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."
Build professional connections in Portland, ME
Northeastern’s Portland Campus allows you to take advantage of the growing tech market in Portland, ME. Our faculty and student researchers solve global challenges in health, sustainability, and security. Their discoveries answer the urgent needs of industry, academia, and government. We sit down with employer partners to understand their challenges, then design educational and research initiatives together. In turn, partners provide professional opportunities for students, including six-month co-ops and six-week virtual projects.
Learn about key co-op partners, faculty connections, and more in Portland, consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 25 places to live in the U.S.
Learn More about Portland Campus
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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
- 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
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.
