STUDENT
THINKGLOBALLY ACTLOCALLY
The Student Experience Guidebook is intended to provide an overview of Academic Programs in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and key curricular and co-curricular resources. Please keep it handy and refer to it often. The School staff and faculty will be happy to provide additional information and clarification regarding any questions that you may have.
For any questions about the Policy School and your experience as a student, please contact Michele Rosenthal, Associate Director for Academic Programs, at m.rosenthal@northeastern.edu.
If you need assistance with registration, support, or general advising, please contact Ruth Thermidor, Graduate Program Administrator, at r.thermidor@northeastern.edu.
A Note from Director Maria Ivanova
For nearly two decades, the Policy School at Northeastern University has been a vanguard in public policy and urban affairs. Our mission centers on interdisciplinary research, policy-oriented training, and meaningful community involvement.
We cultivate thinkers and doers, poised to transcend conventional limits and combine disciplines. These capabilities prepare students to develop actionable solutions across local, national, and global landscapes.
Faculty and graduate students engage in multi-faceted research projects. These range from addressing social issues in Boston and Oakland to national policy modeling. Our global efforts lead in areas like environmental governance and social justice. Across these tiers, urban resilience and sustainability are recurring themes, reinforcing our holistic approach to problemsolving
Our experiential learning framework includes six-month co-op opportunities across various sectors. These co-ops arm students with the skills and experience needed to navigate today's multifaceted job market confidently.
Policy School graduates contribute to diverse fields including government, business, non-profits, international organizations, and academia.
As you begin your academic journey, I welcome you to our dynamic community, supporting you in becoming trailblazers in the policy arena.
Maria Ivanova Director, School
of Public Policy and Urban Affairs
School Community Values
“With a foundation of impactful scholarship and experiential learning, we seek to inform, innovate, and inspire.”
Maria Ivanova,
Director of the Policy School
Policy School students model excellence in action as they frame their educational experiences and future pathways around a core question: “What are you going to do for the world?”
Faculty and staff in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs are committed to working with students to provide opportunities for research, experiential learning, and active engagement. The pursuit of your master's degree will provide opportunities for you to create a pathway to support efforts related to sustainability, equity, and health issues, among others, at all levels of governance.
The faculty and staff in the Policy School will work to provide you with a holistic experience that will help to broaden opportunities through guidance, accessible academic resources, and support to make connections.
We encourage you to engage. The Policy School would not be a community without you!
Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic Appeals Process
Northeastern students are able to appeal their final grade in a course at the College level through the academic appeals process. This involves having formal discussions with the course professor, Program Director, and then the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. For the detailed process on appeals please visit here.
Academic Standing and Progress
All students are monitored for academic progress. Those students whose grade point average (GPA) falls below a 3 0 and are/or not making satisfactory academic progress are notified by and meet with the Associate Director of Academic Operations. They are counseled that if their GPA does not rise to a 3.0 or higher they run the risk of not graduating and are advised on strategies for improvement in collaboration with their Faculty Advisor.
Campus Transfer
Northeastern University encompasses several campuses across the global network. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Master of Public Policy & Master of Public Administration program is offered at the Oakland campus and the Arlington campus. Students interested in experiencing one of these campuses may request a campus transfer to complete their program Please consult with your advisor and the Graduate Program Administrator before beginning the campus transfer process.
Graduation Requirements
Students in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities need to meet certain academic requirements to graduate and must complete the application to graduate. All Policy School programs require students to complete all core and elective courses, and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Individual programs may have additional requirements that are listed in the academic program section.
Incomplete Grades
On occasion, students will not be able to complete coursework for a class and can request an incomplete grade. The student and the professor will determine if an incomplete grade is appropriate, outline the outstanding assignments, and decide on a timely deadline for the work to be completed, 1 month being the maximum allotted timeframe. An incomplete grade contract will need to be completed and approved by the College of Social Science and Humanities. If the coursework is not completed by the deadline, the incomplete (I) remains on the student's academic record
Leave of Absence
Personal and/or professional circumstances may require time away. Please review the information noted here regarding sanctioned leaves from the University. Find more information here.
Military Deployment and Veterans Support
Staff members in the Dolce Center for the Advancement of Veterans (CAVS) can provide helpful information related to military deployment and veteran specific information. Find more information here.
Maintaining International Student Status
Staff members in the Northeastern University Office of Global Services (OGS) provide timely information to ensure that international students remain in compliance. Find updated and timely information on how best to maintain status every semester here.
Registering for classes
Registration for the next term begins during each semester. For information on when registration begins, please refer to the academic calendar. Prior to registration Policy School Administrators will send the School's course offerings for the upcoming semester to students in order to prepare for registration. Students will be able to register for at their indicated time slot on the StudentHub. For detailed instructions on how to register for classes please refer to the instructions here.
