Align Computer Science

• Master’s in computer science designed for students without a background in tech
• Unique CS learning environment that prioritizes diversity of thought
• Collaborative peers from different industries who move through the program with you
• Faculty with connections to diverse employers in and beyond Oakland
• Incredible opportunities for paid, full-time co-ops or internships to help you break into the tech industry
• A welcoming environment where diversity of thought is valued and highly encouraged:
  • 150+ undergraduate disciplines represented by current students
  • 54% identify as female (fall 2024)
  • 16% identify as a race or ethnicity historically underrepresented in tech (domestic students, fall 2024)
  • 1,200+ accomplished Align MSCS alumni to date

Build in-demand computer science skills

After completing the two-semester bridge, you’ll be prepared for graduate-level coursework in computer science. You’ll also be able to make the program your own by choosing from a range of electives in important breadth areas of computer science.

Bridge courses:

• Fundamentals of Computer Science
• Discrete Structures
• Computer Systems/Algorithms
• Object Oriented Design

Master’s core courses:

• Algorithms

Electives in a range of areas:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer-Human Interface
• Data Science
• Information Security
• Networks
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Systems
• Theory

Get ahead as part of an industry-preferred program

Khoury College can help connect you with co-op, internship, and project opportunities with 800+ industry partners. Align MSCS helps prepare you to meet the “preferred” qualifications for job postings with top companies. Many companies offer co-op students full-time employment upon completion of their degree.

Amazon job postings for full-time internships have included the following statement under Preferred Qualifications: “Currently enrolled in the Align Master of Science in Computer Science program at Northeastern University at time of application.”

Build professional connections in Oakland

Your location in Oakland, California, puts you in the heart of a beautiful 135-acre campus, home to Mills College at Northeastern. One of the most diverse cities in the nation, Oakland is a wellspring of creativity, culture, and innovation-and a key player in the success of the Bay Area tech industry. The Align computer science master’s gives you access to tech companies big and small, from Square and Pandora to Rockbot and Mayvenn.

• One of the fastest-growing high-tech sectors in the U.S. (The Center Square, 2022, on the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area)
• #4 most diverse city in the U.S. (Oakland, World Population Review, 2023)
• 2.38 times higher employment in creative and entertainment fields (Deloitte and Data Wheel, Data USA, 2020)
• Part of the Bay Area ecosystem, home to Fortune 500 companies across industries, as well as small and creative startups
• 4,200+ Northeastern alumni connections in the Bay Area

Learn about key co-op and internship partners, faculty connections, and more on the Oakland campus website.

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

• GRE Optional