Master of Science in Data Science - Align Program
Master of Science in Data Science - Align Program
Overview
You don’t need a background in technology to have a future in it. Technology thrives on new, diverse, and unexpected ideas—it needs new perspectives. Our Master of Science in Data Science – Align program lets you earn a master’s degree in data science no matter what field your bachelor’s degree is from.
The Align curriculum is specifically designed for incoming students without any prior programming experience. You’ll begin with two bridge semesters that help you transition into the study of data science. You’ll have access to a network of enhanced academic support, including advising, teaching assistants, and tutoring, as well as an Align-specific career prep seminar designed to help you transition from your current field into the world of tech.
Innovative Curriculum
Unique Features
As an interdisciplinary program between Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering, Align MS in Data Science combines expertise across mathematics, computing, and data engineering.
Choose between two concentrations: engineering theory and modeling (College of Engineering) and computer science (Khoury College of Computer Sciences).
Northeastern’s flagship campus builds on Boston’s legacy of innovation and is set in a hub of healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences. Students take what they learn in the classroom to address real-world challenges facing local nonprofits, for-profits, and government agencies.
Gain theoretical foundations and extensive hands-on experience in the field, including data acquisition, storage, analysis, probabilistic modeling, model deployment, and presentation.
Shape your curriculum beyond your core requirements with a wide range of interdisciplinary courses, including computer science, engineering, life sciences, physics, social sciences, and business.
Through our co-op and internship opportunities, you can bring what you learn in class to the real world and the skills you learn in the real world back to class.
The engineering theory and modeling concentration is offered in Boston. The computer science concentration is also offered at other campuses.
Concentrations
Experiential Learning
Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges. Northeastern is an R1 research institution, rated among universities with the highest research activity. The Cooperative Education Program, also known as a “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program, students gain up to eight months of professional experience employed in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving them a competitive edge upon graduation. The College of Engineering has over 2,000 co-op employer partners globally. Our dedicated team of co-op coordinators prepare students for the co-op experience through resume building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development.
Program Goals
Educational Objectives
Turn Your Experience Into an Advantage
Gain the knowledge to combine your background with computer science to accelerate your career or explore a new calling in tech—no matter your prior experience.
This program provides a well-rounded education and a comprehensive foundation in all areas related to data collection, hypothesis, analysis, and reporting, regardless of your previous tech experience.
Advance with a Like-Minded Community
Our cohort-based learning model provides special opportunities to attend classes with the same community of diverse students-with a wide range of backgrounds and experience-throughout your bridge courses.
Career Outlook
Nearly every industry needs people with data science skills.
In the last year, there were roughly 25,000 job postings in the U.S. seeking data scientists. Of these, 48% required or preferred candidates with a master’s degree, and 60% required or preferred candidates with a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for data science skills will drive a 28% rise in employment in the field through 2026.
Our graduates have gone on to a range of exciting careers across every industry, including Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Quantitative Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer, and Natural Language Processing/OCR engineer.
Academic Advising
We have a variety of advisors to help make your graduate career a success, so use the link below to determine which one will help you the best.
Admissions & Aid
Ready to take the next step? Review degree requirements to see courses needed to complete this degree. Then, explore ways to fund your education. Finally, review admissions information to see deadlines and gather the materials you need to Apply.