Khoury College of Computer Sciences

Computer Science-Align

Master's: Portland
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Master's : Portland
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The Align Master of Science in Computer Science program is for students with no prior computer science experience.

Portland
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2.5-3 years
Duration of Program
No
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
Overview

Computing is an essential element of nearly every human endeavor, and today’s computer scientists are solving many of the world’s problems. For this innovative work, the rewards are often high, with competitive salaries and the intrinsic benefits of knowing that your contributions have great impact on people, companies, and communities. 

Northeastern’s Align Master of Science in Computer Science program, offered by the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, combines core coursework in program design, computer systems, and software development. Elective courses in machine learning, databases, distributed systems, networks and security, and software engineering allow students to tailor their degree to their unique interests. Classroom and cohort-based learning support students’ development of fundamental computer science and problem-solving skills. Students are part of a vibrant community and have access to outstanding academic support. 

All Roux Institute programs provide content relevant to the urgent and emerging needs of industry in Maine and the rapidly evolving regional, national, and global economy. Opportunities for experiential learning will be concentrated in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast region. Students are encouraged to pursue co-ops and special virtual Experiential Network projects with the institute’s founding corporate partners, a group of leading employers in Maine. 

More Details

Unique Features

  • Program designed for students with non-computer science backgrounds.
  • Flexible class schedules make it possible for working professionals to participate in the program.
  • Students can gain up to 12 months of work experience through paid co-op or internship positions.
  • The program content is designed to prepare students for the high-demand jobs and industry needs in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast region.
  • The program is delivered through a hybrid model of online and on-site learning.

Program Objectives

  • Develop the ability to recognize and solve problems arising in modern computing.
  • Assimilate ideas and concepts from theoretical studies and hands-on design and programming.
  • Acquire skills in software and application design, network infrastructure, and other dynamic and emerging computer science areas.

Career Outlook

In June 2013, Forbes reviewed salary and employment outlook data with the goal of identifying the best master’s degrees for immediate job potential. Information systems ranked first, and computer science ranked fourth. The projected increase in jobs associated with these degrees was 30 percent and 21.3 percent, respectively. The opportunities are vast, and the rewards are innumerable. 

Looking for something different?

View more Computing and IT programs
Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-40 university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$75.4K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Online application
  • Unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts; you can submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended at the time of admission
  • Completion of two out of three essay prompts given in the application portal
  • Recent professional resumé listing detailed position responsibilities
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
  • Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS examination scores (international students only)

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners.

Admissions Dates

Applicants must submit the online application and all required admission materials no later than the stated deadlines to be considered for admission. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Fall 2020
Spring 2021
Deadline for domestic applicants: August 15, 2020
Deadline for domestic applicants: December 15, 2020
Curriculum

Core Requirements

Align Master of Science in Computer Science General Requirements

Align Bridge Coursework

Students are required to complete the following bridge courses.

A grade of B or higher is required in each course.

Fundamentals 

CS 5001 - Intensive Foundations of Computer Science 
4.00 
CS 5003 - Recitation for CS 5001 
0.00 

Discrete Structures

CS 5002 - Discrete Structures 
4.00 

Object-Oriented Design

CS 5004 - Object-Oriented Design 
4.00 
CS 5005 - Recitation for CS 5004 
0.00 

Additional Align courses

CS 5006 - Algorithms 
2.00 
CS 5007 - Computer Systems 
2.00 

Core Requirements

Development

Choose one of the following:

CS 5500 - Foundations of Software Engineering 
4.00 
CS 5600 - Computer Systems 
4.00 

Algorithms

CS 5800 - Algorithms 
4.00 

Electives

Complete 20 semester hours from the following. A minimum of 8 semester hours must be taken from the same specialization.

