An innovative, first-year college program, Foundation Year supports City of Boston students as they develop the skills to be successful in their entire Northeastern University experience. Launched in 2009, Foundation Year is designed for recent City of Boston high school graduates and GED/HiSET completers who desire and would benefit from a more structured learning environment during their first year of college. Featuring rigorous academics, extensive support services, real-world experience, and the privileges that come with being a Northeastern student, Foundation Year brings together the right resources for each student—maximizing the potential for success.
Accepted students are enrolled in Northeastern's College of Professional Studies where they may earn a full year of college credits upon program completion. To foster camaraderie and peer-to-peer learning, the program is built around the cohort model, in which Foundation Year students attend all classes and workshops together.
Upon completion, students are eligible to:
- Transfer to another college at Northeastern if progression standards are met
- Continue at Northeastern's College of Professional Studies in a bachelor’s completion program
Application
To be considered for Foundation Year, students must be:
- Boston residents
- High school graduates or students holding GED/HiSET completion certificates
- Motivated and willing to work hard to achieve their goals and earn a college degree
Process
- Submit an application to Northeastern using the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
- Submit required materials.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile online.
Contact Information
Fax: 617.373.8574
foundationyear@northeastern.edu
Designed with the student in mind, Foundation Year’s intensive curriculum includes courses in English, sociology, mathematics, and history. Students can also focus their studies by choosing from electives in business, science, or liberal arts. Foundation Year students can earn up to 32 semester hours of credit—equivalent to one year of college credits.
To help facilitate learning, Foundation Year provides all students with textbooks and laptops to use for the entire school year.
Complete all courses below unless otherwise indicated.
Core Courses
Note: Students are placed into math courses based on proficiency.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CDV 0220 The College Experience 1 (non-credit course) | 0 | |
| CDV 0225 The College Experience 2 (non-credit course) | 0 | |
| CMN 2310 | Professional Speaking | 3 |
| ENG 1105 | College Writing 1 | 3 |
| ENG 1106 | Lab for ENG 1105 | 1 |
| ENG 1107 | College Writing 2 | 3 |
| ENG 1108 | Lab for ENG 1107 | 1 |
| SOC 1220 | Engaging Difference and Diversity | 3 |
| Complete two of the following: | 6 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Calculus 1 | ||
| Business Statistics | ||
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts Course Track | ||
| HST 2425 | Coming to America: The American Immigrant Experience | 3 |
| PHL 1100 | Social and Political Philosophy | 3 |
| POL 1300 | American Government | 3 |
| PSY 1100 | Foundations of Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 2240 | Death and Dying | 3 |
| Science Course Track | ||
| BIO 1100 | Principles of Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIO 1101 | Lab for BIO 1100 | 1 |
| CHM 1100 | General Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHM 1101 | Lab for CHM 1100 | 1 |
| CHM 1200 | General Chemistry 2 | 3 |
| CHM 1201 | Lab for CHM 1200 | 1 |
| Business Course Track | ||
| ECN 1100 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECN 1200 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| MGT 2100 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| MGT 2330 | Business Law | 3 |