EXPERIENCE NORTHEASTERN DISCOVER YOUR LEARNING PATH
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A Northeastern education is like no other. We integrate rigorous classroom learning with real-world experiences—through opportunities to study, work, research, and serve on seven continents. You’ll learn how to apply your knowledge, to solve problems, and to make a difference in the world—before you graduate. It’s a distinctive approach that prepares you to learn, grow, and succeed outside the familiar environment of the classroom.
The strength of a Northeastern education is experiential learning—powered by our signature co-op program—it enables you to explore your path, find your passion, and acquire the skills and knowledge that prepare you for a lifetime. There’s no other university experience quite like it. And, our graduates are like no others. With more than 150 majors in eight colleges and programs, we offer nearly limitless opportunities for you to create a distinctive learning journey—supported by an outstanding faculty of teachers and mentors who are experts in their fields. This unmatched combination of academic challenge, flexibility, and support makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience—one that you will shape for yourself. Here, each student’s academic journey is one of a kind. We invite you to create yours. 1
FLEXIBLE CUSTOMIZABLE RIGOROUS EXPERIENTIAL
CO-OP
Our experiential learning opportunities include co-op, global, research, and service. These immersive experiences, which are integrated into—and amplify—your classroom learning, can span anywhere from four weeks to a full year. They will make your academic experience distinctive, richer, and more powerful.
northeastern.edu/coop
Starting as early as your second year, you’ll integrate periods of classroom study with up to three six-month periods of full-time employment. These professional experiences will deepen and broaden your knowledge. You’ll bring a more informed and sophisticated perspective to the classroom, and you’ll discover early on whether your chosen path is right for you.
SERVICE Civic engagement is core to our mission and our students have many opportunities to engage with communities all over the world. You can choose to participate in community service programs, complete a service-oriented co-op, or take a course that incorporates service into the curriculum. northeastern.edu/admissions/service
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GLOBAL Our students are truly global citizens. You can explore the world—whether it is through a traditional study abroad at an international university, a global co-op, a Dialogue of Civilizations, or The N.U.in Program, a first-year global experience. With all of these choices, we offer more global opportunities than any other university. northeastern.edu/admissions/global
GUIDED + SUPPORTED We provide you with the guidance and support you need to explore everything Northeastern’s unique learning model offers. That’s why advisers will help you create your individual journey from the first moment you step on campus. As your goals and passions evolve or change, these same mentors will help you adjust your learning path to match your growing interests. For more information on how we help you make the most out of experiential learning at Northeastern, please see the flap on the last page.
RESEARCH Our students have access to research opportunities as early as freshman year. You can work alongside faculty members and postdoctoral researchers, present your findings at academic conferences, or complete a full-time research co-op with leading companies and research institutions. northeastern.edu/admissions/research 3
Each Northeastern student builds his or her own individual academic journey, informed by discoveries and decisions made along the way. In the following pages, you will see how eight very different students navigated Northeastern’s endless options to evolve their own distinct journeys.
CARLOS HAROLD
JILLIAN 4
SPENCER
KEVIN SIDD Discover Our Learning Paths
MEGAN MIMI “I don’t want you to fit into a mold that I create. I want you to create your own journey.” —Joseph E. Aoun, President, Northeastern University
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HAROLD
Fall
MUSIC INDUSTRY College of Arts, Media and Design
I started as a journalism major. Music was my passion, but I didn’t think of it as a viable career option.
Hometown: North Bennington, Vermont
This is My Learning Path
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
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“My time in the on-campus recording studio and my co-op helped me take my musical skills from a hobby to a profession.”
Fall
Co-op helped me realize that I could pursue my love of music as a career. I changed my major from journalism to music industry.
Spring
The skills I gained as a member of the Music Production/Music Recording Club have been vital. Using the campus recording studio, I learned the process of recording everything from full bands to single vocalists.
YEAR 4
YEAR 5
YEAR 3
Reflecting on My Learning Path
Spring + Summer I + II
I did my co-op with the Boston Red Sox in their Video Production Department; I was a video editor on “The Red Sox Report.” When they discovered my love of music, composing was incorporated into my job. One of the spots I composed was nominated for a New England Emmy!
“ Since graduating, I have been working at Levelsoundz Productions in L.A. I want to be constantly working with new and talented artists, and, of course, I still perform!”
GRADUATED
MAY
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JILLIAN
Fall
I joined the Sociology/Anthropology Student Association my freshman year. It’s an incredible community. We discuss current issues from a social science perspective. It’s a safe space that produces healthy and eye-opening conversations.
