Academic Programs

Program Overview

Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Computer Science prepares students for exciting, meaningful careers across the full spectrum of computer science applications and across industries. Whether you choose to be a generalist or a specialist, the MSCS program will equip you to tackle diverse challenges in the field of computer science. Refine your broad base of fundamental knowledge and gain expertise in breadth areas such as systems and software, theory and security, and artificial intelligence and data science. Discover what an MSCS degree from Khoury College can mean for you.

Build professional connections in Arlington

• Located in the National Capital Region, Arlington, Virginia is one of the fastest growing regions and a top global destination in the U.S. With a focus on security, resiliency, and technology, the campus will funnel students to partnerships in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.  
  
• Technology is a major driver of employment and innovation in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The city and its suburbs account for 31,000 tech jobs, a figure that underestimates the influence of the industry.  
  
• In February 2021, Washington, D.C., was one of the top metro areas to record the highest month-over-month gains in IT postings and this trend is likely to continue.
  
  • AI is a tech niche to watch in D.C.; expect big future growth here. 
  • Software developers and technical/digital solutions are strong job market segments. 
  • Amazon’s HQ2 project in Pentagon City will add jobs. 
    
• Companies providing these services will also compete for government contracts. If you are looking to land a tech position in D.C., prospects look good. As we move toward a “new normal,” it is anticipated jobs in the region will continue to be added. Source
  
• While Arlington is home to top businesses, almost a third are government positions. The U.S. Marine headquarters and the Pentagon, which can be viewed from the rooftop level of the campus, are located in the campus’s new home. The opportunities are endless in Arlington as we present world-leading companies and organizations such as:
  
  • Accenture, AES, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Amazon, AvalonBay, Boeing, Bloomberg Industry Group, Booz Allen Hamilton, Center for Communications and Computing, Central Intelligence Agency, Deloitte, Department of State, E*TRADE, Gartner, Graham Holdings, Grant Thornton, Lockheed Martin, March of Dimes, Microsoft, M9 Solutions, National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, National Security Agency, Nestle, PBS, Politico, Raytheon, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, ThreatConnect, and Virginia Hospital Center. 
    
•  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects IT jobs to grow 15 percent through 2031 and the security space 35 percent. This is pretty solid growth when compared to other occupations. Since many of the big players occupying the technology space find D.C. to be an attractive hub with opportunities for expansion, all things considered, signs indicate technology professionals will find plenty of prospects. Source

Tuition

The domestic tuition price is inclusive of a scholarship of up to 15% for all domestic students beginning their graduate studies in the 2025 academic year. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of Arlington, VA.

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024–2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.

Finance Your Education

We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships. Learn more from Student Financial Services.

Curriculum

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

Co-op makes the Northeastern graduate education richer and more meaningful. It provides master’s students with up to 12 months of professional experience that helps them develop the knowledge, awareness, perspective, and confidence to develop rich careers. In addition to the esteemed faculty, many students enroll in the master’s programs largely because of the successful co-op program.

Graduate students typically have an experiential work opportunity following their second semester. This could be a six- to eight-month co-op or a three- to four-month summer internship. Those who initially experience co-op may have the opportunity to seek an internship for the following summer, or vice versa.Student participation in experiential education provides enhanced:

• Learning, technical expertise, and occupational knowledge
• Confidence, maturity, and self-knowledge
• Job-seeking and job-success skills
• Networking opportunities within your desired career path

Northeastern’s co-op program is based on a unique educational strategy that recognizes that classroom learning only provides some of the skills students will need to succeed in their professional lives. Our administration, faculty, and staff are dedicated to the university’s mission to “educate students for a life of fulfillment and accomplishment.” Co-op is closely integrated with our course curriculum and our advising system. The team of graduate co-op faculty within the Khoury College of Computer Sciences provides support for students in preparing for and succeeding in their co-ops.

These multiple connections make co-op at Northeastern an avenue to intellectual and personal growth: adding depth to classroom studies, providing exposure to career paths and opportunities, and developing in students a deeper understanding that leads to success in today’s world.

Admission 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.

FALL

How to Apply

Learn more about Khoury College’s admissions process and required materials.

Request Information

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