Computer Science-Align
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it.
Part-Time
The Align MSCS program allows motivated students and professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to earn a master’s degree in computer science (CS) from Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University. Technology thrives on new, diverse, and unexpected ideas and perspectives. Break into tech to make an impact.
Full-time students typically complete the Align MSCS in 2.5 years. This begins with a 2-semester bridge that prepares students from non-technical backgrounds for master's level computer science courses. The program also includes the opportunity for 4-8 months of paid, full-time work experience at a company or organization. Khoury College alone has 700+ partner companies.
Increase your impact in areas that interest you
The Align MSCS program gives you graduate-level training so you can apply computer science in your areas of expertise—or explore an entirely new career. Through Align, you’ll build skills in the core areas of CS. Then you’ll get to explore the junctions of CS and law, music, biology, business, physics, education, biomedical science, language, or whatever interests you through projects as well as co-op and internship opportunities.
Learn about research at Northeastern
Hold a co-op or internship in an industry-preferred program
Khoury College can help connect you with co-op, internship, and project opportunities with the College’s 700+ industry partners. Align MSCS helps prepare you to meet the “preferred” qualifications for job postings with top companies. Many companies offer co-op students full-time employment upon completion of their degree.
Amazon job postings for full time internships have included the following statement under Preferred Qualifications: “Currently enrolled in the Align Master of Science in Computer Science program at Northeastern University at time of application.”
Sample co-op employment partners in Boston
Amazon + Amazon Robotics, Quickbase, Google, Fidelity, Charles River Development, Red Hat, Addgene, Car Gurus, Chewy, EforAll, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Vor Biophamra
Build professional connections in Boston
Northeastern’s renowned Boston campus, established in 1898, gives you direct access to cutting-edge research and projects in collaboration with top universities, businesses, governmental agencies, laboratories, and more through internationally recognized institutes and centers in Boston, the #5 Best Startup Ecosystem in the World (Startup Genome 2021).
An established hub for healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences, Boston offers many specialized opportunities.
Learn More about Boston Campus
More Details
Unique Features
- Align Master’s of Computer Science designed for students without a background in tech
- Unique CS learning environment where diversity of thought is valued
- Close-knit group of peers from different industries to move through the program with you
- Faculty with connections to top Boston employers like Action for Boston Community Development, Jackson Laboratory, Anti-Defamation League, Massachusetts General Hospital, Raytheon, Intel, Pymetrics, Amazon, Facebook, Google, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Fire Eye, and more
- Incredible opportunities for paid, full-time co-op or internship to help you break into the tech industry
Career Outlook
Job growth in computer science is much faster than the average job growth of 7-8%
- +22% expected growth for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers
- +22% expected growth for computer and information research scientists
- +33% expected growth for information security analysts
- +13% expected growth for web developers and digital designers
(2020-2030, USBLS)
Curriculum
Build in-demand computer science skills
After completing the two semester bridge, you’ll be prepared for graduate-level coursework in computer science. You’ll also be able to make the program your own by choosing from a range of electives in important breadth areas of computer science.
Bridge courses:
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Discrete Structures
- Computer Systems/Algorithms
- Object Oriented Design
Master’s core courses:
- Algorithms
Electives in a range of areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer-Human Interface
- Data Science
- Information Security
- Networks
- Programming Languages
- Software Engineering
- Systems
- Theory
Testimonials
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
Align faculty are talented, connected to industry, and know how to teach graduate-level computer science to beginners—and love doing it. Some of them are former Align students themselves, and all of them have impressive industry experience.