ANTHROPOLOGY College of Social Sciences and Humanities LINGUISTICS College of Science Hometown: Severna Park, Maryland
This is My Learning Path
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
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“Applying my real-world experiences in the classroom makes my courses infinitely more enriching. It’s not just a classroom experience—it’s a life experience.”
Reflecting on My Learning Path Summer II
I believe my greatest accomplishment has been my work with Boston North Young Life, an international nonprofit that does outreach to high school students. This work has taken a great amount of time and dedication, but I made friends from colleges across the Boston area. Seeing the positive effect we’ve had on the community has been so worth it!
“ My experiences have made me much more confident and independent. They have shaped me professionally and have had an intense effect on who I am as a person.”
I am Here YEAR 3 YEAR 4 Spring + Summer I
My first co-op was at EF Foundation for Foreign Study as a Compliance Coordinator. My time there was beneficial in that it allowed me to work in the field of education and taught me a lot about office culture and how to work in a business environment.
Spring + Summer I
YEAR 5 EXPECTED GRADUATION
My second co-op helped me discover the kind of professional environment in which I thrive. I did archival research at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. I worked for the Collections Officer, and I loved looking through the library’s vast collection. I learned that I prefer jobs where I am able to interact with others—that’s an even more interesting and rewarding experience. That’s why I’m so excited about my job offer from Boston North Young Life.
MAY
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CARLOS
Fall
My first year was incredibly perfect. I was in the International Business Living Learning Community (LLC), called Global Pathways, which was extremely diverse. I met people from all over the world and we became really close friends despite language and cultural barriers.
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION D’Amore-McKim School of Business Minor: Law, Public Policy, and Society College of Social Sciences and Humanities Member of the University Honors Program Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador
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YEAR 2
Spring
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I’ve been involved in many on-campus organizations like Entrepreneurs Club, Husky Ambassadors, International Orientation Leaders, and Resident Assistants. My favorite has been the Huntington Management Consulting team, where we design a strategy that addresses a specific problem for a real company.
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“At Northeastern, learning isn’t contained within four walls. I’ve learned more about the world, people, opportunities, and the importance of tenacity than anywhere else.”
YEAR 1
Cla
This is My Learning Path
Fall
Coming back to class after co-op changed my perspective. Usually your expectations of a class are defined by a syllabus, which isn’t the case with experiential learning. My classmates and I brought real experiences to the classroom; projects were more collaborative, presentations were tinged with personal stories, and homework was done not because it was required, but because you never know what you might discover.
Summer II + Fall
My second co-op taught me that, with perseverance and character, anyone can achieve their dreams. I was an Investment Operational Analyst at Wellington Management in London. I wanted to challenge myself and do something outside my comfort zone. Even though math isn’t my thing, I thought finance would be interesting and demanding. And to boot, I was able to spend four months living and working in London!
YEAR 3 I am Here YEAR 4
Reflecting on My Learning Path Spring + Summer I
During my first co-op at Adobe Systems I was part of the Digital Marketing Team. I managed online marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. My main office was located in San Francisco but Adobe’s headquarters are in San José, which meant I was able to travel to Silicon Valley two or three times a week. I had the time of my life!
“ I have a hard time believing everything that has happened in only a few years. But I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the people who have been with me, helping me, advising me, and lifting me up when I fall. ”
EXPECTED GRADUATION
MAY
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SPENCER
Fall
CIVIL ENGINEERING College of Engineering
I joined a sorority and, in my first year, we did over 1,000 hours of community service. I am also a mentor in the Pre-College Initiative, a program that pairs college students with kids in second through seventh grade.
Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania
I am Here YEAR 1
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Summer I + II
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I stayed on campus over the summer to take classes, work as an Orientation Leader, and intern at Janey Construction Management. I oversaw two projects, including the construction of the new science and engineering complex on campus.
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“The experiential learning model is unparalleled—amazing classes and experiences that all tie together. It’s hard to beat that.”
YEAR 2
Gl
This is My Learning Path
Summer II + Fall
For my first co-op, I want to stay in the Boston area, and maybe even continue the work from my internship. I think co-op will definitely help me on my path to becoming a civil engineer, and prepare me for graduate school.
Summer II + Fall
For my second and third co-ops, I want to expand my search and possibly go somewhere outside of Boston—like San Diego, Chicago, New York, or even abroad.
