Northeastern University–Charlotte Adds Seven Master’s Degrees & Two Doctoral Degrees to Curriculum

Northeastern University–Charlotte is expanding its curriculum by adding nine new graduate degree programs, including seven master’s degrees and the first two doctoral degrees approved for a university based outside of North Carolina.

Classes for the new programs, which were approved by the UNC Board of Governors, will begin in the fall.

“Northeastern University provides high-demand graduate programs aligned with the needs of industry in region and around the world,” said Dr. Cheryl Richards, chief executive officer and regional dean of Northeastern University–Charlotte. “We are committed to educating and empowering tomorrow’s leaders as they seek the ability to effect meaningful change in their careers.”

According to Bob Morgan, president and chief executive officer of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, companies often cite access to a highly skilled talent pool as among the top reasons they chose to relocate to Charlotte.

“Institutions of higher learning like Northeastern University play an important role in providing industry with talent that is aligned with the needs of the regional workplace,” Morgan said. “The new graduate degree programs offered by Northeastern will continue to fill specific industry niches that are critically important to the long-term economic health of the Charlotte region.”

Northeastern University–Charlotte, which opened in center city in 2011, now offers 17 degree programs in six industry-aligned sectors:

• Business – Master of Science in Finance, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Taxation
• Education – Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Government & Civic Engagement – Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Public Administration
• Healthcare – Master of Science in Health Informatics, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT), Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics, and Medical Devices
• Leadership & Management – Master of Science in Leadership, Master of Science in Project Management, Master of Sports Leadership
• Science, Technology & Engineering – Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Energy Systems, Master of Science in Engineering Management, Master of Science in Health Informatics, Master of Science in Information Assurance.

“Today’s professionals want career-changing opportunities to blend theory with practice in their careers,” Richards said. “Northeastern University’s degree programs are designed with these working professionals in mind as they adapt to the evolving demands of a 21^st century global workforce.”

Local Leaders Series Sparks Discussion on the Role of Sports in Our Society

In the seventh program of Northeastern University–Charlotte’s Local Leaders Global Impact Speaker Series, the campus played host to more than 40 guests who joined a discussion on “The Ethics & Role of Sports in Our Society.”

Featured speakers Fred Whitfield, President & COO of the Charlotte Bobcats; and Peter Roby, Athletic Director at Northeastern University, led a candid discussion on ways in which the sports industry and its figures impact our society. Both speakers examined ethical leadership in sports and the engagement of professional athletes as role models within our communities. They also delved into the industry’s obligation to the prevention of bullying and domestic violence.

Northeastern University–Charlotte’s Local Leaders Global Impact Speaker Series is a succession of programs designed to bring thought leadership to the Charlotte region, leveraging some of the university’s globally known faculty with local experts. Learn more about the series, view past event videos and register for an upcoming event.

Dean Richards Gives Advice on Returning to School

Dr. Cheryl Richards, CEO & Regional Dean of Northeastern University–Charlotte, was recently interviewed on Charlotte’s WBTV. Dr. Richards gave advice for those considering returning to school. She also shared information on Northeastern University–Charlotte’s industry-aligned programs and flexible degree formats.

View Dr. Richards’ interview here.

Dr. Richards Previews Upcoming Talk With Bobcats’ COO Whitfield & Northeastern Athletic Director

Dr. Cheryl Richards, CEO and Regional Dean of Northeastern University–Charlotte, was recently interviewed for News 14 Charlotte’s “In Depth” segment about the campus’ upcoming Local Leaders Global Impact Speaker Series event, “The Ethics & Role of Sports in Our Society.”

Fred Whitfield, President and Chief Operating Officer for the Charlotte Bobcats, and Peter Roby, Athletic Director at Northeastern, are the featured speakers for the discussion, which will take place this Wednesday, April 24 at the Charlotte campus. Registration will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the program at 4:30 p.m. To read more about the program and to register, click here. To view Dr. Richards’ News 14 interview, click here.

The event is the seventh program in Northeastern University–Charlotte’s local leaders series, which was designed to bring thought leadership to the Charlotte region, leveraging some of the university’s globally known faculty with local experts.

To view video of past series events, visit our webpage.

Professor Experiments With Fuel-Cell Catalyst, Lithium Battery

In the race to develop a cost-effective replacement for the automobile’s internal combustion engine, Sanjeev Mukerjee, Professor of Physical and Materials Chemistry at Northeastern, is convinced that fuel cells and superbatteries are the winning technology combo. Both are under development in Northeastern’s Center for Renewable Energy Technology.

Mukerjee, who will be a featured speaker at the Charlotte campus’ Local Leaders Global Impact Speaker Series discussion in May, and his NUCRET team are committed to solving what Mukerjee considers the primary stumbling block to a practical fuel-cell system that converts hydrogen to energy: cost. Because fuel cells use platinum as a catalyst, the existing technology applied to electric cars would cost an unsustainable $5,000 per kilowatt.

NUCRET researchers are experimenting with much less expensive catalysts—such as iron and cobalt polymer composites—to reduce the energy price a thousandfold.

