Computer Science

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.

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 recognized institutes and centers in the #5 Best Startup Ecosystem in the World creates exciting opportunities for graduates (Startup Genome, 2021).

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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

Get unique work experience

Apply what you’re learning at Northeastern in your current workplace or take advantage of the opportunity for 4–8 months of paid, full-time work experience at one of Khoury College’s 700+ partner companies