YEAR 4 YEAR 3
Summer I
YEAR 5
I’m hoping that I can pursue a Dialogue of Civilizations and take the opportunity to travel abroad or even conduct some research.
Reflecting on My Learning Path
EXPECTED GRADUATION
MAY
“ My favorite thing about Northeastern is the diversity. Getting to know each person’s story has really opened my eyes. I can’t wait to see the incredible things we all do after graduation.” 13
SIDD
MATHEMATICS College of Science BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION D’Amore-McKim School of Business
Summer II
Entered through the Program for Undeclared Students Member of the University Scholars Program
As a University Scholar, I was fortunate enough to apply for and receive a Scholars Independent Research Fellowship. With my professor’s mentorship, I was able to conduct an independent study on a taxi microfinancing initiative in my home country.
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
I am Here
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When I started as an undeclared student, I had five prospective majors. I was so confused. One professor in particular listened to my concerns, saw my passions, and gave me advice. With her help, I decided to combine my interests in applied math with my desire to make a financial impact on the world by declaring an interdisciplinary double major in mathematics and business administration.
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“Northeastern’s flexibility helped me discover that I could combine my deep interest in mathematics with something concrete, like business, through a double major.”
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
Gl
This is My Learning Path
Reflecting on My Learning Path “ The diversity of my fellow students has helped me think in different ways. And the more experiences I have outside of the classroom, the deeper our discussions become.” Fall
During this semester, I plan to study abroad in the U.K. I’m still choosing a school, but I’m excited about the possibility of gaining yet another global perspective.
YEAR 3 YEAR 4
EXPECTED GRADUATION
JANUARY
Spring + Summer I
At Bank of America Merrill Lynch, I am working in the Private Banking and Investment Group as a Private Wealth Associate. I’m getting firsthand experience applying my mathematical knowledge.
YEAR 5
Spring + Summer I
I hope to extend my time abroad by doing a global co-op, possibly in London, to continue to connect with the strong Northeastern network there. 15
MEGAN
PHYSICAL THERAPY Bouvé College of Health Sciences Concentration: Sports Strength and Conditioning Hometown: San Leandro, California
This is My Learning Path
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
“My adviser helped me find ways to balance life and work. I couldn’t have taken advantage of so much without her.”
Spring
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I walked on to the volleyball team and couldn’t be happier that I took that risk. I have been able to travel to so many places and go on great adventures with some of my closest friends while playing the sport I love.
Spring + Summer I
Summer II + Fall
My first co-op at the Dedham Health and Athletic Spine Center solidified my career path. The experience confirmed that I want to be a physical therapist. That’s what co-op is for—to allow you to get your toes wet in a particular industry and see if it fits your path.
My second co-op was at Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Associates. I became more confident in my abilities to be a personable and patient physical therapist. There is only so much you can learn about how to interact with patients in class, so having this experience has taught me how to interact with all different types of people.
YEAR 4
YEAR 5
Summer I + Fall + Spring
My three doctoral co-ops will include one at Physiotherapy Associates in Colorado and another at the Inpatient Rehab Facility at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.
I am Here
YEAR 3 Summer II
My Health Assessment and Wellness course was a service-learning class. It helped me further understand my role as a physical therapist and allowed me to help promote overall fitness and health in the community.
YEAR 6
Reflecting on My Learning Path “ There is no dividing line between academics and real-world experience here. My professors seamlessly incorporate our clinical work into our classes and often ask us to share our professional experiences.”
EXPECTED GRADUATION Doctor of Physical Therapy
MAY
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KEVIN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING College of Engineering
My interest is in translating the principles of engineering to the complex world of theatrical production. That’s why I chose to major in industrial engineering and pursue my interest in theatre through a minor. The faculty have been exceptionally supportive of my interdisciplinary work, as has the theatre club. That has been a wonderful laboratory for me to experiment with creative and technical skills.
Fall
Minor: Theatre College of Arts, Media and Design Member of the University Honors Program Hometown: Burlington, Massachusetts
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
Spring
“Northeastern is about crafting an academic experience that makes you passionate about what you’re learning, and using those skills in all sorts of industries.” 18
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My closest friends are the ones I made in my freshman year residence hall. The quality of the residential life experience was the initial push for our friendships, with all the programming the Resident Assistants provided for us.
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This is My Learning Path
Reflecting on My Learning Path “ After graduation, I will be stage managing for Company One Theatre in Boston. I couldn’t have made a better decision than Northeastern.”
