Align Cybersecurity
Master's
Join a top cybersecurity graduate program for non-majors and earn your degree in 2.5-3 years. No matter your background, gain the computer science foundation needed to pivot into the growing cybersecurity field.
Program overview
Start your cybersecurity career
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it.
Align students come from more than 150 disciplines. Your background-paired with the uniquely supportive Align program—helps you transition seamlessly to the interdisciplinary coursework required for cybersecurity, including law, forensics, criminology, social sciences, policy, and management.
After completing two semesters of graduate bridge courses, you’ll continue on in the cybersecurity master’s program, taking technical and contextual courses that prepare you to assess and manage information security risks. A capstone project and a paid, full-time four-to-eight-month co-op/internship proves your mastery and gives you applied experience.
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it.
Align students come from more than 150 disciplines. Your background-paired with the uniquely supportive Align program—helps you transition seamlessly to the interdisciplinary coursework required for cybersecurity, including law, forensics, criminology, social sciences, policy, and management.
After completing two semesters of graduate bridge courses, you’ll continue on in the cybersecurity master’s program, taking technical and contextual courses that prepare you to assess and manage information security risks. A capstone project and a paid, full-time four-to-eight-month co-op/internship proves your mastery and gives you applied experience.
- The Department of Defense and National Security Agency designated Northeastern as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Operations
- Master’s program is offered full time or part time, and even online after you complete the two-semester bridge
- Dynamic cohort of interdisciplinary peers from 150+ majors like political science, criminal justice, and pre-law
- Full-time, paid internship or co-op at one of Khoury College’s 800+ industry partners like Wayfair, Amazon/AWS, and Google
- Capstone project with companies like Rapid7, MITRE, Partners Healthcare, Fidelity, and Raytheon
- Job titles of recent graduates include cyber risk analyst, cloud security engineer, chief information security officer, and cybersecurity compliance officer
- Team of faculty and advisors track your progress
The cyber industry is booming
Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand areas of expertise worldwide with an estimated 3.5 million jobs projected by 2025 (Cybercrime Magazine). The Align program prepares you to meet that demand and leverage your experience.
- Boston ranked in the top 10 for tech talent in North America since 2019 (CBRE)
- $132,135 average annual salary for cybersecurity positions in Boston (ZipRecruiter, 2023)
- Positions such as cybersecurity master or online cybersecurity consultant can pay even more in Boston-up to 16.1% more (ZipRecruiter, 2023)
Geared toward recent graduates and professionals with non-computer science backgrounds, this interdisciplinary program gives you technical and contextual skills.
- Two bridge semesters
- Two courses in technical areas
- Two courses in contextual areas
- Either technical or contextual electives
- Optional qualifications like the concentration in criminology or graduate certificate in engineering leadership
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Fall
| International Students: | May 1 |
| Domestic students: | August 30 |
PDF or scanned copies of unofficial undergraduate transcripts; you can submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended at the time of admission
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
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
General GPA minimums: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, 8.0 on a 10.0 scale, or 80 on a 100 scale
Recommended TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 examination score (international students only)
GRE Optional
Questions?: [email protected]
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Our Align program offers a seamless transition into the tech field. With flexible pathways, expert faculty, and paid co-ops, you’ll gain the skills needed for a successful cybersecurity career.
Northeastern’s #1 ranked co-op program (U.S. News) helps Align graduates achieve strong career outcomes, gaining real-world experience at top Boston-area companies like RSA, CyberSaint, and Mimecast.
Seminars provide exposure to computer science and cybersecurity experts. Khoury College’s graduates get jobs on graduation, often from co-op, internship, or capstone partners. After graduation, you’ll join a network of more than 10,000 Khoury alumni.
- 0% unemployment rate for cybersecurity since 2016 in the U.S. (Cybercrime Magazine)
- 63% of surveyed enterprises have unfilled cybersecurity jobs (State of Cybersecurity 2022 Report, ISACA)
- High demand for U.S. citizens due to security clearance necessary to work in government
Home to more than 200 cyber companies and 160 AI companies, Boston has a rich employment market. Healthcare is a particular focus here, with leading research hospitals interested in using artificial intelligence, robotics, and Internet of Things technologies to address medical challenges safely and securely.
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$67,500 - $82,500Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
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