Graduate Learner Enrichment (GLE) Program
Start with a badge.
Jump-start your graduate journey and earn a nationally recognized online badge—at no cost to you—and a scholarship for up to 3% of tuition.
Once admitted to select Northeastern University graduate programs, you unlock free access to non-credit badge courses—valued at $499 each—designed to give you a head start and a standout credential before starting your program.
Three cutting-edge, skill-building courses
Foundations of Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Explore the foundations of AI and how it’s shaping industries across the globe. Learn how algorithms, data, and machine learning are driving innovation—and how you can be part of the transformation.
Foundations of Business
Build practical business skills in marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. This course is ideal for learners looking to jump-start a business-focused graduate program or pivot into a leadership role.
Foundations of Software Engineering & Data Management
Gain technical literacy in software development, even if you don’t have a tech background. Understand how software is designed, developed, and deployed—and whether a future in tech could be right for you.
Why start with a badge?
No-Risk, Ease Back Into Learning
Perfect for those returning to education, these no-risk courses help you build momentum and ease into the learning experience.
$499 Value—Yours Free
Each course is a $499 value, but now it's offered for free to learners eligible for the GLE program.
Explore Interests Across Industries
Admitted to a business program but curious about tech? Explore software engineering. Enrolled in an analytics program but want to develop your business skills? Take the business course.
Earn a Recognized Credential
Receive a verified badge from Northeastern University—perfect for resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and job applications.
Upskill Before You Start
Whether you’re preparing for your program or exploring a new field, you’ll gain in-demand competencies before your for-credit courses even begin.
Take One to Three Courses 100% Online
Complete just one badge or take all three—it’s up to you. Learn on your schedule—each course is completely asynchronous and 100% online.
How it works
1. Gain admittance to select Northeastern University graduate programs.
2. Receive free registration link in your email. Courses are available through Skillstack. If available, login with your Northeastern account. If you do not have a Northeastern email address, please use the email used on your application to Northeastern.
3. Complete one, two, or three badge courses, 100% online and at your own pace.
4. Add your badge(s) to your resume, LinkedIn, or cover letters—before your program even begins.
Graduate Learner Enrichment (GLE) program guidelines
Badge courses are complementary to, not a part of, your graduate program.
The badge courses are non-credit bearing. As such, they do not count toward the total number of credits required to earn your degree. Think of them as professional development to prepare for your graduate-level coursework or to explore an area of interest.
Badges courses must be completed prior to the deadline to receive benefits.
The deadlines to register and complete the badge courses are dependent on your entry term, the first term you will be enrolled in graduate classes. If you do not complete at least one course, you will not be eligible for the scholarship.
| Entry Term | Registration Deadline | Completion Deadline |
| Summer 2026 | April 6, 2026 | May 4, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | July 31, 2026 | August 28, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | November 30, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
3% GLE Scholarship
If you complete at least one of the courses by the deadline, you are eligible to receive a 3% scholarship. You can only receive one scholarship even if you complete multiple badge courses. Your total combined scholarship package cannot exceed 50% of your tuition which may impact your eligibility for the GLE Scholarship and/or the total amount awarded.
Courses are hosted through Skillstack.
Register for free access to Skillstack using your Northeastern account. If you do not have a Northeastern email address, please use the email address you used to apply to Northeastern.
For help with registering, please use this registration guide. If you have any issues, Skillstack offers support via a 24/7 Northeastern Support desk. You can click the Chat with Support (24/7) link via the Help button in the left-hand navigation or use the Technology Portal for all technical support.
Participating graduate programs are subject to change without notice.
Most students admitted to the following academic programs are eligible for the GLE program. Additional programs may be eligible on a limited basis.
Graduate Certificate
Master of Architecture
Master of Arts
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance
Master of Computer Science
Master of Design
Master of Education
Master of Engineering
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Medicine
Master of Physics
Master of Professional Studies
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Health
Master of Public Policy
Master of Science
Master of Science/Master of Public Health
Master of Science in Accounting/Master of Business Administration
Master of Science in Finance
Master of Science in Finance/Master of Business Administration
Master of Science with Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership
Master of Sports Leadership
Master of Technology