Master in Computer and Information Sciences (Master's)

At Northeastern University Professional Programs, tuition is Estimated Total Tuition This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2026-2027 and does not include any fees or other expenses., while the program admits students on a rolling basis.

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) prepares professionals to advance in the field by tackling diverse challenges and building new technologies. Students refine their knowledge and gain expertise in three breadth areas: systems and software, theory and security, and artificial intelligence and data science. The program offers opportunities for paid co-ops or internships and features an interdisciplinary curriculum incorporating elements of web development, network security, and machine learning. Graduates are prepared for more complex roles, research, or specialized positions.

Focus areas include Systems and software, Theory and security, Artificial intelligence and data science.

The curriculum includes core courses like Algorithms and Programming Design Paradigm, with electives available across various areas to tailor the program to student interests within three breadth areas.

Graduates find employment with leading tech companies in roles such as software development engineer, software engineer, and consultant, with strong job growth projected for computer science master's degree holders.

The program is designed for software engineers, software development engineers, related computer science professionals, or recent CS graduates looking to advance their careers.

Applicants need an online application, transcripts (with FCE for non-US), a statement of purpose, a resumé, and two letters of recommendation. A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required, and GRE is optional. International students have a recommended TOEFL iBT score of 4.5.

The program is offered on-ground, with options for part-time and full-time study, typically taking 2 years to complete. For international students, tuition is around the median for US programmes.

The Boston campus dates to 1898 and is Northeastern’s founding residential campus. Located within an urban setting, it connects students with Boston’s neighborhoods and industries, as well as universities, institutes, hospitals, and technology and life sciences sectors. Public art, student clubs, recreation, and Huskies athletics contribute to campus life, while the city provides a wider setting for study and daily life.

Students can choose from majors, combined majors, and undergraduate, graduate, and PhD degrees. The campus serves as the heart of Northeastern’s global research enterprise, with collaboration across science, technology, and engineering and research directed toward global impact. The Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex provides space for collaboration, and Snell Library offers renovated facilities, technologies, tools, and resources for group work. Marino Recreation Center and Matthews Arena add fitness, recreation, hockey, basketball, and other student facilities.

For international students, Boston is one point in a university network that also includes campuses in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Northeastern lists locations in Arlington, Burlington, Charlotte, London, Miami, New York City, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Vancouver, creating possibilities to live and learn across different cities. The Boston campus offers the broadest range of majors in the network and includes more than 400 student clubs and organizations. In Fall 2022, it had 44,000 total students, including more than 21,000 undergraduates and 18,000 graduate students.