A dynamic global university located in the heart of Boston

Established in 1898 as a private experiential research university, Northeastern has spent the past century perfecting the integration of rigorous academics and experiential learning opportunities, thereby creating the world's most powerful learning experience.

Northeastern is located in the heart of Boston, one of America's most historic and culturally rich cities. With a wide array of cultural opportunities ranging from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to the Boston Red Sox to the famed Public Garden, Boston provides a bustling, urban environment for students to explore and enjoy.

A broad selection of undergraduate colleges and degrees

Northeastern has an undergraduate student body of 18,107 students. These students pursue a wide-ranging spectrum of studies housed within eight undergraduate colleges and programs: the Bouvé College of Health Sciences; the College of Arts, Media and Design; the D'Amore McKim School of Business; the College of Computer and Information Science; the College of Engineering, the College of Science; the College of Social Sciences and Humanities; and the Explore Program for undeclared students.

With more than 175 undergraduate majors and programs, Northeastern offers numerous customizable and interdisciplinary opportunities such as combined majors, dual degree programs, an Honors Program, PlusOne combined bachelor's and master's degree programs, and a 3+3 Program for students in select CSSH and CAMD majors interested in pursuing a law degree. A Northeastern education is student-focused and with the support of a team of advisors, students chart their own paths—a four- or a five-year program, the number of experiential opportunities they'd like to complete, and how best to maximize their college experiences.

Over 1,400 full-time faculty members are available to help students learn and grow at Northeastern in a small, intimate learning environment. With a 14:1 student to faculty member ratio and an average class size of 24, Northeastern students have many opportunities for personalized support.

Experiential learning enhancing academics

Northeastern's learning model encourages entrepreneurship, intellectual development, and personal growth. There are four varieties of experiential learning opportunities including research, civic engagement, global experience, and the signature co-op program—each is uniquely integrated with students' classroom experiences. These opportunities add depth to the academic experience and allow students to gain authentic, real-world experience prior to graduation.

Northeastern students embark on co-ops, both domestically and around the world, at businesses and organizations such as: Google, the New England Patriots, Merrill Lynch, Genzyme, Vogue, Amazon, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, Proctor and Gamble, and Apple, just to name a few.

Research

Northeastern is a leading national research university where undergraduates have the opportunity to do more than observe research solutions—they can participate in the research themselves. Students will experience knowledge creation through collaborative partnerships with faculty mentors and peers, and through experiential learning opportunities in hospitals, laboratories, and corporations around the world.

Northeastern undergraduate researchers present their findings in scholarly journals, at global academic conferences and colloquia, and at Northeastern's own annual Research, Innovation & Scholarship Expo. Undergraduates can gain funding for their projects, including grants and stipends, through the Provost's Office and the University Honors Program.

The research environment at Northeastern is use-inspired and highly interdisciplinary, with a focus on solving global challenges in health, security, and sustainability. The university has special research expertise in network science, biotechnology and drug discovery, nanotechnology, renewable energy, subsurface sensing and imaging, explosives detection, information security, and urban public policy focused on health, housing, and economic development.

English as second language (ESL) options

Northeastern University offers English as a second language (ESL) and academic preparation programs for international students who intend to apply to an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a US-based university through the College of Professional Studies.

The American Classroom Program is an innovative transitional experience for international students who are looking for advanced English language preparation and an introduction to the American education system and college culture. This program is an excellent start to students' American university studies and provides a comprehensive academic and cultural experience designed to help students succeed at Northeastern University and improve their English language skills.

Global Student Success (GSS) supports the development and needs of international students at Northeastern University and promotes internationalization across the institution. The university offers cross-cultural, linguistic, and academic support services both on-campus and online. The university also partners with faculty members, staff members, and administrators to integrate global dimensions and cross-cultural understanding into the Northeastern experience.

Cultural communities reflect a diverse student body

Northeastern is home to a richly diverse student body, hosting more than 4,000 international scholars and students representing 122 countries in its undergraduate population alone. The university also seeks to meet the needs and promote the visibility of all students on campus through its cultural communities and 10 major cultural resource centers, including the John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute, LGBTQA Resource Center, the Asian American Center, Hillel, the Latino/a Student Cultural Center, the Catholic Center, the Center for Intercultural Engagement, The Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service, the Disability Resource Center, the Office Of Global Services, and the Social Justice Resource Center.

International Student and Scholar Institute

The Office of Global Services (OGS) coordinates programs and services for Northeastern's international students and faculty members. OGS strives to encourage connections and understanding between American and international students on campus. The institute organizes orientation activities at the beginning of each semester, and sponsors Carnevale, an annual cultural festival that celebrates the wealth of cultures in Northeastern's academic community.

In addition, OGS sponsors various types of fun, hands-on activities such as, international culinary activities, film screenings, immigration information seminars, and symposia with international participants.

Assistance with immigration

OGS staff members actively help international students manage the complicated issues that relate to obtaining and maintaining their legal status while in the US. Workshops and personal meetings are offered to help students with their visa and residential status requirements.