Align Computer Science — Online Canada
Master's
Break into computer science from any background in as little as 2.5 years with our online Align master's program for students in Canada. Join peers from 150+ disciplines, learn from expert faculty, and gain experience.
Program overview
Launch your tech career
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. Northeastern University’s Align Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) Online—Canada helps you translate your prior degree into a CS career. Start with online graduate-level bridge courses for beginners, combined with two short, in-person residencies on Northeastern’s Vancouver campus. You’ll build community, get hands-on support, and apply your skills to real projects.
Continue online or transfer to campus for master’s-level courses—then add an optional paid co-op or internship (remote or in person). You’re admitted to the master’s program with no reapplication after completing the bridge. Keep your life on track while preparing for in-demand roles across Canada in the AI, cloud, gaming, clean tech, and visual effects.
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. Northeastern University’s Align Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) Online—Canada helps you translate your prior degree into a CS career. Start with online graduate-level bridge courses for beginners, combined with two short, in-person residencies on Northeastern’s Vancouver campus. You’ll build community, get hands-on support, and apply your skills to real projects.
Continue online or transfer to campus for master’s-level courses—then add an optional paid co-op or internship (remote or in person). You’re admitted to the master’s program with no reapplication after completing the bridge. Keep your life on track while preparing for in-demand roles across Canada in the AI, cloud, gaming, clean tech, and visual effects.
This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister effective May 9, 2024, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the Minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).
The term “university” is used under the written consent of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills effective May 9, 2024, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the Minister.
The Align MS in Computer Science Online—Canada offers asynchronous online courses with optional live sessions to help you balance your studies with work and family life. Study full-time to complete the program in as quickly as 2.5 years, or study part-time for added flexibility. You’re admitted to the master’s program from day one, after completing your bridge courses. You can continue online for your remaining master’s courses or transition to on-campus study in Vancouver.
Meet your cohort, connect with faculty, and practice your skills in a campus setting during two, brief on-campus residencies. Your experience includes community-building, along with a deep dive into advanced tools and applied real-world industry projects. Participating in residencies helps you focus on learning and building your network. Travel, room, and board for your residency are included in tuition.
Northeastern leads in providing students with co-ops and internships that enhance learning.
You can opt for a full-time, four- to eight-month co-op or internship, either remote or on-site. We partner with 800-plus organizations across North America, including top Canadian employers in Vancouver’s AI, gaming, VFX, cloud, and clean-tech ecosystems. That’s why we’re ranked #1 in co-ops and internships by U.S. News & World Report.
Align students in Canada have held co-ops and internships at companies like:
- Amazon/AWS
- Demonware
- Electronic Arts (EA)
- Microsoft
- RBC
- TD Bank
- TELUS
- And more
Alumni have gone on to work at companies including:
- Amazon/AWS
- Microsoft Corporation
- Electronic Arts (EA)
- Activision Blizzard
- Salesforce
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
- TELUS
- SAP
- Snowflake
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.
Fall Term
Apply by August 1 for a September start.
PDF or scanned copies of unofficial undergraduate transcripts; you can submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended at the time of admission
Two out of three essay prompts
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
Program objectives
Prepare for success
The Align program equips you with the technical skills and experience to design software, think algorithmically, collaborate on teams, and stay ahead in emerging fields.
Gain proficiency in software design, implementation, and testing—using modern tools, practices, and documentation to deliver reliable, maintainable code.
Use algorithms, data structures, and core CS principles to solve problems from diverse application areas—across industry and research settings.
Collaborate effectively in small teams. Communicate clearly, review code, manage scope, and ship features that meet real user needs.
Build the meta-skills to learn new domains—from AI and machine learning to cloud and cybersecurity—so you can grow with the field and lead in the workplace.
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.
Want to study in person?
The Align MS in Computer Science is also available at Northeastern University’s Vancouver campus.
Already have a background in computer science? Choose the direct entry MS in Computer Science in Vancouver.
Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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CA$33,562Tuition in CAD
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 aid