Experiential Learning
Learning that integrates the classroom and the real world.
Experiential learning, anchored by our signature cooperative education program, lies at the heart of academic life at Northeastern. The integration of study and professional experience enables students to put ideas into action through work, research, international study, and service in 148 countries around the world.
Co-op
Get real-world experiences that put classroom learning to the test. Through this unique, game-changing learning model, you’ll be on the right path toward a successful career—and become a global citizen in this global economy.
Global Experience
Don’t just explore the world—experience it. Study it. Shape it. Our global experience students work, study, and research in 148 countries across the globe.
Research
Engage in cutting-edge research with the best in that field—all you need is curiosity, a strong work ethic, and the passion for making a positive impact in the world. At Northeastern, research is not limited to one field of study, you can participate in research in a variety of fields from the humanities to health sciences, from the arts to business.
Service-Learning
Apply the concepts you learn in class to empower people and communities in the U.S. and across the globe. Service-learning courses teach you to spark reform and allow you to interact with the community on ideas outside of the classroom.
The Value of a Co-op Education
Our programs engage students with the world through professional work, research, and service on seven continents. Our signature cooperative education “co-op” program provides the opportunity for you to apply your knowledge through six-month periods of full-time employment here or abroad, alternating semesters with academic study. You’ll bring these life experiences back to the classroom, significantly enhancing your academic curriculum through reflection and application.Then you'll learn how to transform ideas into impact and become global citizens with successful careers. Further, we provide maximum flexibility so you can pursue experiential learning opportunities in ways that achieve your academic goals. See how eight different students leveraged experiential learning opportunities to elevate their educational path and broaden their understanding of their chosen field of study.
So what exactly is Experiential Learning at Northeastern?
The best way to answer this question is through our students, who have leveraged experiential learning opportunities to craft purposeful educational paths, enhance their global perspective, and gain new knowledge that propels them forward.
"I did my co-op with the Boston Red Sox in their Video Production Development, I was a video editor “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! 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."
- Harold, Co-op
"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."
- Jillian, Service
"My 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!"
- Carlos, Global Co-op
12,127
Number of Students on Co-op in 2022.
92%
of Northeastern students would recommend co-op to a friend.
3,003
undergraduates participated in at least one global experience in the 2021-2022 academic year.
2,042
Patent applications filed by faculty and students since 2006.
30+
research centers on campus.
2,367
students participated in Service Learning in 2021-2022.