Academic programs
KHOURY College OF COMPUTER SCIENCES
Master of Science in Computer Science – Align
Master’s Degree
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. Break into tech with the Align Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), our non-major computer science master’s degree. This program is designed for motivated students and professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Location
Oakland, California
Commitment
Full-Time/Part-Time
Duration
2.5–3 Years
Type
On-Campus
Program overview
Our Align program allows students who are entering the field for the first time to graduate with the same MS in Computer Science degree as students with prior experience. You’ll begin this computer science master’s for non-majors program with two semesters of graduate-level bridge courses designed to prepare students without a background in computer science to study alongside those with an undergraduate degree in the field. Your cohort will be made of students like you who are coming from outside the field. You’ll then all move on to standard computer science coursework, choosing from a range of electives—such as artificial intelligence, computer-human interface, graphics, software engineering, and more—in important breadth areas. Duration for full-time students is typically 2.5 years.
You’ll also have support from the college to find an optional, paid, full-time, 4–8 month co-op or internship. Student research is also supported, and allows you to develop experience within your unique areas of interest.
How the Align program works
Unique features
- The Align MSCS brings together students from 150+ disciplines of undergraduate major, including history, business, biology, political science, music, and more.
- Career counselors within Khoury College of Computer Sciences will support you in finding, preparing for, and succeeding in a co-op or internship to help you gain real tech experience before you graduate.
- Faculty with professional experience in the San Francisco Bay Area’s tech industry.
Program objectives
- Our MSCS is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in computer science. The program combines both computing and important application domains—enabling you to increase your broad-based knowledge in the field while allowing you to delve deeper in specific areas through elective courses.
- The Align program begins with a two-semester introductory sequence which provides the foundational knowledge for students from nontechnical backgrounds to succeed. Students have an opportunity to acquire both the knowledge needed to transition into a new career and the practical skills to jump into new projects.
Career outlook
Employers are actively looking for computer scientists with diverse backgrounds in law, art, biology, business, physics, education, biomedical science, language, and more. The Align non-major computer science master’s helps you advance in your current field or pivot to a new career.
- 40% of Align graduates are employed by top global tech companies
- 70% of Align graduates hold software engineering titles in their first position after graduation
- 35% of Align alumni have been promoted to senior titles three or more years after graduation
Source: 1,000 alumni LinkedIn profiles in 2022
Curriculum
For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.
Experiential learning
Northeastern’s signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
- Khoury College can help connect you with co-op, internship, and project opportunities, and provide coaching as you apply for placement.
- Student research projects, with a faculty advisor, allow you to build up demonstrable technical skills connected to your areas of professional interest.
- Align students have also worked on faculty projects as research assistants.
Explore experiential learning.
Tuition and aid
Tuition
$67,500 – $82,500K
New students at the Oakland campus for the 2025–2026 academic year will receive a 15%-25% scholarship based on incoming GPA.
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. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from 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.
How to apply
Learn more about Khoury College’s admissions process and required materials for the Align program, including deadlines.