Transfer Credit Guidelines
Students can petition for graduate level credits from another institution to be transferred towards their degree program. Students must meet with their Program Director to determine if the transfer course has a suitable Northeastern equivalent in the degree program; however, transfer credit is at the discretion of the Program Director. The university can accept up to 12 credit hours not already applied to a previous degree awarded.
University Withdrawal
Students wishing to withdraw from their program at Northeastern University are able to do so after meeting with their advisor. Then they may withdraw by completing a form located on the Student Hub
Health and Wellbeing Resources
Active Minds
Active Minds is a student run group focusing on creating dialogue about mental health on campus. They aim to advocate for students and bring about general awareness through weekly meetings and programming
Alcohol and Other Drug Support
The Confidential Resource Advisor can provide students with free, confidential, nonjudgmental, restorative, and trauma-informed services or group discussions. These ‘checkins’ provide an opportunity to discuss, receive personalized feedback and develop strategies to help students make informed decisions.
307 Ell Hall, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm
Phone: 617.373.4459
Email: open@northeastern.edu
Care.com
Care.com works with graduate students to access family care benefits, including a searchable database of providers for family care needs, such as care for an elderly adult, child, home, pet, or tutoring, and backup for last-minute, in-home or in-center childcare, or in-home adult care.
Center for Student Involvement
The Center for Student Involvement runs signature, campus-wide programs throughout the entire calendar year. You’re invited!
Cultural Life at Northeastern
Cultural identities and spirituality are meaningful and essential parts of many students’ lives, on our campus and in the world We host several Months and Weeks, or Signature Events, dedicated to a multitude of identities throughout each year Celebrating our heritages, histories, and all the intricacies of our most authentic selves are crucial pieces of Building Understanding, Educating Across Difference, and Empowering One Another.
Find a comprehensive list of centers affiliated with Cultural Life and Spirituality and their locations on campus here
Find@Northeastern
Find@Northeastern offers 24/7 mental health and support/resources and referrals to help you find yourself, your peace of mind, and your distinctive path.
Phone: +1.877.233.9477 (U.S.), 855.229.8797 (Canada) or +1.781.457.7777 (Intl.)
Headspace
All Northeastern students are given free access to the entire Headspace library. Headspace is your personal guide, with hundreds of meditations and exercises for sleep, focus, and movement
LGBTQA+ Resource Center
The LGBTQA resource center initiates and sustains programs and services that enrich the holistic development of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual students and their allies here at Northeastern University. They also provide resources related to education and training, healthcare, and resources for parents and family members.
Center Annex, 328 Curry Student Center
Email: lgbtqa@northeastern.edu
Northeastern Police (NUPD)
NUPD provides emergency assistance and safety escorts on campus and in the surrounding areas. 617.373.3333, Non-emergency 617.373.2121
Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR)
The role of the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) is to review all reports it receives to determine if an alleged violation of the Code of Student Conduct occurred. If it is determined that an alleged violation occurred, OSCCR will oversee or
directly resolve complaints of this alleged violation; OSCCR does not represent either party Our goal is to discuss choices and decision-making, assist students as they consider future behavior, and provide resources and connections to benefit a student’s growth and learning.
OPEN online courses
Building Resilience Skills Course
Alcohol Skills Training Course
Sexual Violence Prevention Course
Bystander Intervention Course
These OPEN online courses are designed to support all members of the Northeastern community.
307 Ell Hall, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm
Phone: 617-373-4459
Email: open@northeastern edu
Sexual Violence Resource Center
OPEN’s Sexual Violence Resource Center offers confidential, trauma-informed support services for students who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation or abuse, domestic violence, and/or stalking.
407 Ell Hall
To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with an SVRC staff member, fill out this: confidential form.
SilverCloud
SilverCloud is a digital on-demand health and well- being platform that provides students with customized strategies to manage depression, anxiety, sleep issues, stress, resilience and more. With SilverCloud you can choose to self-guide or work with a SilverCloud coach who will support you throughout the process. The platform will help you build the tools that could improve your days – and your academic performance.
Spiritual Advising sessions
Northeastern’s one-on-one Spiritual Advising sessions are available to all members of the student community SAs offer assistance and support for a wide range of spiritual and personal needs. All are welcome!
203 & 206 Ell Hall
Phone: 617.373.2728
Email: csds@northeastern.edu
University Health & Counseling Services
Forsyth Building, 1st Floor 70
Forsyth Street, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617.373.2772
Email: uhcs@northeastern.edu
WeCare
The WeCare office assists students experiencing unexpected challenges to maintain their academic progress
226 Curry Student Center
Phone: 617.373.7591
Email: wecare@northeastern.edu
Togetherall
Togetherall is a peer-to-peer mental health support community which is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Available 24/7, students can set up a Togetherall account and get support today. Licensed and registered mental health practitioners, called Wall Guides, monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members
Academic Resources
Academic Calendar
All important school dates such as registration/drop deadlines.
