CPS Masterclass Webinar

Take a Graduate-Level Class—for free.
Get an inside look at some of Northeastern University’s programs and experience our teaching, faculty, and real-world curriculum before you commit to a degree.

Why Attend the Masterclass
Choosing the right graduate program is a big decision. That’s why we created this exclusive Masterclass Webinar—giving you the chance to experience real graduate-level classes in business and management, technology and data science, education, and international affairs and policy—and you can always check back for more class options.

Upcoming Session Details:

Beyond the Dissertation Myth: Turning Workplace Challenges into Doctoral Research
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 12:00PM–1:00 PM ET
Host:  Shannon Alpert–Director of the Doctor of Professional Studies, Associate Teaching Professor, Assistant Dean of Wellness and Belonging

Doctoral research isn’t about writing a paper in isolation—it’s about solving complex problems that matter in the workplace and creating meaningful impact through applied research.

Join doctoral educator and project management expert Shannon Alpert for an inside look at how working professionals turn real organizational challenges into research that drives change. Drawing from her experience leading graduate programs and chairing more than 30 dissertation projects, Dr. Alpert will break down what doctoral study actually looks like for today’s professionals.

In this interactive session, you’ll explore how research questions emerge from real-world leadership challenges, how applied research connects theory to practice, and how doctoral students balance ambitious goals alongside full-time careers.

Whether you’re considering a doctorate or simply curious about the value of applied research, this session offers a practical, approachable look at the doctoral journey.

The Innovation Playbook: Using Design Thinking to Solve Complex Challenges
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 12:00PM–1:00 PM ET
Host:  Annine Crystal—Assistant Teaching Professor

Today’s workplace challenges rarely come with straightforward solutions. Design thinking offers a human-centered approach to innovation that helps leaders navigate complexity, drive collaboration, and create meaningful change.

Join educator and leadership expert Annine Crystal for an engaging session on how professionals across industries can use design thinking principles to rethink problems, generate ideas, and build more effective solutions.

Drawing from experience in teaching, instructional leadership, coaching, and organizational learning, Dr. Crystal will guide participants through practical strategies grounded in empathy, experimentation, and collaborative problem-solving.

You’ll leave with actionable tools for approaching challenges with greater creativity, adaptability, and confidence—skills that are increasingly essential in today’s evolving professional landscape.

Organizations in the Age of AI: Leadership, Agility, and the Future of Work
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 09:00AM–10:00 AM ET
Host:  David Bell—Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, Northeastern University

Join organizational learning expert David Bell for an engaging conversation on the human skills and leadership strategies professionals need to stay adaptable, competitive, and effective in a rapidly evolving world.

In this interactive session, you’ll explore how AI is reshaping organizations, what separates resilient professionals from those struggling to keep pace, and how leaders can build teams that thrive during constant change.

Whether you’re leading teams, advancing your career, changing industries, or simply trying to understand what the future of work means for you, this session will help you think more strategically about succeeding in the age of AI.