Master of Science in Data Science - Align Portland

Program Overview

The Align curriculum is specifically designed to prepare incoming students without any prior programming experience. The Align MSDS delivers a comprehensive foundation for processing, modeling, analyzing, and working with data.

This program provides research and coursework in artificial intelligence, machine learning, databases, statistics (hypothesis testing), and the theory of language programming. During your time in this program, you will learn to collect data from numerous sources, explore and hypothesize, analyze using machine learning modals, and develop an effective analysis. These important skills, coupled with opportunities for experiential learning, will allow you to chart your own unique career path in this highly competitive and rewarding field.

All Roux Institute programs provide content relevant to the urgent and emerging needs of industry in Maine and the rapidly evolving regional, national, and global economy. Opportunities for experiential learning will be concentrated in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast region. Students are encouraged to pursue co-ops and special virtual Experiential Network projects with the institute’s founding corporate partners, a group of leading employers in Maine.

  • Portland

    Location

  • Full-Time
    Part-Time

    Commitment

  • 2-3 years

    Duration of Program

Unique Features

  • This interdisciplinary program between the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering combines expertise across mathematics, computing, and data engineering.
  • This program focuses on the end-to-end data process, allowing participants to collect, visualize, and deploy essential models or predictions.
  • Students gain real-world experience through co-ops, internships, and project work.

Program Objectives

The objective of this program is to provide a well-rounded educational experience that delivers a comprehensive foundation on all areas related to data collection, hypothesis, analysis, and reporting.

Career Outlook

Graduates from this program go on to a range of careers, including data scientist, data analyst, quantitative researcher, machine learning engineer, natural language processing/OCR engineer. There is demand for data science specialists in every industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for data science skills will drive a 28 percent rise in employment in the field through 2026.

Scholarships and aid

$83.1K

Tuition

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2022-2023 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. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

Generous scholarships

The Roux Institute is currently offering generous scholarships to meet the financial needs of all students through its Alfond Scholars Initiative. Each award is determined by an individual assessment. And Northeastern alumni receive a Double Husky Scholarship —a tuition discount of 25 percent.

Learn more about the Alfond Scholars Initiative

Corporate tuition benefits

Many employers subsidize education for their employees. Speak with yours about any tuition benefits your company may offer.

Special military scholarships

For military veterans and servicemembers, a limited number of donor-funded scholarships are available even after all other aid has been awarded to help with commuting costs, childcare, and other costs of living.

Learn more about military scholarships

Federal aid

You can apply for federal aid grants and loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Learn about the FAFSA

Admission Requirements

  • Online application and fee
  • Unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts reflecting conferral of bachelor’s degree (you can submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended at the time of admission)
  • Statement of purpose that should include career goals and expected outcomes and benefits from the program
  • Recent professional resumé listing detailed position responsibilities
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation
  • Official TOEFL examination scores (international students only)

Admission Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.

Please note: This program will begin at the Portland campus starting fall 2021. 

  • International applicants: May 6
  • Domestic applicants: August 1
  • International applicants: September 15
  • Domestic applicants: December 1

Program Curriculum

Please view the Course Catalog for information regarding the program curriculum.

Experiential Learning

Learning integrated with professional experience is a hallmark of Northeastern and the Roux Institute. Students gain a clear understanding of real-world industry needs in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast—and valued workplace skills like communication and teamwork—through assignments at companies and nonprofit organizations. Students can complete a six-week virtual project relevant to their studies through the university’s Experiential Network (XN) of employers, or even for their own company. Or they can apply for four- and six-month, full-time co-op positions. All opportunities enable students to build their resumés, expand their professional networks, and chart a path to in-demand careers.