Co-op Advising
Please contact the co-op advising office for information and advising about all aspects of the co-op application process
180 Renaissance Park
Phone: 617-373-3980
Email: CSSHCoop@neu.edu
Disability Resource Center
Northeastern University and the Disability Resource Center are committed to providing disability services that enable students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act to participate fully in the activities of the university. To receive accommodations through the DRC, students must provide appropriate documentation that substantiates a disability and demonstrates a current significant limitation
Accommodations are provided based on an evaluation of the information provided by students, and their clinicians, on a case-bycase basis. These services are available for, but not limited to, students with the following diagnoses:
Learning disabilities and/or ADHD
Autism spectrum disorders
Chronic or degenerative disorders
Hearing loss
Mobility impairments
Psychiatric disorders
Traumatic or acquired brain injury
Vision impairments
Students should provide documentation to the DRC at their earliest convenience to allow for sufficient time for review. After the documentation has been reviewed, a disability
specialist will contact the student regarding appropriate next steps.
20 Dodge Hall, Mon-Fri, 8:00am-6:00pm
Phone: 617.373.2675
Email: DRC@northeastern.edu
Global Student Success
Global Student Success (GSS) offers tutoring, workshops, and classes to support Northeastern University's international and multilingual students From workshops that focus on different skills and strategies for academic, cultural, professional, and social success to comprehensive English-language tutoring, GSS is dedicated to helping Northeastern's international community.
101 Belvidere Street, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
Phone: 617.373.2455
Email: GSS@northeastern.edu
Graduate Student Government
The voice of the graduate student community. Graduate Student Government works with administration, staff, and students to improve all aspects of student life
236 Curry Student Center
Email: GSG@northeastern.edu
Northeastern Student ID: Husky Card
Husky Card Services manages all services associated with the Husky Card at Northeastern University. The Husky Card is the official identification card at Northeastern University and is issued to students, faculty, staff, alumni, contractors, conference attendees, and more.
Along with identification, the Husky Card is also used for building/residence hall access, parking, laundry, printing, vending, dining services, library book check-out, discounts and more. The Husky Card can also be used as a debit card. When you add money to your Husky Dollar account, you will be able to pay for food and services at many locations in and
around the University. Please note that no cash withdrawals are permitted with a Husky Card.
4 Speare Commons - Lower Level
Phone: 617.373.8740
Off Campus Engagement and Support
Off Campus Engagement and Support at Northeastern provides support and education related to off-campus housing, renter’s rights knowledge and off-campus responsibilities
151 Speare Hall, Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 617.373.8480
Email: offcampus@northeastern.edu
Office of Global Services
The Office of Global Services (OGS) is an active resource to over 20,000 international students and scholars from 147 different nations across the world. We provide the professional expertise and support you need to maintain compliance through immigration, academic, and your employment experiences helping you remain a valuable member of the Northeastern community
354 Richards Hall
Phone: +1-617-373-2310
Fax: +1-617-373-8788
Email: ogs@northeastern.edu
Office of the University Ombuds for Graduate Students
Northeastern University's Ombuds for Graduate Students offers confidential, impartial, and informal assistance to graduate students who have concerns related to their university experience. Visit the Ombuds Contact page to reach out.
Student Financial Services
Student Financial Services (SFS) is committed to working with you to identify financial aid options that can help you make a Northeastern education affordable. Our expert team will help you navigate the forms, terminology,
numbers, and deadlines associated with applying for and receiving financial aid. Together, we’ll create a financial plan that makes sense for you and your family’s unique financial circumstances.
354 Richards Hall, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
Phone: 617.373.5899
Email: gradsfs@northeastern.edu
Student Hub
This is the central place for all student information This is where you can access: Class Scheduling/ Course Registration. Canvas: all courses are housed here, please make sure to check this daily Billing Information and Financial Services
Snell Library Resources
Our Library Specialists, Roxanne Palmatier and Kathy Herrlich, are here to help with any research endeavors our students may have. Here is the Public Policy and Urban Affairs research guide.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is a free service open to students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Northeastern and exists to help writers at any level, and from any academic discipline, in their written and visual communication.
Career Resources
The Northeastern University Office of Employer Engagement and Career Design is a wonderful office that offers programs, individual, and group support. Visit their site to explore possibilities.
In addition, each Thursday beginning September 26th from 1:00-3:00pm EST, resume and career tools guidance will be provided through workshops and individual coaching. Please reach out to Dr. Beverly Ballaro at b.ballaro@northeastern.edu with any questions that you may have in preparation for your visit.
