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 two-semester bridge that prepares students from nontechnical backgrounds for master's-level computer science courses. The program also includes the opportunity for four to eight 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 the time of application."
Build professional connections in Vancouver
Northeastern’s waterfront Vancouver campus is located in the same building as the regional headquarters for Deloitte and Apple, across from Amazon, and alongside the region’s largest tech employers and the city’s vibrant startup tech community.
Vancouver is a hotbed of spinoff companies, startup incubation, technology licensing, and commercialization. With strong R&D in the tech sector, Vancouver leads in VR/AR, artificial intelligence, robotics, ICT, SaaS, and gaming, and offers great opportunities in communications, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, and more. Learn about key co-op partners, faculty connections, and life on the Vancouver campus website.
Learn More about Vancouver 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 diverse employers in Vancouver and across Canada, such as Calgary Scientific Inc., Electronic Arts, the Federal Aviation Administration, Hoshino Math Services, Malaspina Labs, MetaOptima Technology, Mio Global, the National Institute of Informatics, NexTech AR Solutions, Nuance, Schneider Electric, Synaptitude Brain Health, 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, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Accreditation Information
This program is offered under the written consent of the minister of advanced education, skills and training, effective July 7, 2019, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).
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
