Khoury College of Computer Sciences

College of Engineering

Data Science Align

Master's: Portland
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Master's : Boston
Master's : Silicon Valley
Master's : Portland
Align Master's : Silicon Valley
Align Master's : Boston
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The Align Master of Science in Data Science (Align MSDS) provides a direct path to a master’s degree in data science for people from any background, with no prior experience required. The Align MSDS program delivers a comprehensive foundation for processing, modeling, analyzing, and working with data.

Portland
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2-3 years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
Overview

The Align curriculum is specifically designed to prepare incoming students without any prior programming experience. The Align MSDS delivers a comprehensive foundation for processing, modeling, analyzing, and working with data.

This program provides research and coursework in artificial intelligence, machine learning, databases, statistics (hypothesis testing), and the theory of language programming. During your time in this program, you will learn to collect data from numerous sources, explore and hypothesize, analyze using machine learning modals, and develop an effective analysis. These important skills, coupled with opportunities for experiential learning, will allow you to chart your own unique career path in this highly competitive and rewarding field.

All Roux Institute programs provide content relevant to the urgent and emerging needs of industry in Maine and the rapidly evolving regional, national, and global economy. Opportunities for experiential learning will be concentrated in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast region. Students are encouraged to pursue co-ops and special virtual Experiential Network projects with the institute’s founding corporate partners, a group of leading employers in Maine.

More Details

Unique Features

  • This interdisciplinary program between the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering combines expertise across mathematics, computing, and data engineering.
  • This program focuses on the end-to-end data process, allowing participants to collect, visualize, and deploy essential models or predictions.
  • Students gain real-world experience through co-ops, internships, and project work.

Program Objectives

The objective of this program is to provide a well-rounded educational experience that delivers a comprehensive foundation on all areas related to data collection, hypothesis, analysis, and reporting.

Career Outlook

Graduates from this program go on to a range of careers, including data scientist, data analyst, quantitative researcher, machine learning engineer, natural language processing/OCR engineer. There is demand for data science specialists in every industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for data science skills will drive a 28 percent rise in employment in the field through 2026.

Testimonials

"Joining the data science program at Northeastern University has been one of the most rewarding decisions that I have made. The program helps you build foundational data science skills and gives you an opportunity to specialize in other domains through its great mix of electives. The faculty brings a great deal of research and industry experience to this program. I would highly recommend this program."

Shantam Gupta, MSDS'18

Looking for something different?

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-50 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

$86.1K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Online application and fee
  • Unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts (you can submit official transcripts from all 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 confidential letters of recommendation
  • Official TOEFL examination scores (international students only)
  • 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • 8.0 on a 10.0 scale
  • 80 on a 100 scale
  • Duolingo language test also accepted

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

Applicants must submit the online application and all required admission materials no later than the stated deadlines to be considered for admission. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Spring
Fall
International Students: October 15
Domestic students: December 1
International Students: April 15
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

Learning integrated with professional experience is a hallmark of Northeastern and the Roux Institute. Students gain a clear understanding of real-world industry needs in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast—and valued workplace skills like communication and teamwork—through assignments at companies and nonprofit organizations. Students can complete a six-week virtual project relevant to their studies through the university’s Experiential Network (XN) of employers, or even for their own company. Or they can apply for four- and six-month, full-time co-op positions. All opportunities enable students to build their resumés, expand their professional networks, and chart a path to in-demand careers.

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.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 14 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 2,900+ 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.

Below is a look at where our computing and IT alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • Dell EMC
    • IBM
    • Amazon
    • Oracle
    • Microsoft

  • What They Do

    • Engineering
    • Information Technology
    • Business Development
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Program and Project Management

  • What They're Skilled At

    • Java
    • SQL
    • Software Development
    • JavaScript
    • HTML

 

Learn more about Northeastern alumni on Linkedin.

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