Earn your degree from a top-ranked university
Northeastern University is recognized for its leadership in experiential learning, innovation, and industry-aligned graduate education, helping you build skills that translate directly to the workplace.
Join through flexible admissions pathways
Eligible learners may apply through Northeastern’s admissions process or the Performance-Based Admission pathway by completing the required courses and meeting program eligibility requirements.
Your prior learning may count toward your degree
You may be eligible to earn up to four elective credits through Northeastern’s Prior Learning Assessment pathway, which could help you save up to $3,000.
Invest in your long-term career growth
The Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) combines technical expertise with leadership and business skills to help prepare professionals for management roles in engineering industries.
Learning designed for working professionals
You may be eligible to have your prior learning on Coursera recognized for credit at Northeastern University
How it works
Northeastern University offers eligible learners in the Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program the opportunity to earn up to four elective credits through a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). This pathway recognizes professional experience and prior learning that align with graduate-level course outcomes and may help learners save up to $3,000 in tuition costs.
To become eligible for the PLA, learners must complete one of the following course tracks and earn a score of 80% or higher in both courses within the selected track:
Planning and Managing Information Systems Development
- INFO 6245 Planning and Managing Information Systems Development – Part 1
- INFO 6245 Planning and Managing Information Systems Development – Part 2
Web Design & User Experience Engineering
- INFO 6150 Web Design & User Experience Engineering – Part 1
- INFO 6150 Web Design & User Experience Engineering – Part 2
After successfully completing one track, learners gain access to a third assessment-based Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) through a rigorous Northeastern-designed assessment housed in Skillstack. Learners must earn a score of 85% or higher on this assessment to qualify for PLA consideration.
Learners may then apply to the MSEM program through either the traditional application process or the Performance-Based Admission (PBA) pathway. Once admitted, eligible students can submit a PLA request form for evaluation and potential transfer credit approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding PLA and PLC
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Prior Learning Credit (PLC) are similar pathways designed to help learners receive academic credit for prior learning. Northeastern uses a PLA pathway, eligible learners can demonstrate knowledge gained through approved Coursera coursework and professional experience to earn up to four elective credits toward the online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program.
Like PLA, PLC recognizes learning completed outside of a traditional degree program and can help reduce the time and cost required to earn a master’s degree.
Can I save up to $3,000?
Yes, you can. Your learning from Northeastern University PLA course tracks could help you go further, faster. Eligible learners may be able to apply previously completed course tracks (see above) toward academic credit, helping reduce both the cost and time required to earn a degree.