Align Computer Science
Master's
Technology thrives on new, diverse, and unexpected ideas and perspectives. The Align MSCS program allows professionals with a bachelor's degree in any discipline to earn a master's degree in computer science and break into tech.
Program overview
Launch your tech career
The Align MSCS 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 or whatever interests you through projects as well as co-op and internship opportunities.
Full-time students typically complete the Align MSCS in 2.5 years. The program begins with a two-semester introductory sequence, which provides the foundational knowledge to ensure that students from non-technical backgrounds have the tools they need to succeed. The program also includes the opportunity for 4—8 months of paid, full-time work experience at a company or organization.
The Align MSCS 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 or whatever interests you through projects as well as co-op and internship opportunities.
Full-time students typically complete the Align MSCS in 2.5 years. The program begins with a two-semester introductory sequence, which provides the foundational knowledge to ensure that students from non-technical backgrounds have the tools they need to succeed. The program also includes the opportunity for 4—8 months of paid, full-time work experience at a company or organization.
- Designed for students without a background in tech
- Unique CS learning environment where diversity of thought is valued
- A close-knit group of peers from different industries to move through the program with you
- Faculty with connections to top Boston employers like Action for Boston Community Development, Jackson Laboratory, Anti-Defamation League, Massachusetts General Hospital, Raytheon, Intel, Pymetrics, Amazon, Facebook, Google, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Fire Eye, and more
- 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
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.”
Sample co-op employment partners in Boston:
Amazon + Amazon Robotics, Quickbase, Google, Fidelity, Charles River Development, Red Hat, Addgene, Car Gurus, Chewy, EforAll, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Vor Biophamra
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
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: | September 15 |
| Domestic students: | December 1 |
Fall Term
| International Students: | May 1 |
| 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.
Watch and learn
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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.
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