Align MS in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand careers worldwide. The Align Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Khoury College of Computer Sciences gives you access to incredible career opportunities even if you didn’t major in computer science (CS) or cybersecurity. Developed as a cybersecurity master’s for non majors, this program can have you working as an application security engineer, cyber risk analyst, and more in as little as 2.5 years.
Please note this program will be offered in Arlington starting in Fall 2025.
Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand careers worldwide. The Align Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Khoury College of Computer Sciences gives you access to incredible career opportunities even if you didn’t major in computer science (CS) or cybersecurity. Developed as a cybersecurity master’s for non majors, this program can have you working as an application security engineer, cyber risk analyst, and more in as little as 2.5 years.
Please note this program will be offered in Arlington starting in Fall 2025.
Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand careers worldwide. The Align Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Khoury College of Computer Sciences gives you access to incredible career opportunities even if you didn’t major in computer science (CS) or cybersecurity. Developed as a cybersecurity master’s for non majors, this program can have you working as an application security engineer, cyber risk analyst, and more in as little as 2.5 years.
Please note this program will be offered in Arlington starting in Fall 2025.
Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand careers worldwide. The Align Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Khoury College of Computer Sciences gives you access to incredible career opportunities even if you didn’t major in computer science (CS) or cybersecurity. Developed as a cybersecurity master’s for non majors, this program can have you working as an application security engineer, cyber risk analyst, and more in as little as 2.5 years.
Please note this program will be offered in Arlington starting in Fall 2025.
TechGenix, 2022
USBLS, 2022
TechGenix, 2022
USBLS, 2022
TechGenix, 2022
TechGenix, 2022
TechGenix, 2022
USBLS, 2022
TechGenix, 2022
USBLS, 2022
TechGenix, 2022
TechGenix, 2022
Cybercrime Magazine, 2023
USBLS, 2022
Cybercrime Magazine, 2023
USBLS, 2022
Cybercrime Magazine, 2023
Cybercrime Magazine, 2023
Cybercrime Magazine, 2023
USBLS, 2022
Cybercrime Magazine, 2023
USBLS, 2022
Cybercrime Magazine, 2023
Cybercrime Magazine, 2023
Align is designed to move you into the future of tech
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. In Align, you’ll study alongside students of diverse backgrounds while learning technical skills in information security technology and computing.
Align program benefits include:
- Study full time or part time in Boston or Arlington (VA)
- No GRE required
- 2 semesters of graduate-level bridge courses with a cohort of your peers leading directly to cybersecurity courses—no need to reapply
- Opportunity to participate in a 4–8 month paid, full-time co-op or internship
- Supportive learning community including academic advisors, career advisors, and peer mentors
Align is designed to move you into the future of tech
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. In Align, you’ll study alongside students of diverse backgrounds while learning technical skills in information security technology and computing.
Align program benefits include:
- Study full time or part time in Boston or Arlington (VA)
- No GRE required
- 2 semesters of graduate-level bridge courses with a cohort of your peers leading directly to cybersecurity courses—no need to reapply
- Opportunity to participate in a 4–8 month paid, full-time co-op or internship
- Supportive learning community including academic advisors, career advisors, and peer mentors
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Align students, fall 2023
Join a supportive learning community
A curious, motivated community of people from every background imaginable comes together in Align to leverage their unique experiences to defend key pillars of our society—government, law, health, finance, defense, and more.
- Talented and connected faculty who know how to teach graduate-level computer science to beginners—and love doing it
- Dedicated academic advisors who guide your transition from bridge to cybersecurity coursework
- Career advisors who help you find the right co-op or internship
- Peer mentors who provide guidance on courses, projects, and career
Apply your learning to real cyber and privacy challenges across industries
Paid opportunities
Your full-time, paid 4–8 month co-op or internship opportunity allows you to work on current challenges facing the cybersecurity industry. Khoury College has 700+ industry partners, from established corporations and government organizations to unique startups and nonprofits. Co-ops are available in person or online.
Capstone project
Additionally, you can complete a capstone project working with companies and organizations to solve real problems. Khoury cybersecurity students have collaborated with companies like Rapid 7, MITRE, Partners Healthcare, Fidelity, and Raytheon to focus on current cybersecurity challenges.
Join a supportive learning community
A curious, motivated community of people from every background imaginable comes together in Align to leverage their unique experiences to defend key pillars of our society—government, law, health, finance, defense, and more.
