Data Science Align
    Duration3 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    USD 81,100 / Program
    Apply DateFebruary 15, 2022
    Next IntakeJanuary 1, 2022
    Data Science Align

    About

    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. So in 2013, we launched the Align Program a—master’s degree in computer science for people with a bachelor’s in a nontechnical field. After much success, we’re now launching the Align Program for a master’s in data science.

    The Align curriculum is specifically designed to prepare incoming students with the knowledge and exposure they need for the rigors of graduate study. You’ll begin with two bridge semesters that help you transition into the study of data science. The Align program operates on a cohort model, meaning you will study with other students who come from a nontech background. 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.

    Interdisciplinary learning is at the heart of our data science program. This shared curriculum between Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering will provide you the comprehensive expertise in mathematics, computer science, and data engineering necessary to thrive.

    Offered in both our Silicon Valley and Portland, ME, campuses, our program will help you emerge from your studies prepared for wherever data leads you.


    More Details

    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.
    • 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.

    Program Objectives

    The objective of this program is to provide 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.


    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.


    The Align Master’s in Data Science will teach you the skills to harness the power of data, even without a background in tech. In just two to three years, you’ll learn to collect, analyze, and comprehend data, and how to use it to solve some of the world’s most complex organizational problems.

    • 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.
    • 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.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    • Online application
    • Unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts (official transcripts from all colleges/universities may be submitted upon admission)
    • Two out of three essay prompts
    • Recent professional resumé listing detailed position responsibilities
    • Three confidential letters of recommendation
    • Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS examination scores (international students only)

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 76
    • IELTSMin 8
    • TOEFLMin 108

    English Program Requirements

    Northeastern students will be exposed to not only a rigorous academic environment but also a fast-paced experiential one. In order to be successful in both, all first-year and transfer applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission to Northeastern.

    Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

    • Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
      • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
      • Duolingo English Test (DET)
      • IELTS Academic
      • PTE Academic
      • TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
    • However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

    Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

    Career

    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.

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 75

    How to Apply

    • 1.Create your application

      Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.

    • 2.Submit all required materials

      Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.

    • 3.Check your application status

      Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.

    Data Science Align
    Northeastern University
    Northeastern University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Boston