The Northeastern University Industry PhD Pathway is built on academic partnerships with industry.
Many working professionals aspire to earn their PhD without leaving their full-time jobs. The Northeastern University Industry PhD Pathway allows employees with Master’s degrees to work full-time while conducting research at their employer site under the guidance of a Northeastern faculty member and advisor from their employer.
Build Research Capacity
Data analyst elevated to research scientist through PhD, conducting population health research that directly informs clinical guidelines while expanding organizational research capabilities.
Impact
Employee advanced from analyst to principal investigator level, securing grant funding and leading studies that inform organizational clinical practice.
Structure Strategic PhD Programs
Global pharmaceutical company designed joint experiential PhD program enabling employees to pursue doctoral research while advancing organizational R&D priorities in chemistry and chemical biology.
Impact
Employees conduct co-developed research projects, advancing both individual expertise and organizational innovation capacity.
Grow Internal Leadership
Toxicology professional advanced from data analyst to PhD-level scientist while maintaining full-time employment, deepening drug safety expertise that directly benefits organizational research capacity.
Impact
Employee retained full salary while gaining doctoral expertise in drug safety, advancing to research leadership role with expanded organizational contribution.- PhD research is done at the company
- Creates opportunities for employee growth and advancement
- Research projects are designed collaboratively to satisfy company and university interests
- Academic partnerships protects the company’s intellectual property and confidentiality needs
Application Materials
To pursue the pre-application you will be asked to provide your:
- Resume / CV
- Personal statement that expresses your research path and your interest in a PhD
Application
Two-step application process:
- Start pre-application process at any time at the “Apply Now” link below. At this link you will be asked questions to determine if you meet our Industry PhD eligibility.
- If you meet the eligibility requirements you will be invited to continue the process at which time we ask you to join an information session.
- Request information about a PhD program at the “Request INFO” link below. Information requests here should not be specific to the Industry PhD pathway. Those who meet Industry PhD eligibility will be invited to continue the process and attend an information session.