Align Computer Science
Master's
Align Online allows motivated students and professionals holding a bachelor's degree in any discipline to earn an online computer science master's. Technology thrives on diverse ideas and perspectives-add yours.
Program overview
Launch your tech career
The Align MSCS online program gives you graduate-level training so you can apply computer science in your areas of expertise-or explore an entirely new career. Through Align, you’ll build skills in the core areas of CS. Then, you’ll get to explore the junctions of CS and law, music, biology, business, physics, education, biomedical science, and more through projects as well as co-op and internship opportunities.
Full-time students complete the CS master’s for non-CS majors in 2.5-3 years. This includes a two-semester bridge of graduate-level courses to prepare students without a computer science background to study alongside those with an undergraduate degree in the field. You’ll enjoy three campus visits and an optional 4-8 months of paid computer science work experience.
The Align MSCS online program gives you graduate-level training so you can apply computer science in your areas of expertise-or explore an entirely new career. Through Align, you’ll build skills in the core areas of CS. Then, you’ll get to explore the junctions of CS and law, music, biology, business, physics, education, biomedical science, and more through projects as well as co-op and internship opportunities.
Full-time students complete the CS master’s for non-CS majors in 2.5-3 years. This includes a two-semester bridge of graduate-level courses to prepare students without a computer science background to study alongside those with an undergraduate degree in the field. You’ll enjoy three campus visits and an optional 4-8 months of paid computer science work experience.
- Designed for students without a background in tech
- Unique learning environment supporting diversity of thought and creating a close-knit group of peers from different industries
- Accessible and flexible online courses combined with short-term in-person retreats that create opportunities for in-person relationship building.
- You’ll build community, learn new tools from faculty, and put your knowledge into practice with industry projects.
- Faculty with connections to diverse employers in Boston and on more than seven campuses across North America
- Opportunities for paid, full-time co-op or internship with an industry partner or current company to help you break into the tech industry-with online or in-person options
- 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
Align graduates hold positions such as product manager at Oracle, software engineer at Snowflake, mobile app developer at Bose, and more.
- 40%+ of Align MSCS graduates are employed by top global tech companies.
- 70%+ hold software engineering titles.
- 35%+ of alumni have been promoted to senior roles within three or more years of graduation.
- Top 10 employers are Amazon, Amazon Web Services, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, LinkedIn, Salesforce, Stripe, and Apple.
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 Term
| 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
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
Program objectives
Prepare for success
The Align MS in Computer Science program provides computer science expertise to students without a background in tech.
Khoury College can help connect you with co-op, internship, and project opportunities with the college’s 700+ industry partners.
You’ll build skills in the core areas of CS. Then you’ll get to explore the junctions of CS and law, music, biology, business, physics, education, biomedical science, language, or whatever interests you.
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.
Visit tuition & financial aidYour education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)