Program Overview

Join one of the best cybersecurity graduate programs for nonmajors and earn your degree in 2.5–3 years. No matter your background, the Align Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences provides you with the necessary computer science foundation to pivot to the burgeoning cybersecurity industry.

After completing two semesters of graduate bridge courses, you'll continue on in the cybersecurity master’s program, taking technical and contextual courses that prepare you to assess and manage information security risks. A capstone project and a paid, full-time four-to-eight-month co-op/internship proves your mastery and gives you applied experience. 

Where research and tech converge

Boston is one of the best college towns in America, as well as a hub for healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences. There are many opportunities to conduct research and participate in co-ops or internships.

Home to more than 200 cyber companies and 160+ AI companies, Boston is a rich employment market. Healthcare is a particular focus here, with leading research hospitals interested in using AI, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to address medical challenges safely and securely.

Experiential learning drives impressive career outcomes

Program graduates are in demand by Khoury College’s 700+ industry partners. Graduates work in some of the most competitive tech companies in the country—including Raytheon, Rapid7, and Amazon.

• Boston ranked in the top 10 for tech talent in North America since 2019 (CBRE)
• $132,135 average annual salary for cybersecurity positions in Boston (ZipRecruiter, 2023)
• Positions such as cybersecurity master or online cybersecurity consultant can pay even more in Boston—up to 16.1% more (ZipRecruiter, 2023)

Concentration in Criminology

Cybercrime has evolved into more advanced techniques and sophisticated structures. Cybersecurity professionals are of vital importance in crime investigations, and for that reason, they need to have a well-rounded background and knowledge. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity provides an interdisciplinary foundation that includes computer science technical courses, complemented with the contextual knowledge courses required for a proper holistic approach to cybercrime. The optional concentration in criminology will offer MSCY students an opportunity to obtain the fundamental principles and the most important practices that criminal justice professionals use.