Align MS in Computer Science Online
At Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, computer science is for everyone. You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. The Align Master of Science in Computer Science is now available in a flexible format providing online course work in conjunction with three in person residencies. Align is a pathway to a master’s in computer science without a CS undergrad. It empowers motivated students and professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to earn a master’s degree in computer science—within a flexible format.
Take online courses from anywhere, with the flexibility to 1) complete the courses online or 2) transfer to one of our strategically located campuses after you’ve completed the bridge portion of the program.
At Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, computer science is for everyone. You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. The Align Master of Science in Computer Science is now available in a flexible format providing online course work in conjunction with three in person residencies. Align is a pathway to a master’s in computer science without a CS undergrad. It empowers motivated students and professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to earn a master’s degree in computer science—within a flexible format.
Take online courses from anywhere, with the flexibility to 1) complete the courses online or 2) transfer to one of our strategically located campuses after you’ve completed the bridge portion of the program.
At Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, computer science is for everyone. You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. The Align Master of Science in Computer Science is now available in a flexible format providing online course work in conjunction with three in person residencies. Align is a pathway to a master’s in computer science without a CS undergrad. It empowers motivated students and professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to earn a master’s degree in computer science—within a flexible format.
Take online courses from anywhere, with the flexibility to 1) complete the courses online or 2) transfer to one of our strategically located campuses after you’ve completed the bridge portion of the program.
At Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, computer science is for everyone. You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. The Align Master of Science in Computer Science is now available in a flexible format providing online course work in conjunction with three in person residencies. Align is a pathway to a master’s in computer science without a CS undergrad. It empowers motivated students and professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to earn a master’s degree in computer science—within a flexible format.
Take online courses from anywhere, with the flexibility to 1) complete the courses online or 2) transfer to one of our strategically located campuses after you’ve completed the bridge portion of the program.
It takes both skills and connections to land a top job in tech. That’s why Khoury College’s online program includes three short in-person retreats (with travel and room and board included in tuition) at the beginning, middle, and end of the online bridge portion of your program.
- Build community
- Get in-person support to learn new tools
- Put what you’ve learned into practice with real-world projects
From there, you can shape the format of your online computer science degree program in a way that fits into your work and family life—even if you work full time—while also gaining important tech connections.
- Choose a pace that works for you
- Start working in tech before you graduate with an optional, paid co-op or internship with a partner company or within your current company (online or in-person)
It takes both skills and connections to land a top job in tech. That’s why Khoury College’s online program includes three short in-person retreats (with travel and room and board included in tuition) at the beginning, middle, and end of the online bridge portion of your program.
- Build community
- Get in-person support to learn new tools
- Put what you’ve learned into practice with real-world projects
From there, you can shape the format of your online computer science degree program in a way that fits into your work and family life—even if you work full time—while also gaining important tech connections.
- Choose a pace that works for you
- Start working in tech before you graduate with an optional, paid co-op or internship with a partner company or within your current company (online or in-person)
It takes both skills and connections to land a top job in tech. That’s why Khoury College’s online program includes three short in-person retreats (with travel and room and board included in tuition) at the beginning, middle, and end of the online bridge portion of your program.
- Build community
- Get in-person support to learn new tools
- Put what you’ve learned into practice with real-world projects
From there, you can shape the format of your online computer science degree program in a way that fits into your work and family life—even if you work full time—while also gaining important tech connections.
- Choose a pace that works for you
- Start working in tech before you graduate with an optional, paid co-op or internship with a partner company or within your current company (online or in-person)
It takes both skills and connections to land a top job in tech. That’s why Khoury College’s online program includes three short in-person retreats (with travel and room and board included in tuition) at the beginning, middle, and end of the online bridge portion of your program.
- Build community
- Get in-person support to learn new tools
- Put what you’ve learned into practice with real-world projects
From there, you can shape the format of your online computer science degree program in a way that fits into your work and family life—even if you work full time—while also gaining important tech connections.
- Choose a pace that works for you
- Start working in tech before you graduate with an optional, paid co-op or internship with a partner company or within your current company (online or in-person)
- 29% business
- 18% social sciences
- 17% life sciences
- 17% engineering
- 15% humanities
- 4% fine and performing arts
The full range of experiences are represented in the Align computer science degree program, including students with families and full-time jobs, as well as first-generation students. Align is a proven pathway to a masters in computer science without CS undergrad.
- 53% female (fall 2022)
- 15% of domestic students identify as a race or ethnicity historically marginalized in technology (average, 2018–2022)
- 29% business
- 18% social sciences
- 17% life sciences
- 17% engineering
- 15% humanities
- 4% fine and performing arts
The full range of experiences are represented in the Align computer science degree program, including students with families and full-time jobs, as well as first-generation students. Align is a proven pathway to a masters in computer science without CS undergrad.