- Talented and connected faculty who know how to teach graduate-level computer science to beginners—and love doing it
- Dedicated academic advisors who guide your transition from bridge to cybersecurity coursework
- Career advisors who help you find the right co-op or internship
- Peer mentors who provide guidance on courses, projects, and career
Apply your learning to real cyber and privacy challenges across industries
Paid opportunities
Your full-time, paid 4–8 month co-op or internship opportunity allows you to work on current challenges facing the cybersecurity industry. Khoury College has 700+ industry partners, from established corporations and government organizations to unique startups and nonprofits. Co-ops are available in person or online.
Capstone project
Additionally, you can complete a capstone project working with companies and organizations to solve real problems. Khoury cybersecurity students have collaborated with companies like Rapid 7, MITRE, Partners Healthcare, Fidelity, and Raytheon to focus on current cybersecurity challenges.
“In security and resilience, when a crisis occurs—these are the things you study. I know that my current role [at BFD] is going to mix with computer science because I’m modernizing the technology at the fire department.”
— Jack Giordano, Align MSCY ’21
“In security and resilience, when a crisis occurs—these are the things you study. I know that my current role [at BFD] is going to mix with computer science because I’m modernizing the technology at the fire department.”
— Jack Giordano, Align MSCY ’21
“In security and resilience, when a crisis occurs—these are the things you study. I know that my current role [at BFD] is going to mix with computer science because I’m modernizing the technology at the fire department.”
— Jack Giordano, Align MSCY ’21
“In security and resilience, when a crisis occurs—these are the things you study. I know that my current role [at BFD] is going to mix with computer science because I’m modernizing the technology at the fire department.”
— Jack Giordano, Align MSCY ’21
- Amazon/AWS
- Akamai
- Raytheon
- MITRE
- Wayfair
- Fidelity
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- Synopsys
- Amazon/AWS
- Akamai
- Raytheon
- MITRE
- Wayfair
- Fidelity
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- Synopsys
- Amazon/AWS
- Akamai
- Raytheon
- MITRE
- Wayfair
- Fidelity
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- Synopsys
- Amazon/AWS
- Akamai
- Raytheon
- MITRE
- Wayfair
- Fidelity
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- Synopsys
- Application security engineer
- Security analyst
- Chief information security officer
- Cybersecurity compliance officer
- Cyber risk analyst
- Cloud security engineer
- Application security engineer
- Security analyst
- Chief information security officer
- Cybersecurity compliance officer
- Cyber risk analyst
- Cloud security engineer
- Application security engineer
- Security analyst
- Chief information security officer
- Cybersecurity compliance officer
- Cyber risk analyst
- Cloud security engineer
- Application security engineer
- Security analyst
- Chief information security officer
- Cybersecurity compliance officer
- Cyber risk analyst
- Cloud security engineer
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
In the cybersecurity program, you’ll have the option to hold a paid, full-time co-op or internship of 4–8 months during your program in fields as varied as traditional tech, healthcare, and defense—even within your current company.
U.S. News & World Report
In the cybersecurity program, you’ll have the option to hold a paid, full-time co-op or internship of 4–8 months during your program in fields as varied as traditional tech, healthcare, and defense—even within your current company.
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
In the cybersecurity program, you’ll have the option to hold a paid, full-time co-op or internship of 4–8 months during your program in fields as varied as traditional tech, healthcare, and defense—even within your current company.
U.S. News & World Report
In the cybersecurity program, you’ll have the option to hold a paid, full-time co-op or internship of 4–8 months during your program in fields as varied as traditional tech, healthcare, and defense—even within your current company.
U.S. News & World Report
The Align master’s in cybersecurity for non majors gives you a foundation in law, forensics, criminology, social sciences, policy, and management alongside technical skills in information security technology and computing.
You’ll learn to identify and break down silos that put digital technologies at risk, preparing you for technical or management roles.
- Interdisciplinary focus with a diverse group of peers
- Students are required to complete two courses in each of the two tracks – technical and contextual – and can further specialize in either track by selecting elective courses
- Add optional qualifications like the Concentration in Criminology or a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership
Learning outcomes
A Khoury College cybersecurity master’s degree enables you to:
- 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
- Explain and prioritize needs to maintain an effective organizational cybersecurity policy and assist in the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans
- Communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing with corporate management on cyber-related issues
The Align master’s in cybersecurity for non majors gives you a foundation in law, forensics, criminology, social sciences, policy, and management alongside technical skills in information security technology and computing.
You’ll learn to identify and break down silos that put digital technologies at risk, preparing you for technical or management roles.
