Some have multiple job offer before graduating from their co-operative employers.

Undergraduates at NU attend one of eight colleges:

- the College of Arts, Media and Design

      ( School of Architecture and School of Journalism);

- the College of Business Administration

      (School of Technological Entrepreneurship);

- the College of Computer and Information Science;

- the College of Engineering;

- the College of Professional Studies

      (School of Education,  Lowell Institute School and the World Language Center);

- the College of Science; and

- the College of Social Sciences and Humanities

       (School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs

There is also a program for undeclared students if you don’t know to which school you want to apply.  The program introduces you to the broad range on academic opportunities available and advises you until you find the right fit.  Switching majors can be done but depending on the school can be difficult.  Health sciences only accepts transfers within NU.  Transferring to Engineering can also be difficult because of course requirements NU has  80 majors and nearly 200 major minors and specializations.

The experiential learning comes into play because NU students have the opportunity for 2 or 3 experiential learning experiences.  They choose.  If they choose to participate in two, they can graduate in four years.  If they pursue 3 experiences, they usually graduate in five years.  Experiential learning can take the form of co-operatives, 6 month full-time positions with organizations outside NU or research.  Co op starts second semester second year or fall a students 3rd year.  They can be degree related but do not have to be related.  On average the school helps students find 6000 co-ops every year at approximately 2400 organizations in 160 cities and 69 countries.  97% - 98% of students participate in at least one co-op. 

The other option for experiential learning is to participate in research.  Students pursuing degrees in security, sustainability and health are more likely to pursue some research experience.  The school has relationships with 37 active research centers, five federally funded labs and participates in research co-ops with hospitals, labs, units and corporations.

Located in the heart of Boston, the students not only benefit from the co-op and research opportunities right outside their door but also all the cultural and social events and possibilities.  NU students tend to have that entrepreneurial spirit.  You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do but you have to be excited to find out.