- 53% female (fall 2022)
- 15% of domestic students identify as a race or ethnicity historically marginalized in technology (average, 2018–2022)
- 29% business
- 18% social sciences
- 17% life sciences
- 17% engineering
- 15% humanities
- 4% fine and performing arts
The full range of experiences are represented in the Align computer science degree program, including students with families and full-time jobs, as well as first-generation students. Align is a proven pathway to a masters in computer science without CS undergrad.
- 53% female (fall 2022)
- 15% of domestic students identify as a race or ethnicity historically marginalized in technology (average, 2018–2022)
- 29% business
- 18% social sciences
- 17% life sciences
- 17% engineering
- 15% humanities
- 4% fine and performing arts
The full range of experiences are represented in the Align computer science degree program, including students with families and full-time jobs, as well as first-generation students. Align is a proven pathway to a masters in computer science without CS undergrad.
- 53% female (fall 2022)
- 15% of domestic students identify as a race or ethnicity historically marginalized in technology (average, 2018–2022)
Build in-demand skills to fill a pressing need in the tech industry
Employers are searching for the outliers—computer science experts with diverse backgrounds. Earning a masters in computer science without cs undergrad makes you highly employable. Companies and organizations also need people with the strong collaborative skills you’ll develop while working in diverse online teams in Align Online. In the rapidly expanding knowledge economy, virtual collaboration is increasingly more important than location.
Build in-demand skills to fill a pressing need in the tech industry
Employers are searching for the outliers—computer science experts with diverse backgrounds. Earning a masters in computer science without cs undergrad makes you highly employable. Companies and organizations also need people with the strong collaborative skills you’ll develop while working in diverse online teams in Align Online. In the rapidly expanding knowledge economy, virtual collaboration is increasingly more important than location.
2020–2030, USBLS
2020–2021, USBLS
2020–2030, USBLS
2020–2021, USBLS
2020–2030, USBLS
2020–2030, USBLS
2020–2030, USBLS
2020–2021, USBLS
2020–2030, USBLS
2020–2021, USBLS
2020–2030, USBLS
2020–2030, USBLS
Get CS experience in an industry-preferred program
Khoury College of Computer Sciences has 700+ industry partners, from established corporations and government organizations to unique startups and nonprofits. Supported by corporate and philanthropic partners like Meta, Google, Dell, Travelers, and Pivotal Ventures, Align is even listed as a “preferred” qualification for Amazon internships. Employers need the skillset and diverse perspective of those with a masters in computer science without cs undergrad.
Get CS experience in an industry-preferred program
Khoury College of Computer Sciences has 700+ industry partners, from established corporations and government organizations to unique startups and nonprofits. Supported by corporate and philanthropic partners like Meta, Google, Dell, Travelers, and Pivotal Ventures, Align is even listed as a “preferred” qualification for Amazon internships. Employers need the skillset and diverse perspective of those with a masters in computer science without cs undergrad.
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
In Align Online, you’ll have the option to hold a paid, full-time computer science co-op or internship of 4-8 months during your program in fields as varied as traditional tech, healthcare, and music. Co-op opportunities may be available in person or virtually.
U.S. News & World Report
In Align Online, you’ll have the option to hold a paid, full-time computer science co-op or internship of 4-8 months during your program in fields as varied as traditional tech, healthcare, and music. Co-op opportunities may be available in person or virtually.
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
In Align Online, you’ll have the option to hold a paid, full-time computer science co-op or internship of 4-8 months during your program in fields as varied as traditional tech, healthcare, and music. Co-op opportunities may be available in person or virtually.
U.S. News & World Report
In Align Online, you’ll have the option to hold a paid, full-time computer science co-op or internship of 4-8 months during your program in fields as varied as traditional tech, healthcare, and music. Co-op opportunities may be available in person or virtually.
U.S. News & World Report
- Top 10 Align employers include Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta
- +70% of grads are software engineers as first job
- 35% are promoted to more senior titles after 3+ yrs
- Top 10 Align employers include Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta
- +70% of grads are software engineers as first job
- 35% are promoted to more senior titles after 3+ yrs
- Top 10 Align employers include Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta
- +70% of grads are software engineers as first job
- 35% are promoted to more senior titles after 3+ yrs
- Top 10 Align employers include Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta
- +70% of grads are software engineers as first job
- 35% are promoted to more senior titles after 3+ yrs
Give yourself the potential to earn double the national average salary after completion (USBLS, holders of a master’s in CS). Align 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
- PhD candidate in computer science
Give yourself the potential to earn double the national average salary after completion (USBLS, holders of a master’s in CS). Align 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
- PhD candidate in computer science
Give yourself the potential to earn double the national average salary after completion (USBLS, holders of a master’s in CS). Align 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
- PhD candidate in computer science
Give yourself the potential to earn double the national average salary after completion (USBLS, holders of a master’s in CS). Align 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
- PhD candidate in computer science
Experience computer science in action
Learn if the Align Online computer science degree is right for you through a free, action-oriented workshop led by faculty from Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences. This event reveals how computer science applies to your everyday life. It also gives you a chance to connect and collaborate with other diverse learners from non-CS backgrounds to explore how your point of view could help shape computer science. Choose to attend virtually or in person.