Employer Engagement and Career Design
Employer Engagement and Career Design serves a diverse and sustainable global network of learners, alumni, and employers, forming a powerful ecosystem that nurtures lifelong career design and partnerships by enabling learners to: Take advantage of experiential learning opportunities
Make career decisions that will engage students and alumni in productive and fulfilling work
Prepare for and conduct successful job searches
Create meaningful and effective engagement with employers
Contribute to meeting global and societal needs
We collaborate closely with the co-op community in all colleges and campuses across the global university while offering a dynamic framework of career design as lifelong learning with distinctive advising and programs to support learners at all stages of their journey. We are committed to supporting all students and employer partners in eliminating biases and inequitable systems
that stand in the way of achieving their goals and fostering an inclusive and just society.
103 Stearns Center
Phone: 617.373.2430
Email: careers@northeastern.edu
Policy School Professional Opportunity Board
This internship and job board is updated regularly with internship and job opportunities relevant to the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. Internship Waiver or Approvals must be submitted as soon as possible but before your last semester
Approval Forms: MPA, MPP
Waiver Forms: MPA, MPP
These forms can also be found by searching in the search bar on the Policy School website: Master of Public Policy/Administration Program Internship waiver/approval form.
On-Campus Job Opportunities
Many on-campus job opportunities are available at Northeastern and can be found using these links:
Our on-campus job listings page NUworks Service Learning TA opportunity
Canvas Community Page
Additional career opportunities are posted through our Canvas Community page in announcements
Funding Opportunities/Fellowships
Funding Opportunities/Fellowships
Opportunities to apply for funding for students who accept unpaid/low-paid internships, fellowships, or co-ops are available for our students. The School recognizes that public and non-profit organizations are often unable to pay interns.
Fishman Family Fellowship
Awards to help support full-time unpaid/low-paid internships or co-op.
Policy School Advisory Committee
Equity & Justice Fellowship
Awards to help support full-time or parttime unpaid/low-paid internships or coop.
Policy School Fellowship
Awards to support projects that contribute to advancing public service.
Civic Action Project (CAP) Graduate Student Fellowships
The CAP Fellowship program is “realworld” skills training focused on political strategies and tactics needed to advance public policy.
Graduate Student Government (GSG) Individual Conference Funding
Current full-time master’s students may request funding for costs associated with attending a conference
PhD Network Travel Funding
The PhD Network offers travel funding to enable PhD students to present research in venues that will provide professional development and visibility to enhance careers.
Policy School Programming
Academic Planning Webinars
Academic planning webinars offer group advising and community engagement for each academic program.
Career Thursdays
Career Thursdays combine programming (ex. resume development, networking simulation, effective cover letters, etc.) and opportunities for 1:1 meetings.
Coffee and Conversations
Facilitated by Policy School Faculty and/or special guests, Coffee and Conversations provide a space to discuss current events and Policy-related issues.
Director Dialogues
Director Dialogues provide the opportunity for a small group of students to meet with
Maria Ivanova and discuss issues of interest, solicit feedback, and to get to know one another. Anyone can sign up to attend a Director Dialogue!
Industry and Alumni Panels
Industry and Alumni Panels provide students with opportunities to learn about potential career pathways in fields reflecting the range of Policy School academic programs.
PhD Happy Hours
These Happy Hours give PhD students the chance to connect with one another. Faculty are also be invited to attend.
Policy School Capstone Information session
This session provides students with critical
information about all aspects of the Capstone program.
Policy School Town Hall
Town Hall meetings are open to all Policy School students to solicit feedback and receive information about upcoming programming and events.
*Find detailed event information, plus additional programming, on the Policy School Community Canvas page.
Graduate Program Information
The School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs has five graduate programs, each with a unique curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. In this section, each program will be highlighted including degree checklists, degree requirements, and course sequencing to assist students in completing their degree.
Master of Arts in International Affairs
Program Director – Julie Garey
We live in an increasingly interconnected global environment where people, goods, ideas and conflicts traverse borders with rising frequency. Leaders in the activist, policy and academic spheres must learn not only how to critically analyze these phenomena but also to envisage harnessing their constructive potential. The Master of Arts (MA) in International Affairs is an interdisciplinary graduate program dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s global citizens.
A holistic approach to enhancing our understanding of the world must span the limits of any one academic field and embrace cross-disciplinary analytical competencies. Spanning several social sciences and humanities, our courses are taught by leading scholars who research democratization, gender, globalization, ethnic conflict and cooperation, human rights and international law, international relations, social activism, social justice and many other topics.
