A teacher helps her students as they work on a project

Align Master’s Programs at Khoury College

Break into tech with no CS experience

The Align master’s program brings together creative thinkers from more than 150 disciplines to learn computer science or data science for the first time — and launch a career in tech. 

You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. You just need the Align program. In as little as 2 1/2 years — and at eight different Northeastern locations as well as online —nonmajors can earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or data science through the Align program. All you need is a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline), drive, and a fresh perspective.

Attend a Break Into Tech event

This is Align

Watch this video to learn about the unique opportunity that the Align program offers for all students from nontechnical backgrounds — not just computer science majors.

Find the program that’s right for you

How the Align program works, semester by semester

An equation showing how the Align program works. 2 semesters of bridge classes, plus 2 semesters of graduate classes, plus 1 four- to eight-month co-op or internship, plus 1-2 semesters of graduate classes, equals of Master of Science Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or Cybersecurity
  • Full-time or part-time cybersecurity, computer, or data science master’s for nonmajors 
  • In person on one of our eight campuses; MSCS is also available online
  • 2 1/2 years (full time; students typically enroll in three semesters per year: fall, spring, summer) 
  • Funding is available through a combination of paid, full-time co-op or internship placements, teaching assistant and tutor positions, Federal Student Aid,* and scholarships from corporate partners 
  • Application

 *Applies to domestic students on US campuses

The difference between computer science and data science

Northeastern offers Align computer and data science master’s for nonmajors and those with no tech experience. See which program is right for you.

Computer science

Are you excited about the prospect of creating something new? Can you think of a problem that might be addressed by a technological solution? Would you like to build this solution from the ground up? An Align master’s in computer science (MSCS) might be the path for you.

Data science

Would you enjoy opening up a world of possibilities with a new set of analytical tools? Would you like to be able to break down data in real time to help find new solutions? Consider pursuing an Align master’s in data science (MSDS).

What’s the big-picture difference between computer science and data science? Associate Teaching Professor Laney Strange offers a quick overview.
Associate Teaching Professor Scott Valcourt takes a deeper dive into the foundational courses common for all Align students, and how they then determine their path. 

Get started: Attend an Align Break Into Tech event

Learn if Align is right for you — experience cybersecurity, computer science, and data science in action to see how they apply to your everyday life. This event (virtual or in person) gives you a chance to participate in a real project with diverse learners without experience in tech and explore how your point of view could help shape the industry.

Learn more about Break Into Tech events

The Northeastern advantage: hands-on tech experience in a co-op or internship

Northeastern is known for connecting academic learning to real-world projects and work experiences — in fact, its renowned co-op program is ranked #1 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. In the Align program, you’ll get to put your new tech skills into practice at paid, full-time computer or data science co-ops or internships in fields as varied as traditional tech, health care, music, and more — positioning you for careers at highly competitive global companies. Watch this video to learn about the partnership between Amazon Web Services and Khoury College, and how Khoury students benefit.

Learn more about master’s co-ops and internships

Learn in a dynamic and supportive community

You’ll learn from talented faculty who love teaching students from outside the tech industry. You’ll be part of a cohort of students with a wide range of backgrounds but a shared interest in collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.

  • 150+ disciplines represented, including history, business, biology, political science, and more 
  • 55% identify as female (fall 2023) 
  • 15% identify as a race or ethnicity historically underrepresented in the tech industry (domestic students, fall 2023)
Connect with a graduate recruitment ambassador

Watch this video to learn about Khoury Graduate Recruitment Ambassadors — the graduate students who support their peers through programming, one-on-one advising, and feedback provided to faculty and staff. 

Meet Align students and graduates across our campuses

Jen, an Align online student, on using computer science to build tools for teachers.
Princewill on gaining career skills through the Align program in Arlington.
Samantha on her transition from fashion design to computer science in Boston.
Zadie on her computer science education at the Oakland campus.
Portland student Daryle on his journey from industry partner to Align student.
Tiffany, a Seattle student, on taking classes with students who have a CS background.
William, a Silicon Valley student, on Khoury College’s connections and dedication.
Katie on changing her life path as a Vancouver Align student.

8 campus locations

  • Students walk by West Village H on the Boston campus. A large, white KHOURY sign is next to the students. West Village H rises in the background.

    Boston

    Located in the heart of Boston, Northeastern’s oldest campus is home to a vibrant community of students, researchers, and faculty working across disciplines to build a better world through CS.

    Explore Boston's campus
  • Two Northeastern Arlington students laugh as the view laptop screens in a campus lounge.

    Arlington

    The tech hub of the National Capital Region, Arlington offers rich opportunities with thriving companies such as Amazon and Microsoft.

    Explore Arlington's campus
  • A rendering of glass and steel exterior of Northeastern Miami's building in the Wynwood neighborhood.

    Miami

    Miami is a bold and creative city — the perfect place to push the boundaries of tech. Come find out what’s possible here.

    Explore Miami's campus
  • Three students walk along a sidewalk at the Oakland campus. The sidewalk is lined by tall trees at equal distances.

    Oakland

    Tech companies in Oakland benefit from a diverse and creative local ecosystem with easy access to Silicon Valley resources — providing a massive opportunity for CS education and research.

    Explore Oakland's campus
  • A view of a port in Portland, Maine with three boats docked at a pier.

    Portland

    The collaborative nature of Northeastern’s Roux Institute in Portland connects students with corporate and governmental power players across the Northeast, and beyond.

    Explore Portland's campus
  • A photo shot from the top of Northeastern Seattle's building. In the distance, the side of a building is covered in a mural and the Space Needle can be seen farther in the distance. The sky is covered in white clouds.

    Seattle

    The Seattle campus partners with industry, government, and academia to bring programs in high-growth fields to the Pacific Northwest — becoming a valuable part of the region’s economy in the process.

    Explore Seattle's campus

  • Silicon Valley

    Located in the heart of the tech revolution (and where it began), the San Jose campus offers students the opportunities to advance the CS field in a program known for industry connections and diverse work opportunities.

    Explore Silicon Valley's campus
  • A photo of the Northeastern Vancouver building. The buliding's glass exterior looks like building blocks unevenly stacked on top of each other.

    Vancouver

    Vancouver students gain skills and explore partnerships within a regional network that offers experiential and professional opportunities in leading-edge sectors such as AI, e-commerce, financial technology, and more.

    Explore Vancouver's campus

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