Align Data Science

Choose between two concentrations: computer science or engineering. Both start with the same foundational courses, covering data management, programming, algorithms, and machine learning. The concentrations then dive into different applications through specialization courses.

Computer Science (Khoury College of Computer Sciences) Learn to build the infrastructure behind data-driven products. You might create AI tools to flag fraudulent transactions for banks or design recommendation systems for music streaming platforms. Courses in cloud computing and distributed systems teach you to develop scalable platforms—think ride-share or news apps—while database classes show you how to organize and query massive datasets. Human–computer interaction coursework ensures you can create intuitive interfaces, such as voice-activated assistants.

Engineering Theory and Modeling Concentration (College of Engineering)
By comparison, the engineering concentration focuses on applying data techniques to tangible challenges in fields like renewable energy, chemical processing, or urban infrastructure. You might use data models to predict equipment failures in manufacturing plants, optimize traffic flow in smart cities, or analyze environmental data to improve wastewater treatment.

• As an interdisciplinary program between Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering, Align MS in Data Science combines expertise across mathematics, computing, and data engineering.
• Northeastern’s flagship campus builds on Boston’s legacy of innovation and is set in a hub of healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences. Students take what they learn in the classroom to address real-world challenges facing local nonprofits, for-profits, and government agencies.
• Choose between two concentrations: computer science (Khoury College of Computer Sciences) and engineering theory and modeling (College of Engineering).
• Gain theoretical foundations and extensive hands-on experience in the field, including data acquisition, storage, analysis, probabilistic modeling, model deployment, and presentation.
• Shape your curriculum beyond your core requirements with a wide range of interdisciplinary courses, including computer science, engineering, life sciences, physics, social sciences, and business.
• Through our co-op and internship opportunities, you can bring what you learn in class to the real world and the skills you learn in the real world back to class.

Nearly every industry needs people with data science skills.

In the last year, there were roughly 25,000 job postings in the U.S. seeking data scientists. Of these, 48% required or preferred candidates with a master’s degree, and 60% required or preferred candidates with a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for data science skills will drive a 28% rise in employment in the field through 2026.

Our graduates have gone on to a range of exciting careers across every industry, including Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Quantitative Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer, and Natural Language Processing/OCR engineer.

Graduate students typically have an experiential work opportunity following their second semester. This could be a six- to eight-month co-op or a three- to four-month internship. Those who initially experience co-op may have the opportunity to seek an internship for the following summer, or vice versa.

Student participation in experiential education provides enhanced:

• Learning, technical expertise, and occupational knowledge
• Confidence, maturity, and self-knowledge
• Job-seeking and job-success skills
• Networking opportunities within your desired career path

Northeastern’s co-op program is based on a unique educational strategy that recognizes that classroom learning only provides some of the skills students will need to succeed in their professional lives. Our administration, faculty, and staff are dedicated to the university’s mission to “educate students for a life of fulfillment and accomplishment.” Co-op is closely integrated with our course curriculum and our advising system. The team of graduate co-op faculty within the Khoury College of Computer Sciences provides support for students in preparing for and succeeding in their co-ops.

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.

• Online application

• Unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts (official transcripts from all colleges/universities may be submitted upon admission)

• Two out of three essay prompts

• Recent professional resumé listing detailed position responsibilities

• Three confidential 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 (90 minimum) or IELTS (6.5 minimum) examination scores (international students only)