Northeastern University Computer Science Degree Programs Available
Northeastern University appears in our ranking of the Top 5 Cheapest Mobile Development Degrees Online.
A computer science degree can prepare individuals for many different careers in the industry. Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, have an average salary of $118,370 per year. Most computer and information research scientist positions require a master’s degree or higher. However, computer network architects earn as much as $109,020 per year and computer programmers earn an average of $84,280 per year. Both careers require a bachelor’s degree while web developers earn as much as $69,430 per year and most positions require an associate’s degree. Northeastern University offers several degree options that are designed to prepare individuals for positions in these industries.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science both focus on the fundamentals of program design, software development, computer organization, systems, and networks as well as theories of computation, principles of languages and advanced algorithms and data. The Bachelor of Arts requires slightly fewer computer science requirements in order for students to take additional foreign language requirements as well as to give them a wider choice of electives. The program provides a solid grounding in math and science as well as social sciences and humanities. Courses required may include Discrete Structures, Computer Systems, Software Development, Network Security and Foundations of Cybersecurity.
Northeastern University also offers combined majors in partnership with other colleges at the school. The combined degrees include Bachelor of Science in Computer Science combined with:
- Biology
- Business
- Cognitive Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Design
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Science
- Game Development
- History
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Media Arts
- Music with a concentration in Music Technology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Sociology
Master of Science in Computer Science
The Master of Science in Computer Science prepares students for a wide range of careers in computer science. Students gain an understanding of computing and important application domains in order to provide broad-based knowledge in the industry. Students are able to concentrate their studies in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Game Design
- Graphics
- Human-computer Interaction
- Networks
- Programming Languages
- Security
- Software Engineering
- Systems
- Theory
Students are able to exhibit proficiency in design, implementation, and testing of software while also demonstrating the ability to work in small teams. They gain an understanding of applying algorithmic and theoretical computer-science principles while also learning to develop competencies in specialized or emerging computer science fields. They must also complete a thesis in order to complete the program.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
The Ph.D. in Computer Science is designed for those who wish to enter academia or industry with a focus on conducting research, publishing and presenting papers. The curriculum is rigorous and provides a strong background in the fundamentals of computer science as well as advanced courses in a wide range of focus areas. Courses are organized into five areas which include Theory, Systems, Software, Artificial Intelligence & Data Science and Human-Centered Computing. Students must have teaching skills even if they do not plan to enter academia. In order to gain the experience, all students must satisfy the teaching requirement by working as a Teaching Assistant or Instructor of Record for one semester. During the teaching experience, they must teach at least three hours of class and prepare at least one assignment, quiz or equivalent.
About Northeastern University
The YMCA in Boston began offering a lecture series designed for immigrants who wanted to improve themselves in 1898. The series became so popular, they began offering career training which included law courses. As the program grew, additional courses, including an automobile school, opened and, in 1903, women were allowed to enroll. Not long after, the school was named the Evening Polytechnic School.
Because courses were offered in the evening, working adults were able to take classes but it soon became apparent that day classes were necessary. In 1909, day classes were offered and it was clear the school had outgrown their location. The school rented space while they searched for a new location. Classes began on Huntington Avenue in 1913 and, in 1922, the school was named Northeastern University of the Boston Young Men’s Christian Association. When the Boston Red Sox moved to Fenway Park in 1929, the school purchased the location.
Construction was delayed, however, by the Great Depression. The Northeastern University Corporation began in 1937 and the school separated from the YMCA in 1948.
Today, 93 percent of Northwestern graduates are employed full-time or in graduate school within nine months of graduation. Research revenue has increased 229 percent since 2006 and the school has been ranked in the top 50 by US News & World Report for six consecutive years.
Northeastern University Accreditation Details
Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northeastern University offers programs that meet or exceed criteria developed by the Association that indicate excellence in education. Accreditation also indicates that the school has the resources to meet its stated goals and objectives. In addition, specific programs and degrees of study are accredited by the following organizations:
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- American Psychology Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
- National Architectural Accreditation Board
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- Project Management Institute’s Global-Accreditation Center
- Technology Accreditation Commission
Northeastern University Application Requirements
Applicants for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science must submit a secondary school report and official high school transcripts as well as official SAT or ACT scores. A counselor report and teacher evaluation are also required. Applicants who have completed 12 credit hours of college-level work must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Applicants for the Master of Science in Computer Science must have successfully completed the following courses or the equivalent:
- Calculus
- Computer Organization
- Data Structures
- Discrete Mathematics
They also must have experience in a high-level procedural language such as C, C++, Java or Scheme.
Students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and must provide official GRE scores. Applicants must submit unofficial undergraduate or graduate transcripts, a statement of purpose and a current resume. They must also submit three confidential letters of recommendation and unofficial GRE scores.
In order to apply for the Ph.D. in Computer Science, applicants must submit unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts. They must hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or related field. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and three confidential letters of recommendation. They must also submit unofficial GRE scores.
Northeastern University Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition is $530 per credit hour while graduate tuition is $698 per credit hour.
More than 75 percent of new students receive some type of financial aid each year and $296 million in grant and scholarship assistance was awarded for the 2019-2020 school year. In order to qualify, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. Students may be offered grants, scholarships or loans. Those who attend on campus may be offered work-study, assistantships or fellowships. Graduate students are normally offered loans but are encouraged to seek grants and scholarships from outside organizations.
Northeastern University has been providing flexible education to working adults since they began. Programs at Northeastern University are available online, on campus or in a hybrid version.
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