Khoury College of Computer Sciences
Align Master of Science in Computer Science
Video
Northeastern’s Align program gives students without a background in computer science a direct path to an MS in computer science and a rewarding tech career, with professional experiences and connections in Seattle, a leading center of innovation in STEM, tech, and social movements.
Scholarships
Domestic students entering for the 2025 academic year are eligible for a scholarship of up to 25%. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of Seattle, WA.
Break into tech with any background
You don’t need a background in tech to have a future in it. Break into tech with Align, a program designed for motivated students and professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline outside of computer science. Earn your master’s in computer science from Northeastern University on the Seattle campus, where diverse and unexpected ideas are encouraged.
| Attend a Break into Tech Event
Curious about whether Align is right for you? Join this free 2-hour workshop (virtual or in-person) on how computer science touches our world. You’ll even get to try out a hands-on project with peers from non-computer science backgrounds like you. |
Increase your impact with a computer science degree
With the Align MSCS program, you can increase your earning potential and the impact you’ll have in your areas of interest—and influence the direction of computer science itself. Employers are actively looking for computer scientists with diverse backgrounds in law, music, biology, business, physics, education, biomedical science, language, and more. Progress in your current industry or pivot to a new career.
You’ll build skills in the core areas of computer science and even select from exciting areas like AI, Game Design, Information Security, Networks, Programming Languages, Software Engineering, Systems, and more.
Gain the opportunities of Seattle
Seattle is where entrepreneurs go to scale up. It’s the #1 city for STEM professionals and in the #1 state for healthcare, economy, and education. Known as a leading center of innovation in STEM and tech—and social consciousness—there are a wealth of opportunities.
- Top 5 most concentrated tech market, creating a strong environment for innovation and scaling up businesses (CBRE Tech Talent 2021)
- #10 Best Startup Ecosystems in the World (Startup Genome 2021)
- Top 5 state for venture capital deals and investments (Best of the Northwest, 2019)
Key Seattle industries
The information, communications, and technology (ICT) sector has grown faster than any other sector in Seattle’s innovation economy (Best of the Northwest, 2019). The city is known for excellence in aerospace, computer software, bioinformatics, genomics, environmental engineering, economy, and education industries. It’s home to companies like:
Outreach, PitchBook, Avalara, Remitly, Tamarac, Tableau Software, Cray Inc., NanoString Technologies, ExtraHop, and Instructure
Gain the CS skills employers want
You’ll begin the program with a two-semester introductory sequence designed specifically for students without a background in computer science. Your cohort will be made of students like you who are coming from outside the field. You’ll then be able to choose from a range of electives—such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer-Human Interface, Graphics, Software Engineering, and more—in important breadth areas.
Hear from Our Students
Learn what students are saying about the Align MSCS program.
Learn From Industry Experts
Align faculty are talented computer scientists with real-world connections to Seattle industry. But don’t be intimidated. All Align faculty understand the necessary approach to teach graduate-level computer science to beginners—and enjoy doing it. Some faculty have even been through the Align program themselves.
Industry connections of Seattle faculty
Get individualized attention from dedicated faculty. Seattle faculty have backgrounds at companies like Amazon, Pinterest, Disney, Salesforce, and Boeing.
Featured Faculty: Seattle Campus
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. SHANU SUSHMITA
Assistant Teaching Professor at Khoury College
Educational / Professional background: PhD in Computer Science. 10+ Years of research and teaching experience in computer Science. In particular, machine learning, information retrieval and user behavior. Shanu loves using data to investigate and build products/solutions to improve user experience. She has had opportunities to use and apply various machine learning and information retrieval techniques in areas like: search engines, digital libraries, social media, healthcare, and music. Her passion is teaching, she loves the energy of being amongst students. She has taught courses at both graduate and undergraduate level for computer science and business school.
Personal background: Shanu is a proud mother of two daughters (5 years and 1 year old). She is very mindful of ways in which she contributes to the world in making it an open and respectful place. As family, they love to travel and enjoy music.
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 700+ established corporations and unique startups, nonprofits, and organizations.
- Apply for a paid, full-time computer science co-op or internship (4-8 months)
Align MSCS prepares you to meet “preferred” qualifications for job postings with top companies. Many companies offer co-op students full-time employment.
Key co-op employment partners in Seattle
Amazon, Facebook, Google, Coinbase, Intuit, Linkedin, Nordstrom, Mercari, Zillow, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Snowflake
On either side of your work experiences, you’ll be learning industry-relevant CS skills in a program supported by corporate and philanthropic partners like Facebook, Google, Dell, Travelers, and Pivotal Ventures. Co-op is closely integrated with the course curriculum and advising system. Graduate co-op faculty within the Khoury College of Computer Sciences will support you in preparing for and succeeding in your co-op.
From the Dean
"Our Align students have fascinating and unique backgrounds – with recent undergraduate majors ranging from economics, journalism, political science and theatre. Whether you’re a recent college graduate interested in complementing your current knowledge with CS, or a professional looking to pivot careers completely, the Align master’s in computer or data science can take your career farther than you ever imagined."
— Elizabeth Mynatt, Dean, Khoury College of Computer Sciences
What our Students Say
I took a leap from architectural design into tech because I saw technology as a game changer that empowers traditional industries! The Northeastern Seattle campus was the bridge for me to build my foundation, make connections, and explore possibilities in the tech industry. The hands-on opportunities and supportive environment have made me confident in my technical skills and leadership moving forward.” – Zhiwei Zhou, Align Master of Science in Computer Science ’25
Request More Information
Admissions
Minimum GPA for bachelor’s degree (any field)
3.0 on a 4.0 scale
8.0 on a 10.0 scale
80 on a 100 scale
Upload a PDF of your transcripts in the application.
Letters of recommendation
2 academic and 1 professional reference if applying from undergraduate studies
2 professional and 1 academic reference if applying after professional experience
Submit letters via the ApplyYourself system.
Essays
Complete 2 of 3 essay prompts. See online application for prompts.
Tuition and funding
Students have the opportunity to pay for the program with a combination of paid, full-time co-op or internship placements, teaching assistant and tutor positions, Federal Student Aid, and scholarships. Learn about financial support.
Align is a total of 44 credits. Check costs per credit here.
Apply Now