But electric vehicles also need an energy storage system. Mukerjee and his team are working on one that is cheaper and more efficient than existing lithium-ion batteries. The lithium air battery, which was invented and patented by NUCRET, takes oxygen from the air for its oxygen reduction reaction. Lithium-ion batteries, conversely, require a metal-oxide electrode that is more expensive and needs more frequent recharging.

Coupled with inexpensive fuel cells, this novel superbattery technology would enable a fully electric car to drive 500 miles—from San Diego to San Francisco—on a single charge.

Save the Date to join our Local Leaders discussion with Mukerjee on Thursday, May 23. The time of the event is to be determined. To pre-register and confirm seating, click here (please include the date of the event in your response).

Dr. Richards Discusses Global Markets Event on News 14 Charlotte’s “In Depth”

Dr. Cheryl Richards, CEO and Regional Dean of Northeastern University–Charlotte, was recently interviewed for News 14 Charlotte’s In Depth segment about the campus’ upcoming Local Leaders Global Impact Speaker Series event.

“Global Markets: Emerging Opportunities & Threats” is the sixth event in a series designed to bring thought leadership to the Charlotte region, leveraging some of Northeastern’s globally-known faculty with local experts.

The March 28 Global Markets event will feature Northeastern alumnus Dr. John Silvia, Managing Director & Chief Economist for Wells Fargo Securities; and Dr. Ravi Ramamurti, Distinguished Professor of International Business and Strategy and Director of Northeastern’s Center for Emerging Markets.

Click here to view Dr. Richards’ interview. To read more about the program and to register, please click here.

Sustainable Energy Discussion Draws Crowd to Campus

A crowd of more than 50 constituents visited Northeastern University–Charlotte on Wednesday for the campus’ Local Leaders Global Impact Speaker Series on “Sustainable Energy: Policy & Practice.” The event’s featured speakers included Michael Youth, Counsel and Policy Director for the NC Sustainable Energy Association; and Dr. Joan Fitzgerald, acclaimed author of Emerald Cities: Urban Sustainability and Economic Development, and Interim Dean of Northeastern University’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs.

Dr. Fitzgerald, who joined the discussion via videoconference, focused on broader national issues of sustainability, while Youth shared his perspective of the issue at the local and state levels.

Read more about the discussion here.

Northeastern University–Charlotte’s Local Leaders Global Impact Speaker Series is a succession of programs designed to bring thought leadership to the Charlotte region, leveraging some of the university’s globally known faculty with local experts. Learn more about the series, view past event videos and register for an upcoming event.

Dean Richards, Charlotte Campus Celebrate an Evening With Young Professionals

Dr. Cheryl Richards, CEO and Regional Dean of Northeastern University–Charlotte, as well as Charlotte campus staff and students celebrated an evening with young professionals at the Charlotte Chamber’s inaugural Young Professionals Awards.

The ceremony honored individuals between the ages of 21 and 39 who exemplify excellence in business, leadership and community service in the Charlotte region. More than 40 nominees were narrowed down to 15 finalists in four categories—Young Professional Newcomer, Entrepreneur, Nonprofit Leader and Business Leader. One winner was named in each category, and a fifth finalist was selected as Young Professional of the Year.

In addition to formally welcoming the more than 150 guests in attendance, Dr. Richards also had the honor of announcing the Young Professional of the Year award winner.

Local Leaders Series Features a Discussion on Education

The campus’ most recent Local Leaders Global Impact Speakers Series event focused on “The Branding of Public Education: Pre-K to PhD Perspectives,” with featured speakers Dr. Heath Morrison, Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Dr. John LaBrie, Dean of Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies.

Dr. Morrison discussed results from his 100-day listening tour and how it has informed his strategic plan to rebrand CMS locally, while Dr. LaBrie addressed national education policy and its impact on institutions of higher education. Both speakers also discussed support for education against the backdrop of federal and local education regulations.

Northeastern University–Charlotte’s Local Leaders Global Impact Speakers Series is a succession of programs designed to bring thought leadership to the Charlotte region, leveraging some of the university’s globally-known faculty with local experts. Learn more about the series, view past event videos and register for an upcoming event.

Charlotte Campus 1st Anniversary

This month is a very special one for the Charlotte Campus of Northeastern University, as it marks the one-year anniversary of our campus opening! We are proud to be in Uptown Charlotte, and proud of the innovative educational and research partnerships we’re building together with the Charlotte community.

In celebration of our anniversary, we invite you to join us for several upcoming events–including a Nov. 9 viewing party for Northeastern’s men’s basketball team; our Local Leaders Global Impact Speakers Series event on Nov. 29 on family business and succession planning, featuring Northeastern alumnus Ron Norelli, President and CEO of Norelli & Company, along with Dr. Kimberly Eddleston, associate editor of the Journal of Family Business Strategy and associate professor at Northeastern; and our Holiday Open House & Anniversary Celebration on Dec. 12.

For additional information and to RSVP, and for a complete listing of upcoming events, please visit our Events Calendar.