Spring + Summer I
I did a co-op at Company One Theatre, where I found myself drawing on project management skills I developed at GE. Having had that professional experience made me much more comfortable tackling a high-budget project. I think one of my greatest accomplishments was when a show I worked on won two Eliot Norton Awards (Boston’s version of the Tony Awards)!
YEAR 3 YEAR 4
I am Here
YEAR 5 EXPECTED GRADUATION
MAY
Spring + Summer I
I completed two co-ops at GE Energy Management. The concepts I explored firsthand helped with a lot of my advanced engineering classes. Being able to pull from real-life examples made a huge difference. 19
MIMI
During NUterm, my friends, two professors, and I started authoring and drawing The Realm of Racket, a comic book which teaches programming through games. I never expected to have a book published, much less in my first year of college.
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND DIGITAL ART College of Computer and Information Science Hometown: Durban, South Africa
This is My Learning Path
Summer I
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
“I wanted to attend a college where the real world and the classroom were equally valued. At Northeastern, I’ve found that you can explore and experience anything you want.” 20
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I had the incredible opportunity to teach the lab section for a freshman course. The experience helped me further improve my communication and leadership skills. The most satisfying part was seeing how students who started the course with no programming experience were able to produce a fully functional game at the end of the course.
Spring + Summer I
Summer I + II + Fall
My first co-op at IntervalZero involved engineering test infrastructures for a real-time operating system platform. It helped me gain a detailed perspective on the design of a software product and gave me incredible in-depth knowledge of a new industry. I came to learn that the Quality Assurance Engineer has the most comprehensive perspective of the entire product and is therefore capable of contributing profound ideas to that product’s design.
Apple was truly amazing! My time there involved supporting and improving the factory process. I was able to apply the knowledge I gained during my first co-op and work alongside inspiring engineers from the U.S. and China. The experience provided the types of challenges that I had always craved and wanted to see.
YEAR 4
YEAR 5
YEAR 3
I am Here
Fall
I’ve been really involved in the outdoors club—I’ve hiked in Maine, biked from Boston to Provincetown, biked the Midnight Marathon (which takes the course of the Boston Marathon), snowboarded, skied, and wakeboarded.
Reflecting on My Learning Path
EXPECTED GRADUATION
MAY
“ My professors, mentors, and friends are my family away from home. I can’t wait to see my peers become the next top game designer, fiction writer, startup innovator, architect, and pediatrician.” 21
How do I create my own Northeastern journey?
We give you the tools to chart your own path: > Our flexible curriculum enhances your unique path; your advisers and faculty help you create it. > Time-to-degree varies between four or five years given your chosen path and number of experiential learning periods. > Take advantage of NUterm to maximize your academic and experiential options. > Our experiential opportunities include research, global, and service options, as well as our signature co-op program.
CO-OP 101 How do I find a co-op?
1. Meet with your faculty adviser and co-op coordinator 5. Choose an organization that fits you—our 2,900+ to create your plan.
2. Take the co-op introduction course. 3. Decide how many co-ops you want to take— up to three.
4. Determine where you want to go—from Boston to Dubai, Seattle to Beijing, Silicon Valley to Mumbai—we have experiential opportunities in over 128 countries and across the U.S.
established partners include Fortune 500 companies, global NGOs, healthcare organizations, government agencies, startups, research institutions, and more. Or create your own co-op!
6. As you submit your applications and prepare for
interviews, your co-op coordinator and our Career Development Office will support you.
7. Receive your job offers and choose your co-op position!
Where do I live while on co-op? > If you accept a co-op in the Boston area, you may continue living in campus housing. If you accept a co-op elsewhere, we will help you find housing and transportation. Are co-ops paid positions? > Most, but not all, co-ops are paid; compensation is set by the employer and varies by industry. Do I have to pay tuition while on co-op? > No, you only pay tuition when you are enrolled in academic courses.
99% OF GRADUATES WOULD RECOMMEND A CO-OP-BASED EDUCATION TO A FRIEND
85% OF GRADUATES WHO ARE EMPLOYED FULL TIME ARE DOING WORK RELATED TO THEIR FIELD OF STUDY
50% OF GRADUATES RECEIVE A JOB OFFER FROM A PREVIOUS CO-OP EMPLOYER
92% OF GRADUATES ARE WORKING FULL TIME OR IN GRADUATE SCHOOL WITHIN NINE MONTHS OF GRADUATION
Now that you have seen how some of our students formed their own paths, think about what opportunities you will pursue during your Northeastern journey. Join us and create yours.
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