A Khoury student sitting on one side of a rectangular table talks with another student sitting across the table. The student who is speaking is gesturing with his hands by making a round shape with both hands. Other students sit around several other tables in the background.

Align MS in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand careers worldwide today. The Align Master of Science in Cybersecurity was designed to give you access to incredible career opportunities even if you didn’t major in computer science (CS) or cybersecurity. Study with a supportive cohort of your peers as you spend the first two semesters building a solid CS foundation. Then, you’ll dive deep into the world of cybersecurity with talented and connected faculty who know how to teach graduate-level computer science to beginners — and love doing it.

Program highlights

Semester hours

44 total semester hours required

Start term

Fall, Spring (spring varies depending on location)

Program modality

In person

Career prospects and top employers

In the digital age, every industry relies on cybersecurity to protect their systems, applications, devices, data, and financial assets. Companies of all sizes are actively looking to fill thousands of cybersecurity roles across the country. Our graduates find success in a variety of companies such as Amazon, AWS, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Akamai, Fidelity Investments, EY, Synopsys, MITRE, and Raytheon in careers that include: 

  • Security engineer/senior security engineer
  • Software engineer/senior software engineer
  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Cybersecurity engineer
  • Security architect
  • Security consultant
  • Security engineering manager

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 Cybersecurity will equip you with technical knowledge and career preparation. As a a graduate, you will:

  • Analyze cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and risks that affect information systems, as well as anticipate potential new challenges in these areas
  • Plan and implement techniques and strategies to prevent, protect, and mitigate cyber risks of computer information systems, including IoT, mobile, and cloud
  • Assist in the implementation of security plans for organizations in consideration of the proper risk analysis, required countermeasures, ethical issues, and ensuring compliance with laws, standards, and industry guidelines

Campus locations

  • 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.

  • 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.

Applications and admissions

How to apply

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

  • Align admissions requirements
  • Timelines and deadlines
  • Resources and contact information

Degree costs

Visit Student Financial Services for current tuition and fee information. You will also find tools and calculators to help you estimate what your degree will cost.

Financial support

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.

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.

Related events

Have questions?

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

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