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Are you a software engineer, software development engineer, related computer science professional, or recent CS graduate looking to make your next career move? Prepare to take on new projects, learn new technologies, hold a leadership role, and help advance the field of computer science in a program known for industry connections and diverse work opportunities.
Boston, MA
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2-2.5 Years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview
Experience more. The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences prepares computer science (CS) professionals in approximately two years to tackle diverse challenges and build the latest technologies. Refine your knowledge and gain expertise in three breadth areas: 1) systems and software, 2) theory and security, and 3) artificial intelligence and data science.
- Prepare for more complex roles, research, or specialized positions with your current company—or take part in experiential co-op and internship opportunities with one of our 700+ partner companies
- Increase your earning potential with a degree from Northeastern, an R1 research institution
- Contribute to the dynamic field of CS with innovative project work across industries
Develop your professional network in Boston
Northeastern’s storied Boston campus, established in 1898, gives you direct access to cutting-edge research and projects in collaboration with other colleges at Northeastern—and other top universities, businesses, governmental agencies, laboratories, and more.
Boston has a rich research and development environment. The city leads in healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences. The combination of internationally recognizedinstitutes and centers in the #5 Best Startup Ecosystem in the World creates exciting opportunities for graduates (Startup Genome, 2021).
Learn More About the Boston Campus
More Details
Unique Features
- Opportunities for paid, full-time co-ops or internships with diverse organizations like Amazon, AWS, Google, Fidelity, Outcomes4Me, Boston Children’s Hospital, Vor Biophamra, and more
- Work with world-leading multinational corporations, creative startups disrupting entire industries, renowned medical institutions developing breakthrough technologies, and governmental organizations working on matters of national security
- Interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates elements of web development, network security, and machine learning
- Faculty with connections to top Boston companies like Action for Boston Community Development, The Jackson Laboratory, Anti-Defamation League, Massachusetts General Hospital, Raytheon, Intel, PwC, Fire Eye, and more
Career Outlook
Positions requiring a master’s in computer science are expected to have a job growth rate of +22%, compared to the average job growth rate of 7–8% (2020–2030, USBLS).
The top employer of graduates of the MSCS program is Amazon. Our graduates also find employment with companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, F5, Nordstrom, GoDaddy, McKinsey, Zillow, Snowflake, Salesforce, Carfax, and Coinbase.
MSCS program graduates hold positions such as:
- Software development engineer
- Software engineer
- Consultant
- Full-stack developer
Industry-aligned Program
Develop expertise across three breadth areas: systems and software, theory and security, and artificial intelligence and data science. You’ll choose from a range of electives to tailor your program to your interests.
Master’s core courses:
- Algorithms
- Programming Design Paradigm
Electives in a range of areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer-Human Interface
- Data Science
- Game Design
- Graphics
- Information Security
- Networks
- Programming Languages
- Software Engineering
- Systems
- Theory View full curriculum
Testimonials
"The skills that you get in a good computer science degree are not just to hit the ground running when you graduate; it gives you a set of tools that will serve you for a lifetime so that you don’t have to return to college to reeducate yourself every few years."
– Amit Shesh, professor and director of MSCS Boston
Looking for something different?
View more Computing and IT programs
Admissions
A graduate degree orcertificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked 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 Costs
$57.1K *
Tuition
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Requirements
- Online application and application fee
- PDF or scanned copies of unofficial undergraduate transcripts; you can submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- 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
- GPA minimums: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, 8.0 on a 10.0 scale, or 80 on a 100 scale
- Official TOEFL (100 minimum) or IELTS (7.5 minimum) examination scores (international students only)
- GRE Optional
Questions?: [emailprotected]
View full application instructions.
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners.
Admissions Dates
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.
Spring
Fall
| International Students: | September 15 |
| Domestic students: | December 1 |
| International Students: | April 15 |
| Domestic students: | August 1 |
Curriculum
Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.
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
Your curriculum is designed to give you advanced theoretical knowledge that you can immediately apply to real-world situations. Experiential learning takes place in the form of project work, research opportunities, and paid co-op and internship opportunities.
Work in software development at a top tech firm. Explore the junctions of computer science and bioinformatics, economy, education, language, defense, and more. Think about AI in the context of human-centered computing and apply it to assistive technologies. Research neural networks with the capability to calculate the origins of an epidemic. Make a difference in your work.
Experiential Learning in Boston
Research at Northeastern
Get a roadmap to reach your goals
Your experiential opportunities are closely integrated with both your course curriculum and the advising system. Our career services staff will support you in finding and succeeding in your experiences. A team of academic advisors will also help guide you.
Faculty
Our Faculty
Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
Students
By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.
Related Info
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