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Experiential Academics

We know nothing enhances learning as much as hands-on experience. In the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, you’ll apply new skills across a range of contexts, from the classroom to your community.

  1. 1.

    Co-op is an opportunity for students in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs to complete full time, six-month research and work experiences in nonprofit, public, and private sector institutions in Greater Boston and across the United States.

    Co-op Resources
    SPPUA co-op employers include
    • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    • Boston Children’s Hospital
    • Massachusetts General Hospital
    • City of Boston
    • Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  2. 2.

    Capstone Projects represent the culmination of students’ thorough study and research. Students complete their degree requirements by participating in a group capstone project in conjunction with and in service to a public or nonprofit sector partner.

    Capstones
    Previous Capstones project include
    • Developing a housing plan at Morton Street Crossing
    • Co-creating innovative public collaboration in Cambridge
    • Expanding pedestrian access across the Lynnway
    • Analyzing the impact of community gardens in Boston
  3. 3.

    Dialogues of Civilizations are faculty-led programs, offered during the summer, that focus on critical issues facing students and their peers at both the local and global levels.

    Dialogues
    Previous CSSH dialogues include
    • Interdisciplinary Public Health, Politics, and Culture in Kenya
    • The Twenty-First Century City: Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan
    • Conflict Resolution at the United Nations
  4. 4.

    Service-Learning enables students to combine academics and service by engaging with community partners on relevant projects and research. In the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, faculty and students intentionally seek out opportunities and needs to engage with Boston partners in order to address complex problems, serve communities and build a just, sustainable, and resilient world.

    Service-Learning
    SPPUA Service Learning partners include
    • City of Boston
  5. 5.

    Study abroad programs allow students to study in another country and transfer credit back to Northeastern University.

    Study Abroad
    Partner institutions include
    • London School of Economics
    • Oxford University
    • University of Hong Kong
    • University of Sydney