Innovation Planning and Development at Northeastern University
Our Office
The Innovation Planning and Development team in the Office of the Chancellor works with cross-disciplinary teams to empower the launch of new programming with a consistent, market-driven, student-centric, and network-wide approach to development. This development pathway fosters the inception of new educational ideas, such as degrees, certificates, badges, unique learning pathways, and novel experiential opportunities. Through collaboration, research, human-centered design practices and evaluation, the department works to facilitate the development of market-informed new products and services that meet the needs of NU students and industry partners, align to Northeastern’s strategic plan, and create value for the university.
“[A] pathway for the introduction of new educational ideas such as degree and certificate programs, unique learning pathways, and novel experiential opportunities. This pathway . . . will empower the implementation of new programming with a consistent, network-wide approach to development.“
– Kenneth Henderson, Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Learning
2025 Year in Review:
11
Programs in Intake
11
Programs in Initial Discovery
2
Programs in Concept Development and Design
29
Programs in Launch and Monitor
“The most meaningful aspect of the Innovation, Planning, and Development (IPD) portfolio is the collaboration that drives it. Our work brings together faculty, staff, and industry experts from across disciplines to tackle complex challenges and translate market insights into innovative academic programs. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we create new degrees, certificates, badges, and experiential learning pathways that prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning through real-world engagement.”
— Megan Madel, Associate Vice President for Innovation Planning and Development, Office of the Chancellor
Advancing AI Education
Over four virtual sessions, students, alumni, and prospective students learned about AI trends, acquired new tools, and dove into industry-specific applications. Participants completed the learning activities to earn a badge credential in AI Literacy and AI in the Workplace.