Academic Requirements
36 Semester credits (37-38 with optional Co-op)
Political Economy Core
Complete 8 semester hours from the following:
SOCL 7221 Globalization, Development, and Social Justice
POLS 7387 Global Governance
INTL/PPUA 5268 International Environmental Policy
Social Science and Methods Core
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
ECON 5110 Microeconomic Theory
ECON 5120 Macroeconomic Theory
ECON 7251 International Finance
INSH 6300 Research Methods in the Social Sciences
INSH 6500 Statistical Analysis INSH
Public Policy Core
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
PPUA 6502 Economic Analysis for Policy and Planning
PPUA 6506 Techniques of Policy
PPUA
Sustainability and Climate Change
Complete 12 semester hours from the following:
ENVR6150 Food Security and Sustainability
LPSC7312 Cities, Sustainability, and Climate Change
PPUA 5100 Climate and Development
PPUA 5231 Transportation Policy
PPUA 5234 Land Use and Urban Growth Policy
PPUA 5238 Climate Change and Global Urbanization
PPUA 5249 Sustainable Urban Coastal Policy
PPUA 5260 Ecological Economics
PPUA 5261 Dynamic Modeling for Environmental Decision Making
PPUA 5264 Energy Democracy and Climate Resilience: Technology, Policy, and Social Change
PPUA 5268 International Environmental Policy
PPUA 5270 Food Systems and Public Policy
PPUA 6101 Environmental Policy Seminar
Core Course Sequencing
MA in International Affairs degree can be completed on ground in Boston, online, or a combination of the two. We recommend students focus on taking their core classes before taking electives, when possible. The MA in International Affairs program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters, but the average time to completion is 4 semesters or two academic years.
For students wanting to complete their degree in an online format, please see the following online course offerings schedule. At this time, this list is not complete due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program. This sequence is subject to change.
Course Course Title Fall Spring Summer
INSH 6300 Research Methods
INSH 6500 Statistics
PPUA 6502 Economic Analysis for Policy
PPUA 6506 Techniques of Policy Analysis
PPUA 6507 Institutional Leadership
PPUA 6509 Techniques of Program Evaluation
PPUA 6551 Nonprofit Organizations and Social Change
IP OL IP OL, FS
IP OL IP
IP OL IP OL, V
OL IP
SOCL 7221 Globalization, Development, and Social Justice IP
POLS 7387 Global Governance IP
Master of Public Administration
Program Director – Linda Kowalcky
The Master of Public Administration is a management and leadership degree for those seeking to serve the public good. The program seeks to equip its students with skills in policy analysis, program evaluation, research methods, and written and verbal communications. Students have an opportunity to develop competencies in budgeting and human resources, organizational management and leadership, and the interplay between ethics and accountability in a diverse society.
Throughout the degree program, students gain career-oriented experience through internships, small group projects, and other interactions with professionals in the field. These experiences are designed to enable the Northeastern University MPA graduate to move into a wide array of public and nonprofit sector positions at the local, state, national, and international levels. The Northeastern MPA program is nationally accredited by NASPAA.
Internship Eitheraninternshipapprovalformorwaiverformisrequired.
AninternshipisrequiredofMPAstudentswhodonothaveatleastoneyearofprofessional experienceinthepublicornon-profitsector.MPAstudentinternshipsbeatleast300hours.Acoopcansubstitute.Studentswhoneedtheinternshipforgraduationmustsubmitaninternship approvalformforreviewandwillbeenrolledina0credithourcourse(notuition)thatwillappear ontheirtranscript.Studentswiththerequiredexperiencecanapplyforaninternshipwaiver.
InternshipApprovalForm
InternshipWaiverForm
Optional Concentration
Core Course Sequencing
The MPA degree can be completed on ground or online. We recommend students focus on taking their core classes before taking electives, when possible. The MPA program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters, but the average time to completion is 4 semesters or two academic years.
For students wanting to complete their degree in an online format, please see the following online course offerings schedule. This sequence is subject to change.
Program
Director – Linda Kowalcky
The Master of Public Policy is the recognized industry standard for those seeking careers in public policy analysis and design. The MPP degree emphasizes the analysis of data and other relevant information to enable graduates to assess public problems, develop appropriate policy responses, and evaluate program effectiveness. MPP graduates enter careers as policy analysts, researchers, consultants, program evaluators, and policymakers in a broad range of public and nonprofit settings, ranging from the local to the international, and in the private sector.
Internship Eitheraninternshipapprovalformorwaiverformisrequired.
AninternshipisrequiredofMPPstudentswhodonothaveatleastoneyearofprofessional experienceinthepublicornon-profitsector.MPPstudentinternshipsbeatleast225hours.Aco-op cansubstitute.Studentswhoneedtheinternshipforgraduationmustsubmitaninternshipapproval formforreviewandwillbeenrolledina0credithourcourse(notuition)thatwillappearontheir transcript.Studentswiththerequiredexperiencecanapplyforaninternshipwaiver.
