Align Computer Science

This program is offered under the written consent of the minister of advanced education, skills and training, effective July 7, 2019, 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).

• Align Master’s of Computer Science 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 diverse employers in Vancouver and across Canada, such as Calgary Scientific Inc., Electronic Arts, the Federal Aviation Administration, Hoshino Math Services, Malaspina Labs, MetaOptima Technology, Mio Global, the National Institute of Informatics, NexTech AR Solutions, Nuance, Schneider Electric, Synaptitude Brain Health, and more
• Incredible opportunities for paid, full-time co-op or internship 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

Hold a co-op or internship in an industry-preferred program

Khoury College can help connect you with co-op, internship, and project opportunities with the college’s 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 the time of application.”

Build professional connections in Vancouver

Northeastern’s waterfront Vancouver campus is located in the same building as the regional headquarters for Deloitte and Apple, across from Amazon, and alongside the region’s largest tech employers and the city’s vibrant startup tech community.

Vancouver is a hotbed of spinoff companies, startup incubation, technology licensing, and commercialization. With strong R&D in the tech sector, Vancouver leads in VR/AR, artificial intelligence, robotics, ICT, SaaS, and gaming, and offers great opportunities in communications, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, and more. Learn about key co-op partners, faculty connections, and life on the Vancouver campus website.

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.

• 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