Attend a Break into Tech Event
Join the online track of this ground-breaking CS program
Align—a proven program that has graduated over 1,000 students who are highly in demand—is now available in this new modality, Align Online, to meet business needs and widen access to motivated learners regardless of geography. Khoury College led the way 10 years ago to create the Align program in computer science for students without a background in the industry; since then, institutions around the country have looked to Align as a model.
Experience computer science in action
Learn if the Align Online computer science degree is right for you through a free, action-oriented workshop led by faculty from Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences. This event reveals how computer science applies to your everyday life. It also gives you a chance to connect and collaborate with other diverse learners from non-CS backgrounds to explore how your point of view could help shape computer science. Choose to attend virtually or in person.
Attend a Break into Tech Event
Join the online track of this ground-breaking CS program
Align—a proven program that has graduated over 1,000 students who are highly in demand—is now available in this new modality, Align Online, to meet business needs and widen access to motivated learners regardless of geography. Khoury College led the way 10 years ago to create the Align program in computer science for students without a background in the industry; since then, institutions around the country have looked to Align as a model.
Solve problems that interest you
In the Align Online computer science degree program, you can leverage your background and apply CS in your area of expertise—or pivot to a new career. The program empowers you to solve problems across industries. With more diversity of thought in tech, you can help build a better future.
Solve problems that interest you
In the Align Online computer science degree program, you can leverage your background and apply CS in your area of expertise—or pivot to a new career. The program empowers you to solve problems across industries. With more diversity of thought in tech, you can help build a better future.
Be part of a supportive learning community
Align Online is designed to support you from application through graduation and while you’re on the job hunt.
An application process that believes in you
Once you apply to Align Online, there’s no need to reapply after completing the academic bridge courses. You’re admitted to the MSCS from the beginning, for a total full-time program length of 2.5–3 years.
A cohort of bright peers who enrich your experience
You’ll go through the program with a diverse group of peers without technical backgrounds. You’ll work collaboratively, exploring complex intersections across industries and solving interesting problems. You’ll form bonds that can lead to future networking and career opportunities.
Be part of a supportive learning community
Align Online is designed to support you from application through graduation and while you’re on the job hunt.
An application process that believes in you
Once you apply to Align Online, there’s no need to reapply after completing the academic bridge courses. You’re admitted to the MSCS from the beginning, for a total full-time program length of 2.5–3 years.
A cohort of bright peers who enrich your experience
You’ll go through the program with a diverse group of peers without technical backgrounds. You’ll work collaboratively, exploring complex intersections across industries and solving interesting problems. You’ll form bonds that can lead to future networking and career opportunities.
Read Student Stories
Read Student Stories
Exceptional faculty who value your non-CS experience
You’ll be taught by talented and industry-connected faculty who know how to teach graduate-level computer science to beginners—and love doing it. Align Online faculty are experienced in online instruction and create an engaging learning experience that supports your learning.
Exceptional faculty who value your non-CS experience
You’ll be taught by talented and industry-connected faculty who know how to teach graduate-level computer science to beginners—and love doing it. Align Online faculty are experienced in online instruction and create an engaging learning experience that supports your learning.
Align Online Faculty
Align Online Faculty
Support for your continued success
From enrollment up until you land your first job, we’re here to support you.
- Dedicated academic advisors who guide your transition from foundational graduate-level bridge coursework into the advanced coursework and help you determine the ideal pace and format of your studies
- Career advisors who help you find the right co-op or internship to pursue
- Peer mentors who provide guidance
- Seminars that give you exposure to CS experts in the field, different types of jobs, CS applications, and more
Questions? Join our weekly drop-in session
Support for your continued success
From enrollment up until you land your first job, we’re here to support you.
- Dedicated academic advisors who guide your transition from foundational graduate-level bridge coursework into the advanced coursework and help you determine the ideal pace and format of your studies
- Career advisors who help you find the right co-op or internship to pursue
- Peer mentors who provide guidance
- Seminars that give you exposure to CS experts in the field, different types of jobs, CS applications, and more
Questions? Join our weekly drop-in session
accomplished Khoury College alumni working in diverse positions and industries across the world
accomplished Khoury College alumni working in diverse positions and industries across the world
accomplished Khoury College alumni working in diverse positions and industries across the world
accomplished Khoury College alumni working in diverse positions and industries across the world
Gain industry-aligned CS skills with a strategic curriculum
The first two semesters of graduate-level bridge courses prepare students of any undergraduate discipline for advanced coursework that includes program design, computer systems, and software development—and provides a range of electives that allow you to tailor the degree to your personal and professional goals.