InternshipApprovalForm
InternshipWaiverForm
Optional Concentration
Healthcare Management and Policy OR Sustainability and Climate Change Policy
Health Management
Complete 3 semester hours from the following:
HRMG 6220 Health Organization Management
STRT 6220 Strategic Management for Healthcare Organizations
SCHM 6223 Managing Healthcare Supply Chain Operations
Health Policy
Complete 3 or 4 semester hours from the following:
PPUA 7240 Health Policy and Politics
PPUA 7247 U.S. Health Reform: Past, Present, and Future
PHTH 5234 Economic Perspectives on Health Policy
Elective
Complete 3 semester hours from the following:
PHTH 5120 Race, Ethnicity, and Health in the United States
PHTH 5212 Public Health Administration and Policy
PHTH 5214 Environmental Health
PHTH 5222 Health Advocacy
PHTH 5224 Social Epidemiology
PHTH 5230 Global Health
PHTH 6200 Principles and History of Urban Health
PHTH 6204 Society, Behavior, and Health
PHTH 5212 Public Health Administration and Policy Total Healthcare Management and Policy Concentration Credits Completed: 0/12 or 13
Continue to next page for information on the sustainability and climate change policy concentration.
Sustainability and Climate Change Policy
Complete 12 semester hours from the following:
ENVR6150 Food Security and Sustainability
LPSC7312 Cities, Sustainability, and Climate Change
PPUA 5100 Climate and Development
PPUA 5231 Transportation Policy
PPUA 5234 Land Use and Urban Growth Policy
PPUA 5238 Climate Change and Global Urbanization
PPUA 5249 Sustainable Urban Coastal Policy
PPUA 5260 Ecological Economics
PPUA 5261 Dynamic Modeling for Environmental Decision Making
PPUA 5264 Energy Democracy and Climate Resilience: Technology, Policy, and Social Change
PPUA 5268 International Environmental Policy
PPUA 5270 Food Systems and Public Policy
PPUA 6101 Environmental Policy Seminar
Complete 8 semester hours of elective courses from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities graduate level courses. 8
Total Sustainability and Climate Change Concentration Credits Completed: 0/20
Continue to next page for a schedule of the core courses.
Core Course Sequencing
The MPP degree can be completed on ground in Boston or Arlington, online, or a hybrid combination. We recommend students focus on taking their core classes before taking electives, when possible. The MPP program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters, but the average time to completion is 4 semesters or two academic years.
For students wanting to complete their degree in an online format, please see the following online course offerings schedule. This sequence is subject to change.
INSH 6300 Research Methods
INSH 6500 Statistics
LPSC 7311 Strategizing Public Policy
FS
PPUA 5260 Ecological Economics IP OL, S1
PPUA 5262 Big Data for Cities IP OL
PPUA 5263 Geographic Information Systems
PPUA 6502 Economic Analysis for Policy
PPUA 6505 Public Budgeting
PPUA 6506 Techniques of Policy Analysis
PPUA 6509 Program Evaluation
PPUA 7673 Capstone
FS
Master of Urban Informatics
Program Director – Moira Zellner
The Master of Science in Urban Informatics (MSUI) degree couples comprehensive data analytics skills with an understanding of the big questions faced by cities in the 21st-century city. This cutting-edge program is built upon a unique cross-college initiative, which offers comprehensive state-of-the-art training in the core skills of data analytics including quantitative analysis, data mining, machine learning, and data visualization. Urban informatics students supplement training in these foundational skills with a specialized sequence of courses that address how data and technology are being used to tackle key social, infrastructural, and environmental challenges.
By combining a theoretically informed perspective of cities with advanced skills in accessing, managing, analyzing, and communicating insights from large complex, datasets, graduates are a part of the next wave of urban professionals ready to lead in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Given the continuous growth in urban data and technology, these professionals are essential to shaping the future of urban areas around the globe.
This program provides a uniquely integrated urban and informatics degree with a substantial experiential education component. The focus throughout is on practical application, and students have multiple opportunities to apply what they are learning.
Semester credits (34-35 with optional Co-op)
All students must choose one of the following concentration pathways
Self-Defined Climate and Resilience
Communities and Economic Development
Transportation and Infrastructure
Analysis
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
INSH 6101 Agent-Based Modeling for Applied and Social Science
INSH 6406 Analyzing Complex Digitized Data
POLS 7334 Social Networks
PPUA 5246 Participatory Modeling for Collaborative Decision Making
PPUA 5261 Dynamic Modeling for Environmental Decision Making
PPUA 6202 Research Toolkit for Python for Policy
PPUA 6203 Research Toolkit for Effective Communications for Policy Impact
PPUA 6212 Research Toolkit for Urban and Regional Policy: Project Management (2 semester hours)
PPUA 6216 Research Toolkit for Urban and Regional Policy:
Methods and Applications
PPUA 5266 Urban Theory and Science
Analysis
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
INSH6101 Agent-Based Modeling for Applied and Social Sciences
INSH6302 Qualitative Methods
POLS7334 Social Networks
PPUA 5261 Dynamic Modeling for Environmental Decision Making
CIVE 7000-level Special Topics in Engineering approved by program director
Methods and Applications
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
PPUA 5246 Participatory Modeling for Collaborative Decision Making
PPUA 5260 Ecological Economics
PPUA 5264 Energy Democracy and Climate Resilience: Technology, Policy, and Social Change
PPUA 5268 International Environmental Policy
PPUA 6101 Environmental Science and Policy Seminar 1
PPUA 7346 Resilient Cities
Communities & Economic Development Requirements
Analysis
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
INSH6101 Agent-Based Modeling for Applied and Social Sciences
INSH6302 Qualitative Methods
INSH6406 Analyzing Complex Digitized Data
POLS7334 Social Networks
PPUA 6509 Techniques of Program Evaluation
Methods and Applications
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
CRIM6270 Crime and Community Context
IE7374 Special Topics in Industrial Engineering (Sharing Economy Systems)
PPUA 5230 Housing Policy
PPUA 5235 Participatory Community Planning Methods
PPUA 5246 Participatory Modeling for Collaborative Decision Making
PPUA 5265 Global Urbanization and Planning
PPUA 6502 Economic Analysis for Policy and Planning
PPUA 6552 The Nonprofit Sector in Civil Society & Public Affairs
Transportation and Infrastructure concentration requirements start on the next page.