CS 5100 to CS 5850

CS 6110 to CS 6810

CS 7140 to CS 7380

CS 7470 to CS 7580

CS 7670 to CS 7785

CS 7810 to CS 7880

CS 8674 - Master’s Project 
4.00 
CS 8982 - Readings 
1.00 - 8.00 
CS 7990 - Thesis 
4.00 
DS 5110 - Introduction to Data Management and Processing 
4.00 

Specializations

Choose one from the following:

Artificial Intelligence
CS 5100 - Foundations of Artificial Intelligence 
4.00 
CS 5335 - Robotic Science and Systems 
4.00 
CS 6120 - Natural Language Processing 
4.00 
CS 6140 - Machine Learning 
4.00 
CS 7140 - Advanced Machine Learning 
4.00 
CS 7180 - Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence 
4.00 
Computer-Human Interface
CS 5340 - Computer/Human Interaction 
4.00 
CS 6350 - Empirical Research Methods 
4.00 
CS 7140 - Advanced Machine Learning 
4.00 
Data Science
CS 5200 - Database Management Systems 
4.00 
CS 6140 - Machine Learning 
4.00 
CS 6200 - Information Retrieval 
4.00 
CS 6220 - Data Mining Techniques 
4.00 
CS 6240 - Large-Scale Parallel Data Processing 
4.00 
CS 7150 - Deep Learning 
4.00 
CS 7280 - Special Topics in Database Management 
4.00 
CS 7290 - Special Topics in Data Science 
4.00 
CS 7295 - Special Topics in Data Visualization 
4.00 
Game Design
CS 5150 - Game Artificial Intelligence 
4.00 
CS 5310 - Computer Graphics 
4.00 
CS 5340 - Computer/Human Interaction 
4.00 
CS 5850 - Building Game Engines 
4.00 
CS 7140 - Advanced Machine Learning 
4.00 
Graphics
CS 5310 - Computer Graphics 
4.00 
CS 5330 - Pattern Recognition and Computer Vision 
4.00 
CS 5520 - Mobile Application Development 
4.00 
Information Security
CS 6760 - Privacy, Security, and Usability 
4.00 
CS 7485 - Special Topics in Formal Methods 
4.00 
CS 7580 - Special Topics in Software Engineering 
4.00 
CS 7810 - Foundations of Cryptography 
4.00 
CY 5770 - Software Vulnerabilities and Security 
4.00 
CY 6740 - Network Security 
4.00 
CY 6750 - Cryptography and Communications Security 
4.00 
Networks
CS 5700 - Fundamentals of Computer Networking 
4.00 
CS 6710 - Wireless Network 
4.00 
CS 6760 - Privacy, Security, and Usability 
4.00 
CS 7775 - Seminar in Computer Security 
2.00 - 4.00 
CS 7780 - Special Topics in Networks 
4.00 
CY 6740 - Network Security 
4.00 
CY 6750 - Cryptography and Communications Security 
4.00 
Programming Languages
CS 5400 - Principles of Programming Language 
4.00 
CS 6410 - Compilers 
4.00 
CS 6510 - Advanced Software Development 
4.00 
CS 7480 - Special Topics in Programming Language 
4.00 
Software Engineering
CS 5520 - Mobile Application Development 
4.00 
CS 5610 - Web Development 
4.00 
CS 6510 - Advanced Software Development 
4.00 
CS 6650 - Building Scalable Distributed Systems 
4.00 
CS 7580 - Special Topics in Software Engineering 
4.00 
Systems
CS 6620 - Fundamentals of Cloud Computing 
4.00 
CS 7680 - Special Topics in Computer Systems 
4.00 
CY 6740 - Network Security 
4.00 
Theory
CS 6800 - Application of Information Theory 
4.00 
CS 7805 - Theory of Computation 
4.00 
CS 7880 - Special Topics in Theoretical Computer Science 
4.00 
CY 6750 - Cryptography and Communications Security 
4.00 

Please note: This curriculum is for marketing purposes only and is subject to change. Official curriculum can be found within the course catalog.



Experiential Learning

Learning integrated with professional experience is a hallmark of Northeastern and the Roux Institute. Students gain a clear understanding of real-world industry needs in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast—and valued workplace skills like communication and teamwork—through assignments at companies and nonprofit organizations. Students can complete a six-week virtual project relevant to their studies through the university’s Experiential Network (XN) of employers. Or they can apply for four- and six-month, full-time co-op positions. All opportunities enable students to build their resumés, expand their professional networks, and chart a path to in-demand careers.

Faculty

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.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 255,000 alumni and 3,350+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global nongovernmental organizations. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional locations further foster a lifelong, global community of learning and mentoring.

Below is a look at where our Computing and IT alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • Dell EMC
    • IBM
    • Amazon
    • Oracle
    • Microsoft

  • What They Do

    • Engineering
    • Information Technology
    • Business Development
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Program and Project Management

  • What They're Skilled At

    • Java
    • SQL
    • Software Development
    • JavaScript
    • HTML

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

Request Info

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