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Align MS in Computer Science

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The Align MS in Computer Science prepares you to break into tech, without a computer science background. Study with a supportive cohort of your peers as you spend the first two semesters building a solid base of fundamental knowledge before diving into emerging areas like AI, human-computer interaction, game design, cybersecurity, and more. When you graduate, you’ll be ready for your future in the diverse, ever-growing field of computer science.

Explore program requirements in the course catalog
Go to the online version of the program

Program highlights

Semester hours

44 total semester hours required

Start term

Fall, Spring (spring varies depending on location)

Full-time or part-time

Program modality

In person
(Online program option: Align MS in Computer Science Online)

Career prospects and top employers

In our 11 years, more than 1,550 students have prepared for successful careers through the Align program. Our alums are well positioned for roles at competitive global companies big and small, spanning many industries. More than 40% of Align MSCS graduates are currently employed by these 10 companies:

  1. Amazon
  2. AWS
  3. Meta
  4. Google
  5. Microsoft
  1. Oracle
  2. LinkedIn
  3. Apple
  4. Salesforce
  5. TikTok

What makes Align different

Learn about the successful collaboration between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Align students, and what makes it different: “We’re not just bringing in trained engineers. We’re bringing a set of folks who have a different set of perspectives, a different set of experiences. They bring a fresh understanding — a fresh set of eyes,” says Wayne Duso, former AWS vice president.

How the Align program works

An equation showing how the Align program works. 2 semesters of bridge classes, plus 2 semesters of graduate classes, plus 1 four- to eight-month co-op or internship, plus 1-2 semesters of graduate classes, equals of Master of Science Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or Cybersecurity
a graphic showing how the Align program works. 2 semesters of bridge classes plus 2 semesters of MSCS classes plus 1 four- to eight-month co-op or internship plus 1 semester of MSCS classes equals the Align MS in Computer Science

Learning outcomes

The Align MS in Computer Science will equip you with technical knowledge and career preparation. As a graduate, you will:

  • Exhibit proficiency in the design, implementation, and testing of software
  • Demonstrate skills and experience working in small teams
  • Apply algorithmic and theoretical computer-science principles to solve computing problems from a variety of application areas
  • Demonstrate the ability to learn and develop competencies in specialized or emerging computer science fields

Stories from our students

Meet our students and find out how the Align program is preparing them to reach their goals. Learn from their stories of ambition, opportunity, and success as they pursue a future in tech.

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Katie Lowen

Katie Lowen

For a time, Katie Lowen was touring internationally as a contemporary dancer. But when the pandemic closed down theaters, she sought another avenue to develop herself. Now, earning her master’s in computer science through the Align program in Vancouver, Katie finds herself immersed in a career path she’d never imagined.

Katie's story

Campus locations

  • Students walk by West Village H on the Boston campus. A large, white KHOURY sign is next to the students. West Village H rises in the background.

    Boston

    Located in the heart of Boston, Northeastern’s oldest campus is home to a vibrant community of students, researchers, and faculty working across disciplines to build a better world through CS.

    Explore Boston's campus
  • Two Northeastern Arlington students laugh as the view laptop screens in a campus lounge.

    Arlington

    The tech hub of the National Capital Region, Arlington offers rich opportunities with thriving companies such as Amazon and Microsoft.

    Explore Arlington's campus
  • A rendering of glass and steel exterior of Northeastern Miami's building in the Wynwood neighborhood.

    Miami

    Miami is a bold and creative city — the perfect place to push the boundaries of tech. Come find out what’s possible here.

    Explore Miami's campus
  • Three students walk along a sidewalk at the Oakland campus. The sidewalk is lined by tall trees at equal distances.

    Oakland

    Tech companies in Oakland benefit from a diverse and creative local ecosystem with easy access to Silicon Valley resources — providing a massive opportunity for CS education and research.

    Explore Oakland's campus
  • A view of a port in Portland, Maine with three boats docked at a pier.

    Portland

    The collaborative nature of Northeastern’s Roux Institute in Portland connects students with corporate and governmental power players across the Northeast, and beyond.

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  • A photo shot from the top of Northeastern Seattle's building. In the distance, the side of a building is covered in a mural and the Space Needle can be seen farther in the distance. The sky is covered in white clouds.

    Seattle

    The Seattle campus partners with industry, government, and academia to bring programs in high-growth fields to the Pacific Northwest — becoming a valuable part of the region’s economy in the process.

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  • Silicon Valley

    Located in the heart of the tech revolution (and where it began), the San Jose campus offers students the opportunities to advance the CS field in a program known for industry connections and diverse work opportunities.

    Explore Silicon Valley's campus
  • A photo of the Northeastern Vancouver building. The buliding's glass exterior looks like building blocks unevenly stacked on top of each other.

    Vancouver

    Vancouver students gain skills and explore partnerships within a regional network that offers experiential and professional opportunities in leading-edge sectors such as AI, e-commerce, financial technology, and more.

    Explore Vancouver's campus

Applications and admissions

Our Align apply page has everything you need to know about applying to the Align MS in Computer Science program at Khoury College, including:

  • Align admissions requirements
  • Timelines and deadlines
  • Resources and contact information
Learn about applying to Align

Visit Student Financial Services for current tuition and fee information, and to find tools and calculators to help you estimate the cost of your degree, based on 44 required semester hours.

Visit Student Financial Services

Pursuing a master’s degree is a significant investment in your future. Northeastern University and Khoury College of Computer Sciences are here to help support you in any way we can. From financial aid to scholarship opportunities to co-op placements and teaching assistantships, there are multiple options to help fund your degree as you work toward your goals.

Learn more about financial support

Deadlines

September 15

Spring international student application deadline

December 1

Spring domestic student application deadline

April 15

Fall international student application deadline

August 1

Fall domestic student application deadline

Meet our faculty

Get to know the engaged, experienced professors who are here to support you every step of the way.

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Lindsay Jamieson

Lindsay Jamieson is a teaching professor at Khoury College, and a member of the executive committee for ACM-W North America. She researches algorithms and theory, and also investigates K-12 computer science education, which intersects with her interest in supporting women’s full participation in computer science.

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Find answers in our FAQ, or complete this form to learn more about the Align MS in Computer Science program. One of our enrollment counselors will contact you soon.

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