Analysis
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
CIVE7110 Critical Infrastructure Resilience
CIVE7380 Performance Models and Simulation of Transportation Networks
CIVE7381 Transportation Demand Forecasting and Model Estimation
INSH6101 Agent-Based Modeling for Applied and Social Sciences
NETS 7350 Bayesian and Network Statistics
CIVE 7000-level Special Topics in Engineering approved by program director
Methods and Applications
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
IE7374 Special Topics in Industrial Engineering (Sharing Economy Systems)
PPUA 5246 Participatory Modeling for Collaborative Decision Making
Continue to next page for a schedule of the core courses.
Core Course Sequencing
The MS in Urban Informatics degree can be completed on ground in Boston or online, or combination of the two. We recommend students focus on taking their core classes before taking electives, when possible. The MS in Urban Informatics program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters, but the average time to completion is 4 semesters or two academic years.
For students wanting to complete their degree in an online format, please see the following online course offerings schedule. This sequence is subject to change.
INSH 5301 Intro to Computational Statistics
INSH 5302 Information Design and Visual Analytics
PPUA 5262 Big Data for Cities IP
PPUA 5263 Geographic Information Systems OL OL OL, FS
PPUA5266 Urban Theory and Science OL
PPUA 6410 Urban Informatics Portfolio IP
DA 5020 Collecting, Storing, and Retrieving Data
DA 5030 Introduction to Data Mining/Machine Learning
PPUA 7237 Advanced Spatial Analysis of Urban Systems
Master of Science in Urban Planning and Policy
Program Director – Gavin Shatkin
The Master of Science in Urban Planning and Policy program trains leaders interested in building just and sustainable solutions to today’s critical urban problems. Students in the program develop the theoretical and analytical tools to understand contemporary challenges of social, racial, and environmental injustice in cities and urban regions. They develop professional tools to work effectively in the realms of planning, policy, politics, and advocacy to impact urban challenges, including affordable housing provision, equitable and sustainable economic growth, sustainable transportation, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. This innovative program combines the expertise in urban planning and policy analysis data analytics of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs with expertise in physical planning, design, and data visualization at the School of Architecture. Academic Requirements
PPUA 5231
PPUA 5233
PPUA
PPUA
PPUA
Core Course Sequencing
The MUPP degree can be completed primarily on ground in Boston with the opportunity to take some classes online. We recommend students focus on taking their core classes before taking electives, when possible. The MS in Urban Informatics program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters, but the average time to completion is 4 semesters or two academic years.
For students wanting to complete their degree in an online format, please see the following online course offerings schedule. This sequence is subject to change.
INSH 6300 Research Methods
LPSC 5201 Law and the City IP
PPUA 5201 Urban Planning and the Law
PPUA 6201 The 21st-Century City: Urban Opportunities and Challenges in a Global Context IP
PPUA 6502 Economic Analysis for Policy OL IP OL IP
SUEN 6340 Topics in Urban Environmental Design IP
INSH 5301 Introduction to Computational Statistics IP OL
INSH 6500 Statistics
PPUA 5233 Contemporary Community Development IP
PPUA 5235 Participatory Community Planning Methods IP
PPUA 6219 Race, Justice, and Belonging in Planning Practice
PPUA 7673 Capstone
IP OL IP
FS
- In-Person
- Full Summer
- Summer 1 S2 - Summer 2 V - Variable
Certificates
Students may choose to further supplement their education and earn an additional credential by pursuing a graduate certificate that's relevant to their academic interests or professional goals.
Certificates can be completed as part of a master’s degree or as a standalone certification.
12Total semester hours required
Minimum 3.00 GPA required
Completion is noted on your transcript
Students may use their three electives to complete a certificate. You do not need to take extra courses outside of your Master’s degree program if you are completing a certificate as well.
