Align Data Science
Master's
The Align Master of Science in Data Science teaches you the skills to harness the power of data, even without a background in tech. In just 2—3 years, you'll learn to collect, analyze, and comprehend data to solve complex organizational problems.
Program overview
Start your data science career
You don’t need a background in technology to have a future in it. Technology thrives on new, diverse, and unexpected ideas-it needs new perspectives. Northeastern in Portland’s Align program lets you earn a master’s degree in data science no matter what field your bachelor’s degree is from.
The Align curriculum is specifically designed for incoming students without any prior programming experience. You’ll begin with two bridge semesters that help you transition into the study of data science. You’ll have access to a network of enhanced academic support, including advising, teaching assistants, and tutoring, as well as an Align-specific career prep seminar designed to help you transition from your current field into the world of tech.
You don’t need a background in technology to have a future in it. Technology thrives on new, diverse, and unexpected ideas-it needs new perspectives. Northeastern in Portland’s Align program lets you earn a master’s degree in data science no matter what field your bachelor’s degree is from.
The Align curriculum is specifically designed for incoming students without any prior programming experience. You’ll begin with two bridge semesters that help you transition into the study of data science. You’ll have access to a network of enhanced academic support, including advising, teaching assistants, and tutoring, as well as an Align-specific career prep seminar designed to help you transition from your current field into the world of tech.
- 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.
Graduates from this program go on to a range of careers, including data scientist, data analyst, quantitative researcher, machine learning engineer, and natural language processing/OCR engineer. There is a 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% rise in employment in the field through 2026.
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.
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.
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 Term
| International Students: | November 1 |
| Domestic students: | December 1 |
Fall Term
| International Students: | May 1 |
| Domestic students: | August 30 |
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
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)
Program objectives
Prepare for success
This program provides a well-rounded education and a comprehensive foundation in all areas related to data collection, hypothesis, analysis, and reporting, regardless of your previous tech experience.
Gain the knowledge to combine your background with computer science to accelerate your career or explore a new calling in tech—no matter your prior experience.
Our cohort-based learning model provides special opportunities to attend classes with the same community of diverse students-with a wide range of backgrounds and experience-throughout your bridge courses.
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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$75,000 - $90,000Tuition 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.
Visit tuition & financial aidCultivating tech talent in Maine
Portland is home to the Roux Institute, which supports learning and research in engineering, human-data interaction, AI, robotics, and more. The waterfront facility hosts students, founders, researchers, and business partners who collaborate in open-concept spaces.
#7
Best place to live in the U.S.
Portland's thriving restaurant scene and coastal location make it an ideal home base. (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
500+
Maine co-ops
More than 500 Northeastern students have participated in Maine-based co-ops as of 2023.
$58M
Investment capital raised by Roux's startups as of 2023
Portland represents an exciting new hub of startup activity, especially in AI and data science.