Experiential Academics – Graduate

The Experiential PhD. The Experiential PhD gives PhD students in College of Social Sciences and Humanities opportunities to collaborate with, and work in, arts and education organizations, local and state agencies, non-profits and businesses in the Boston area and beyond. PhD students who take advantage of this opportunity are able to meaningfully engage with community partners, integrate research experiences directly into their own scholarly agenda, learn skills to communicate the results of research to the public, explore career paths outside academia, and prepare for jobs in universities and colleges of the twenty-first century.

Cooperative education for MA students. In Northeastern’s signature co-op ecosystem, MA students undertake six-month research and work experiences with businesses, non-profits, and government agencies in Boston, across the United States, and around the world. Students take an experiential integration course while on co-op to help them reflect on their experiences as they relate to their scholarly work or research interests. Co-op for English MA students can take place in a variety of relevant fields, such as editorial and publishing work, libraries and archives, arts organizations, law offices, and more. English MA students interested in co-op are encouraged to plan ahead and discuss their eligibility with the English Co-op Advisor and Graduate Program Director.

Research Opportunities for MA Students. Master’s students who qualify for work-study may apply directly through the Student Employment website to work as a research assistant for a professor. MA students can also fulfill their optional co-op experience by conducting research for a faculty member at Northeastern or elsewhere. Students seeking this option should first identify a professor who is working on a topic that they are interested in and qualified to assist with before presenting a plan to the co-op advisor. Our faculty are leading exciting projects and working with affiliated centers on research year-round.

Research Opportunities for PhD Students. PhD students are encouraged to explore the PhD Network’s website for a variety of resources to support their research, such as fellowship opportunities, dissertation research grants, travel funding information, and more. PhD students also have opportunities to engage in research with faculty mentors for their Stipended Graduate Assistantships (SGAs). Examples of recent RA positions are listed below.