Students can apply for certificates to appear on their transcripts here.
Certificates
Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change
Urban Analytics
Urban Studies
Data Analytics
Information Ethics
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Security and Resilience Studies
Public Policy Analysis
Eligible Programs
MIA, MPA, MSUI, MPP, MUPP
MPA, MPP
MPA, MSUI, MPP, MUPP
MPA, MSUI, MPP, MUPP
MPA, MPP
MPA, MPP
MPA
MPA, MIA, MSUI, MUPP
To view certificate requirements, including required courses, please click on the programs above, which will direct you to the course catalog.
Co-op
What is Co-op?
Co-op is a 4-to-6 month full-time employment experience that students can opt into while they are a graduate student at Northeastern, which allows them to gain practical and professional work experience related to their field of studies and interest. Before going on co-op, students must have completed at least two semesters of coursework, and meet eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements include having a 3.0 cumulative GPA and at least one remaining course requirement before completing a co-op. Students will work with their Co-op Coordinator in searching for and preparing to go on co-op in the semester prior to going on co-op.
Co-op can extend your time in your degree program by a semester; however, with careful planning students can stay on track to graduate. Please see the sample academic planning schedules to see how co-op can fit into one of the Policy School’s degree programs.
What is the process?
Students must meet with the graduate program director to discuss their interests and eligibility and to determine whether/how co-op fits within the curriculum.
Students are required to complete a mandatory online information session.
After completing the online info session, students will be prompted to submit the co-op Search and Work Agreement.
Students complete two mandatory online workshops: one on resume writing and the second on interviewing.
After they complete the online resume writing workshop, students schedule a meeting with their Co-op Coordinator to review their resume and goals for co-op. They can schedule a meeting in the advising section of the StudentHub portal.
Students get approval from the Co-op Coordinator to begin searching for job postings.
Students select jobs for which to apply, and employers choose whom they want to interview, and hire based on skills and qualifications necessary for the job.
Once a student accepts a position, they cannot renege on the offer and must commit to working the full 6-month co-op for the employer
Student follows up with Co-op Coordinator and confirm registration for Co-op Work Experience course PPUA 6974 for 2 credit hours
Timeline for Spring 2025 Co-op Experiences (Dates TBD)
Deadline to complete:
“Getting Started with Co-op” module “Intent to Search for a Spring 2025 Co-op form “Understanding CPT (Curricular Practical Training)” module *Only for International Students*
Mid September
Mid September to late September
Begin searching NUworks on a daily basis and/or begin searching for and creating your own co-op
"Meeting with Your Co-op Coordinator" module "Drafting Your Resume" module
Receive and review an email introduction from your assigned co-op coordinator
Have first meeting with your co-op coordinator
Begin applying to co-op positions (only after you have met with your co-op coordinator)
Deadline to complete:
Late September
Early October
Mid October
Mid November
Mid December
"Preparing to Interview" module
Review the "Co-op Search Toolkit" module
Deadline to apply to your top 10 "first round" of co-op positions on NUworks
Search NUworks at least twice a week and apply to co-ops of interest until accepting a co-op offer
Registration for spring 2025 classes begins (register for spring classes as a backup option if you do not have a co-op by this date)
Automatic registration begins for INSH 6864 “Experiential Integration” and “Coop Work Experience” courses for the spring 2025 semester (for students who have accepted co-op positions)
For help planning your degree length with or without co-op please refer to these Academic Planning Maps.
Directory
Programs and Directors Administration
BAinHumanServices
LoriGardinier
MAinInternationalAffairs
JulieGarey
MasterofPublicAdministration
LindaKowalcky
MasterofPublicPolicy
LindaKowalcky
MSinEnvironmentalScienceandPolicy BenjaminDittbrenner
MSinSecurityandResilienceStudies DanielAldrich
MSinUrbanInformatics MoiraZellner
MSinUrbanPlanningandPolicy GavinShatkin
PhDinPublicPolicy DanO'Brien
Centers and Initiatives
BostonAreaResearchInitiative (BARI)
DukakisCenterforUrbanand RegionalPolicy
SocialImpactLab CommunitytoCommunity(C2C)
MariaIvanova Director
LindaKowalcky AssociateDirector
MicheleRosenthal
AssociateDirectorofAcademicOperations
BeverlyBallaro CommunicationsStrategyandStudentSuccess
RuthThermidor
GraduateProgramAdministrator
NataliaStone ProgramManager(Undergraduate)
Faculty Advisors
Kaitliyn Alvarez-Noli
Christopher Bosso
Theodore Landsmark
Kimberly Lucas
Shantanu Khanna
Linda Kowalcky
Laura Kuhl
Alicia Modestino
Dan O’Brien
Matthew Ross
Gavin Shatkin
Christina Stanica
Moira Zellner
Joan Fitzgerald
Tracy Corley
Mark Henderson
Nishith Prakash