- Interdisciplinary focus with a diverse group of peers
- Students are required to complete two courses in each of the two tracks – technical and contextual – and can further specialize in either track by selecting elective courses
- Add optional qualifications like the Concentration in Criminology or a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership
Learning outcomes
A Khoury College cybersecurity master’s degree enables you to:
- 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
- Explain and prioritize needs to maintain an effective organizational cybersecurity policy and assist in the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans
- Communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing with corporate management on cyber-related issues
The Align master’s in cybersecurity for non majors gives you a foundation in law, forensics, criminology, social sciences, policy, and management alongside technical skills in information security technology and computing.
You’ll learn to identify and break down silos that put digital technologies at risk, preparing you for technical or management roles.
- Interdisciplinary focus with a diverse group of peers
- Students are required to complete two courses in each of the two tracks – technical and contextual – and can further specialize in either track by selecting elective courses
- Add optional qualifications like the Concentration in Criminology or a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership
Learning outcomes
A Khoury College cybersecurity master’s degree enables you to:
- 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
- Explain and prioritize needs to maintain an effective organizational cybersecurity policy and assist in the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans
- Communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing with corporate management on cyber-related issues
The Align master’s in cybersecurity for non majors gives you a foundation in law, forensics, criminology, social sciences, policy, and management alongside technical skills in information security technology and computing.
You’ll learn to identify and break down silos that put digital technologies at risk, preparing you for technical or management roles.
- Interdisciplinary focus with a diverse group of peers
- Students are required to complete two courses in each of the two tracks – technical and contextual – and can further specialize in either track by selecting elective courses
- Add optional qualifications like the Concentration in Criminology or a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership
Learning outcomes
A Khoury College cybersecurity master’s degree enables you to:
- 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
- Explain and prioritize needs to maintain an effective organizational cybersecurity policy and assist in the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans
- Communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing with corporate management on cyber-related issues
Khoury College researchers determined that Google and Amazon are using data collected from smart devices to collect information on users to target advertisements.
Associate Professor David Choffnes
Khoury College researchers determined that Google and Amazon are using data collected from smart devices to collect information on users to target advertisements.
Associate Professor David Choffnes
Khoury College researchers determined that Google and Amazon are using data collected from smart devices to collect information on users to target advertisements.
Associate Professor David Choffnes
Khoury College researchers determined that Google and Amazon are using data collected from smart devices to collect information on users to target advertisements.
Associate Professor David Choffnes
World-class faculty conducting nationally recognized research
Khoury College of Computer Sciences faculty are leaders in cybersecurity research, policy, and practice. As the home to the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute and designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Operations by the Department of Defense and National Security Agency, Khoury College is leading the way for the privacy and cybersecurity industry.
Faculty accomplishments include:
- Helping to establish fields like medical device security
- Holding positions in the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy
- And many more
World-class faculty conducting nationally recognized research
Khoury College of Computer Sciences faculty are leaders in cybersecurity research, policy, and practice. As the home to the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute and designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Operations by the Department of Defense and National Security Agency, Khoury College is leading the way for the privacy and cybersecurity industry.
Faculty accomplishments include:
- Helping to establish fields like medical device security
- Holding positions in the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy
- And many more
Faculty security and privacy work is widely covered in the news
Faculty security and privacy work is widely covered in the news
How to apply
- Application: Online
- Fee: Waived
- Fall 2025 Deadline (Boston only): August 1 for domestic students; April 15* for international students (*subject to change)
- Fall 2025 application for Boston and Arlington will open early September
- 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.
Test score minimums
Northeastern is currently waiving the GRE requirement for the fall 2024 application term.
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 Slate.
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 Khoury College students wish to take their passion and combine it with tech; others wish to leave their past experiences behind and dive headfirst into the computer science world. What drives your transition into tech and cybersecurity?
- 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 the program. The bridge portion is 16 credits with 4 carrying over toward the 32 required for the MSCY. Check costs per credit here.
How to apply
- Application: Online
- Fee: Waived
- Fall 2025 Deadline (Boston only): August 1 for domestic students; April 15* for international students (*subject to change)
- Fall 2025 application for Boston and Arlington will open early September
- 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.
Test score minimums
Northeastern is currently waiving the GRE requirement for the fall 2024 application term.
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 Slate.
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 Khoury College students wish to take their passion and combine it with tech; others wish to leave their past experiences behind and dive headfirst into the computer science world. What drives your transition into tech and cybersecurity?
- 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 the program. The bridge portion is 16 credits with 4 carrying over toward the 32 required for the MSCY. Check costs per credit here.
Request information about the Align MS in Cybersecurity
Complete this form to learn more about the Align MS in Cybersecurity. One of our enrollment counselors will contact you soon.
Request information about the Align MS in Cybersecurity
Complete this form to learn more about the Align MS in Cybersecurity. One of our enrollment counselors will contact you soon.