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��ݮ��Ƶ is pleased to announce the addition of 11 new programs and concentrations to its Academic Catalog beginning in Fall 2025. The University has also renamed six programs and is phasing out five programs and concentrations.

The changes impact programs in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education.

Dean of the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education Thomas Philion, Ph.D., noted that renaming some of the graduate certificate programs creates consistency that will help prospective students navigate and better understand program offerings. Additionally, in phasing out three concentrations in the Master of Arts in Urban Community Studies, a simpler and more efficient pathway was created for students to earn their graduate degrees and make an impact on their communities.

"The changes in the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education reflect our commitment to aligning our offerings with the evolving needs of educators and communities in Chicago and beyond,” Dr. Philion said. “By introducing new Apprenticeship and Non-Licensure concentrations, distinct from traditional concentrations, we are making it easier for our students who are employed as apprentices in schools to see their pathways to an undergraduate degree and/or employment credential.”

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Tim Libretti, Ph.D., expressed that creating an improved student experience was at the forefront of program changes.

“I often hear students say, 'I didn't know I could do that at Northeastern,’” said Dr. Libretti. “Our goal as we develop our curriculum is to make all of the opportunities we offer students as visible and accessible as possible so they instead say, 'Look at all I can do at Northeastern!’”

Dr. Libretti said the new minors offered by the College of Arts and Sciences are representative of the way faculty in the college develop curricula with a focus on creating new opportunities for students.

“These minors provide students with the knowledge and skill sets that prepare them for exciting professional pathways and rewarding careers,” Dr. Libretti said.

New programs and concentrations added to the University Academic Catalog, effective Fall 2025

College of Arts and Sciences

• • The Pre-Law minor is an interdisciplinary minor intended to support students who are interested in attending law school, as well as those interested in better understanding the legal system.
• • The minor in Neuroscience equips students with an in-depth understanding of brain function, behavior, and neurobiological processes through coursework in both biology and psychology.
• • The Forensic Psychology minor provides students with a cross-disciplinary understanding of the relationship between psychology and the legal system.
• • The bachelor’s program in Mathematics has been designed to train students in foundational areas of Mathematics, followed by advanced study through a broad range of upper-division requirements and elective courses.
• • This comprehensive certificate fulfills the core requirements for admission to health professional programs, including Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine.
• • This endorsement prepares students with the knowledge and skills to become professional school social workers. Students in this specialization are eligible to earn a Professional Educator License (PEL-support personnel only) endorsed in School Social Work (Pre-K - age 21) in the State of Illinois. This specialization is a State-approved program by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education

• • This program integrates a bilingual endorsement into the elementary education curriculum, with an apprenticeship model that provides hands-on teaching experience. It prepares students to teach in linguistically diverse classrooms, addressing the growing need for bilingual educators in Illinois, particularly in Chicago’s multicultural schools. Graduates will be equipped to support English language learners effectively, fostering inclusive education environments.
• • This concentration offers a structured pathway for students pursuing a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) endorsement. It focuses on preparing educators to support students with diverse learning needs in traditional classroom settings, emphasizing evidence-based instructional strategies.
• • Similar to the Elementary Education with Bilingual Endorsement Apprenticeship, this concentration has an apprenticeship component, allowing students to gain on-the-job experience while completing their degree. This employment-focused approach will strengthen their ability to address real-world challenges in special education settings.
• • Designed for students seeking an Illinois PEL with an Early Childhood Education endorsement, this program prepares teacher candidates to teach young children (birth to grade 2) in diverse settings. It emphasizes developmental theories and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• • This concentration is tailored for individuals who wish to work in early childhood education settings that do not require licensure, such as private preschools, community organizations or advocacy roles. It provides flexibility for students pursuing non-traditional education careers while maintaining a focus on early childhood development.

Existing programs with name changes, effective Fall 2025

College of Arts and Sciences

• Master of Arts in Communication, Media and Theatre is now Master of Arts in
  • This graduate program is designed to provide advanced study of research and the principles and practices of communication, media and theatre. It is designed for teachers of communication at the elementary, secondary or higher education levels, as well as students interested in positions in business, industry or preparation for further graduate study.
• Master of Arts in Latin American Literatures and Cultures is now
  • Students critically examine Latin American cultural forms of expression in their socio-historical contexts; develop skills to work with Latin American and US Latina/o/e/x populations in linguistically and culturally appropriate ways; and enhance career opportunities in education, government, international business and the culture industries. Courses are regularly offered in-person, remotely and online. All coursework is undertaken in Spanish.

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education

• School Health Graduate Certificate is now
  • This program equips educators and health professionals with skills to promote student wellness in school settings, emphasizing health education and policy.
• Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling is now
  • With a focus on counseling techniques and rehabilitation strategies, this certificate prepares professionals to support individuals with disabilities in vocational and community settings.
• Certificate in Couple and Family Counseling is now
  • This certificate trains counselors to work with couples and families, addressing relational dynamics and mental health needs in diverse populations.
• Addiction Counseling Certificate is now
  • The coursework in this program provides education in the theories, techniques and core functions of substance abuse counseling, focusing on evidence-based research and best practice standards. It provides specialized education and training in the prevention, intervention and treatment of alcohol and other drug abuse disorders. It also fulfills the educational requirements for Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC).

Programs and concentrations being phased out, effective Fall 2025

College of Arts and Sciences

• Undergraduate concentrations in Applied Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics
• Master of Science Information in Language Arts

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education

• Master of Arts in Urban Community Studies, concentration in Urban Education/Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
• Master of Arts in Urban Community Studies, concentration in Inner City Culture, Environment and Social Identity
• Master of Arts in Urban Community Studies, concentration in Youth Development and Social Services in the Inner City