Break new ground in computer science—and your career
Align Master of Science in Computer Science
The Align MSCS program is designed for students without a formal background in computer science who are seeking a structured pathway into the field. In this program, you will be able to:
- Enter the MSCS program from a wide range of academic backgrounds (students come from 150+ disciplines).
- Build core computer science fundamentals through two semesters of bridge coursework.
- Progress into advanced MSCS courses alongside direct-entry students.
- Complete the program in as little as 2.5 years, depending on course load and progression.
- Cultivate deep expertise and specialized skills in emerging domains like artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, game design, security, and more.
The Align MSCS program equips students to pursue meaningful careers across a wide range of computer science applications and industries. Alumni of Northeastern’s MSCS programs have gone on to work at organizations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Oracle, SAP, IBM, Salesforce, Royal Bank of Canada, TELUS, Electronic Arts, and BC Public Service, among others.
Domestic Canadian students admitted to on-ground programs in Toronto for fall 2026 or spring 2027 receive a minimum 25% scholarship and may be eligible for up to 50% based on academic standing. International students may qualify for program-specific awards. All scholarships are subject to verification and applicable restrictions.
Take the next step in your career
Credits Required
36 to 44
Commitment
2.5 to 3 years
Format
On campus
About the Vancouver Campus
- Study in one of Canada's leading cities for technology and innovation.
- Become part of Vancouver's explosive growth, with nearly one million new jobs expected in the province by 2033 (B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook, 2023).
- Network throughout the Cascadia Innovation Corridor with business leaders from Amazon, Microsoft, SAP, Unbounce, Salesforce, and more.
- Gain up to eight months of full-time industry experience through the co-op program, a unique aspect of Northeastern's curriculum that gives you a competitive edge upon graduation.
- Live and work in a safe, diverse city filled with natural beauty.
About Northeastern
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact.
Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 13 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 320,000-plus alumni, and more than 3,800 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.
Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.