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Align MS in Computer Science Online

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The Align MS in Computer Science Online offers a flexible online format with three in-person residences to prepare 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 CS knowledge before diving into emerging areas such as AI, human-computer interaction, game design, security, and more.

Explore program requirements in the course catalog

Program highlights

Semester hours

44 total semester hours required

Start term

Fall admission

Program modality

Online; three in-person residencies

Career prospects and top employers

The Align program prepares people from diverse backgrounds with the computer science foundation and real-world experience needed for success in the field — making our graduates highly sought after by top employers. You’ll also have the chance to build industry connections through an optional paid co-op or internship. Our graduates are employed in positions that include:

  • Software development engineer at Amazon
  • Software engineer at AWS
  • Software engineer at Meta
  • Product manager at Oracle
  • Software engineer at Snowflake
  • IOS developer at Intrepid
  • Full-stack engineer at Fidelity
  • Mobile app developer at Bose

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

Flexibility and connections that work for you

It takes both skills and connections to land a top job in tech. That’s why our online program includes three short in-person residencies — with travel and room and board included in tuition — at the beginning, middle, and end of the online bridge portion of the program. During these residencies, which are hosted at three of our campuses, you’ll have opportunities to build community, get in-person support, and put what you’ve learned into practice with real-world projects in a campus setting. 

From there, you can shape the format and pace of your online program in a way that fits into your work and family life: Transition to in-person learning, full or part time, at one of our eight campuses offering the Align program, or continue the online program.

Learning outcomes

The Align MS in Computer Science Online 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

Featured faculty

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

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Albert Lionelle

Albert Lionelle is an associate teaching professor at Khoury College, and the director of the Align Online program. His research centers on the use of computing tools and inclusive pedagogy to enable better computer science education.

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Applications and admissions

Deadline: August 1 for fall admission

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

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

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