Northeastern University has developed a reputation for its strong cooperative programs and commitment to practical learning, and its computer science department is no exception. Many aspiring CS students lean towards the most prestigious schools–those traditional paragons of education, the Harvards and Stanford of the world. We find that this is a mistake: many of the best CS programs are located at schools that don’t have the name recognition of Harvard. Northeastern is one of these schools–their CS program is one of the best, specifically for students looking for hands-on learning and real-world work experience.
Northeastern is situated south of the Charles in Boston, MA, near the art museum and Fenway Park. Students enjoy the benefits of Boston–Northeastern’s cooperative program allows them to work for a variety of local employers. Northeastern has approximately 20,000 undergraduates and 8,000 graduate students, and admits around 20% of applicants.
It is generally ranked around 30th by US News and World Report for CS, and around 50th overall for undergraduate education. That’s not all, though–Northeastern is ranked much higher by CSRankings, a site that tracks and ranks computer science programs based on research and student outcomes. We feel that CSRankings’ list is a more objective (and useful) metric for CS students–US News and World Report is more of a reputation tracker than an actual ranking system. CSRankings places Northeastern 13th in the country for overall CS, 1st for Measurement and Performance Analysis, 7th for Cryptography, and 6th for Computer Security. Students interested in these specific fields should consider Northeastern even more seriously–the CS faculty have produced some of the most important research for these subdomains over the past decade.
There are three ‘core’ majors related to computer science: a BS/BA in Computer Science, a BS in Cybersecurity, and a BS in Data Science. The Computer Science major is offered as both a BA and BS: the BA degree allows students to study a foreign language, while the BS has slightly more required courses. Northeastern stresses that they’re very similar–students get a full CS education with either choice. The Cybersecurity BS is focused on computer security and is considered one of the best in the country–remember that Northeastern is ranked in this discipline. Northeastern’s Data Science BS prepares students for a career in analytics or applied CS: consider it if you’re interested in a more math-focused computer path.
They also offer a number of interdisciplinary computer science majors–students can choose from more than 20 “CS + X” majors such as Computer Science and History, Computer Science and Biology, and Computer Science and Theater. Northeastern also offers computer science minors: one in ‘standard’ CS, and one in Data Science. Northeastern also offers a range of CS masters degrees, many of which allow students to accelerate their undergraduate study and submatriculate in. Northeastern also emphasizes experiential learning–students can choose to participate in the cooperative program, which places them in jobs during the undergraduate study.
In short, if you’re interested in Computer Science, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look at Northeastern. Remember, if you’re uncertain of how to pursue a CS major, or unsure of your major, or just want to talk, we’re always here to help.
Contact us here if you need help with the college application process