You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. Show
Meets F1 Visa Requirements Overview The Align MSCS program allows motivated students and professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to earn a master’s degree in computer science (CS) from Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University. Technology thrives on new, diverse, and unexpected ideas and perspectives. Break into tech to make an impact. Full-time students typically complete the Align MSCS in 2.5 years. This begins with a 2-semester bridge that prepares students from non-technical backgrounds for master's level computer science courses. The program also includes the opportunity for 4-8 months of paid, full-time work experience at a company or organization. Khoury College alone has 700+ partner companies. Increase your impact in areas that interest youThe 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, language, or whatever interests you through projects as well as co-op and internship opportunities. Learn about research at Northeastern Hold a co-op or internship in an industry-preferred programKhoury College can help connect you with co-op, internship, and project opportunities with the College’s 700+ 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 professional connections in BostonNortheastern’s renowned Boston campus, established in 1898, gives you direct access to cutting-edge research and projects in collaboration with top universities, businesses, governmental agencies, laboratories, and more through internationally recognized institutes and centers in Boston, the #5 Best Startup Ecosystem in the World (Startup Genome 2021). An established hub for healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences, Boston offers many specialized opportunities. Learn More about Boston Campus More DetailsUnique Features
Career OutlookJob growth in computer science is much faster than the average job growth of 7-8%
(2020-2030, USBLS) CurriculumBuild 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:
Master’s core courses:
Electives in a range of areas:
View full curriculum "Align opens the door to a whole new career path that combines my existing background with new knowledge." Stephen C., Current Student"We are proud to be a leader in creating pathways for students with diverse backgrounds to enter the field of computer science." Carla Brodley, Professor and Dean of Inclusive ComputingAdmissions A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-50 university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level. Program CostsPaying for Align It is possible to receive financial support through paid, full-time co-op or internship placements, teaching assistant/tutor positions, Federal Student Aid, and/or scholarships. How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements. RequirementsMinimum GPA for bachelor’s degree (any field)
Upload a PDF of your transcripts in the application. Letters of recommendation
Submit letters via the ApplyYourself system. Essays Complete 2 of 3 essay prompts. See online application for prompts. Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners. Admissions DatesApplicants 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.
Curriculum Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.
Experiential Learning As part of your program, you’ll have the opportunity to hold a paid, full-time computer science co-op (4-8 months) or internship. In addition to the accomplished faculty, many students choose Northeastern because of the proven work experience. Strong support to kick-start your next career move Your work experience opportunities are closely integrated with both your course curriculum and the advising system. Our career services staff will support you in preparing for and succeeding during your work experience. Additionally, you’ll have a team of academic advisors and peer mentors to help you along the way. This comprehensive support system adds depth to your classroom studies, gives you exposure to different career paths and opportunities, and helps you develop a deeper understanding of CS and its many intersections—highly valuable to your future employers. Faculty Our FacultyOur faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets. Align faculty are talented, connected to industry, and know how to teach graduate-level computer science to beginners—and love doing it. Some of them are former Align students themselves, and all of them have impressive industry experience. Students By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 275,000 alumni and 3,350+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global nongovernmental organizations. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional locations further foster a lifelong, global community of learning and mentoring. You’ll be studying graduate-level computer science in a welcoming environment where diversity of thought is valued and highly encouraged:
All students come from non-computer science backgrounds, with 100+ disciplines represented, including history, business, biology, political science, and more. Ask a Student about Align Take a look at where Boston Align alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Can you get a masters in computer science without a CS background?Getting into a master's in computer science program without a CS undergrad degree is possible—it just takes some additional work. The long-term ROI of a computer science master's degree doesn't change based on whether or not you have a CS undergraduate degree.
Can I do MS in computer science online?We have teamed up with Udacity and AT&T to offer the first online Master of Science in Computer Science from an accredited university that students can earn exclusively through the "massive online" format and for a fraction of the normal cost.
Can a non CS student do MS in data science?Yes, you DON'T need to be a CS-major to pursue masters in Data Science. I haven't seen a any university offering the course mention that as a requirement. You just need to have a competitive profile, if you are targeting the best universities.
Can I do computer science without computer science?Shouldn't be required, no. In some cases, no programming experience is an advantage because you'll be taught by actual experts in person so you won't pick up any bad habits from the get-go.
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