Khoury College of Computer Sciences

Cybersecurity — Align

Master's: Arlington, VA
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Align Master's : Boston, MA
Certificate : Boston, MA
Master's : Boston, MA
Master's : Online
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Thinking about a career in cybersecurity but don’t have a technical background? The Align Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences is proven to deliver strong career outcomes. Start your new career in tech in just 2.5–3 years.

Top faculty who are experienced in teaching beginners guide you through two semesters of graduate bridge courses before you dive into technical coursework in cybersecurity and contextual work in law, forensics, criminology, social sciences, policy, and management. Projects with top companies and opportunities for a four-to-eight-month paid co-op position you for ideal career placement. 

Arlington, VA
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2.5–3 Years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview

Break into cybersecurity to make an impact 

Technology thrives on unexpected ideas and perspectives like yours. The Align cybersecurity program embraces your diverse background and gives you the skills and connections to be successful. Align students come from 150+ disciplines, including political science, pre-law, criminal justice, military, business, and more. 

  • Flexible pathway in a supportive learning environment, with full-time and part-time options, as well as online options after you complete the two-semester bridge
  • Talented faculty who love teaching newcomers to technology
  • Opportunity for full-time, paid co-op or internship 
  • Academic and career advisors to guide you through the program to a satisfying career

Get started in Arlington, a cybersecurity hub with a direct line to federal employers

The D.C. metro area is home to more than 200 cyber tech firms—one of the largest clusters in the country. And Washington, D.C., is just a train ride away, with even more resources and opportunities.

Strong labor market with many federal organizations and companies with high-security needs: 

  • Ranked as one of the best tech talent markets in North America by CBRE (2023)
  • 28.5% wage growth for tech positions over five years (D.C. area, CBRE, 2023)
  • 4,067+ open jobs for cybersecurity professionals in Arlington and the D.C. area (Glassdoor, October 2023)

About the Arlington Campus

More Details

Unique Features

  • The Department of Defense and National Security Agency designated Northeastern as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Operations. 
  • Collaborating with experts in industry, government, and academia worldwide, the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute’s faculty and students research, develop, and enhance technologies on which the world relies.
  • Faculty contribute to privacy policy at the national level, including working with the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop the AI bill of rights.
  • As part of an R1 institution, faculty pursue research topics in consumer and corporate privacy and security.
  • Graduates join the network of 10,000+ Khoury College alumni working around the world.

Career Outlook

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand fields worldwide

Most Khoury College graduates in cybersecurity immediately get jobs with top employers, often through their co-op or internship company. Example employers include Amazon, Google, Raytheon, Fidelity, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and many more.

In the United States, there has been a 0% unemployment rate for cybersecurity since 2016, and the global need for cybersecurity professionals is estimated at 3.5 million (TechGenix, 2022; Cybercrime Magazine, 2023). The median annual pay for information security analysts in the United States is $112,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Practical Details

  • Available in person at the Boston and Arlington, VA, campuses
  • Co-ops and internships available 
  • Potential financial support is available through a combination of paid, full-time co-op or internship placements, teaching assistant and tutor positions, Federal Student Aid, and scholarships from Northeastern’s philanthropic and corporate partners

Curriculum

What makes Align an employer-preferred program is the curriculum’s connection to industry’s needs. Khoury College listens to its 700+ employer partners and provides education in both technical and contextual areas. You’ll understand the computer science and business, legal, and political factors that impact cybersecurity. Interdisciplinary coursework and experiential learning make graduates highly employable.

Curriculum overview:

  • Two semesters of graduate bridge courses
  • Two courses in technical areas 
  • Two courses in contextual areas
  • Choose from technical or contextual electives
  • Add optional qualifications like a concentration in criminology or a graduate certificate in engineering leadership

View the Full Curriculum

Testimonials

"Align is great because you get a master’s degree, but you won’t just code for the rest of your life. The technical understanding enhances your current experience. Everyone takes a different path into the program—but it’s not just one product coming out. The output is as diverse as the input."

—Johanna, Align MS in Computer Science ’19 and PhD student in Cybersecurity

Looking for something different?

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$74K *
Tuition

Financial Support Can include full-time co-op/internship, TA/tutor position, Federal Student Aid, scholarships, and Scholarship for Service for students from other fields.

Check Costs per Credit This program is a total of 36–44 credits. 

Requirements

  • Online application and application fee
  • PDF or scanned copies of unofficial undergraduate transcripts; you can submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended at the time of admission
  • Statement of purpose that should include career goals and expected outcomes and benefits from the program
  • Recent professional resumé listing detailed position responsibilities
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GPA minimums: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, 8.0 on a 10.0 scale, or 80 on a 100 scale
  • Official TOEFL (100 minimum) or IELTS (7.5 minimum) examination scores (international students only)
  • GRE Optional

Questions?: [email protected]

View full application instructions.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners.

Admissions Dates

Fall
International Students: May 6
Domestic students: August 1
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Solve real-world problems at the top school for work experience

Northeastern is ranked #1 for co-ops and internships by U.S. News & World Report. This is just one reason the Align Master of Science in Cybersecurity is one of the best cybersecurity graduate programs for non-majors. You will tackle real-world problems during a capstone project for tech industry leaders such as Rapid7, Accenture, or Raytheon, as well as in your optional paid co-op or internship.

The D.C. metro area offers options for experiential learning with government agencies, federal research agencies, nonprofits, and Fortune 1000 and Inc. 5000 companies. Alumni are employed by Amazon, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force as application security engineers, security analysts, cloud security engineers, and cybersecurity compliance officers. 

Experiential Learning at Khoury College

Uniquely diverse and supportive environment

More than half of Align students identify as female, nearly double the national average for tech programs (fall 2023).

With everyone coming from different professional backgrounds as well, you have a truly unique cohort of peers to connect with. Peer mentors provide guidance throughout the program in addition to faculty, academic advisors, and career advisors. 

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Khoury College faculty are cybersecurity leaders

Learn from leaders in cybersecurity research, policy, and practice. Many faculty come from industry, working at companies like Google and Akamai Technologies, and 28% have interdisciplinary backgrounds.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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