Learning Outcomes:
- 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
Visit the course catalog website for a complete course list.
Gain industry-aligned CS skills with a strategic curriculum
The first two semesters of graduate-level bridge courses prepare students of any undergraduate discipline for advanced coursework that includes program design, computer systems, and software development—and provides a range of electives that allow you to tailor the degree to your personal and professional goals.
Learning Outcomes:
- 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
Visit the course catalog website for a complete course list.
Optional study in a tech-forward city of your choice
Complete all courses online, or choose to join us in-person for a later semester after completing the bridge portion of the program. You can match your experience and goals to the right city. Expert Northeastern faculty teach at each location and offer a range of impressive industry connections.
Optional study in a tech-forward city of your choice
Complete all courses online, or choose to join us in-person for a later semester after completing the bridge portion of the program. You can match your experience and goals to the right city. Expert Northeastern faculty teach at each location and offer a range of impressive industry connections.
How to Apply
- Application: Online
- Fee: Waived
- Fall 2025 Deadline: August 1 for domestic students
- Decision Dates: Rolling basis, as received, beginning at year’s end
- Questions: khoury-gradschool@northeastern.edu
Admissions requirements
GPA minimums for bachelor’s degree (any field)
- 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- 8.0 on a 10.0 scale
- 80 on a 100 scale
Please upload a PDF copy of your transcripts to the application.
Note: Very few exceptions are made for otherwise outstanding students.
Questions?
Email khoury-gradschool@northeastern.edu
Letters of recommendation
- Applying directly from undergrad: 2 academic and 1 professional reference
- Applying from the workforce: 2 professional and 1 academic reference
Recommenders must submit letters via the Slate system.
Essays
Complete 2 of 3 essay prompts:
- Essay 1 (250 words) – Align students often cite the critical importance of perseverance—the capacity to keep iterating and working on a problem. Tell us about a time you had to persevere. How has that shaped your career trajectory?
- Essay 2 (250 words) – Some of our students wish to take their passion and combine it with tech; others wish to leave their past experiences behind and dive head-first into the computer science world. What drives your transition into tech?
- Optional (250 words) – If you believe the above questions have not given you an opportunity to tell us enough about yourself, feel free to use this section to highlight something about yourself that is essential to understanding who you are and what drives you.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? See the full application instructions.
Tuition and paying for your program
To make the program accessible, Align offers potential financial support through a combination of paid, full-time co-op or internship placements, Federal Student Aid, and scholarships from Khoury College’s many philanthropic and corporate partners.
You will need a total of 44 credits to complete your Align Online program. The Bridge portion is 16 credits with 4 carrying over towards the 32 required for the MSCS. Check costs per credit here.
How to Apply
- Application: Online
- Fee: Waived
- Fall 2025 Deadline: August 1 for domestic students
- Decision Dates: Rolling basis, as received, beginning at year’s end
- Questions: khoury-gradschool@northeastern.edu
Admissions requirements
GPA minimums for bachelor’s degree (any field)
- 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- 8.0 on a 10.0 scale
- 80 on a 100 scale
Please upload a PDF copy of your transcripts to the application.
Note: Very few exceptions are made for otherwise outstanding students.
Questions?
Email khoury-gradschool@northeastern.edu
Letters of recommendation
- Applying directly from undergrad: 2 academic and 1 professional reference
- Applying from the workforce: 2 professional and 1 academic reference
Recommenders must submit letters via the Slate system.
Essays
Complete 2 of 3 essay prompts:
- Essay 1 (250 words) – Align students often cite the critical importance of perseverance—the capacity to keep iterating and working on a problem. Tell us about a time you had to persevere. How has that shaped your career trajectory?
- Essay 2 (250 words) – Some of our students wish to take their passion and combine it with tech; others wish to leave their past experiences behind and dive head-first into the computer science world. What drives your transition into tech?
- Optional (250 words) – If you believe the above questions have not given you an opportunity to tell us enough about yourself, feel free to use this section to highlight something about yourself that is essential to understanding who you are and what drives you.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? See the full application instructions.
Tuition and paying for your program
To make the program accessible, Align offers potential financial support through a combination of paid, full-time co-op or internship placements, Federal Student Aid, and scholarships from Khoury College’s many philanthropic and corporate partners.
You will need a total of 44 credits to complete your Align Online program. The Bridge portion is 16 credits with 4 carrying over towards the 32 required for the MSCS. Check costs per credit here.
Request information about Align Online
Complete this form to learn more about the Align Online program. One of our enrollment counselors will contact you soon.
Request information about Align Online
Complete this form to learn more about the Align Online program. One of our enrollment counselors will contact you soon.