Northeastern University’s Snapshot

Online master’s programs

Per credit hour

Typical total cost

National university ranking

Key policies

Institution type

Private, nonprofit

Regional accreditation

NECHE

Admissions model

Rolling (CPS) · Deadline-based (Khoury/Bouvé)

GRE/GMAT required

Not required (most programs)

Military rates

Available (Yellow Ribbon)

Notable Programmatic Accreditations

  • AACSB
  • CCNE
  • CEPH
  • ABAI
  • NSA/DHS CAE-CD
Written By - OMC Admin
Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Start Here: Compare Northeastern by What Matters Most

  • Compare institutional strengths → Particularly strong in cybersecurity, data science, healthcare, business, and experiential-learning-focused professional programs
  • Compare accreditation → NECHE regional accreditation plus AACSB, CCNE, CEPH, PMI GAC recognition, ABAI verification, and NSA/DHS cybersecurity designation
  • Compare experiential learning model → Industry-partnered projects and portfolio-driven coursework adapted from Northeastern’s co-op tradition, though not equivalent to traditional undergraduate co-op placements
  • Compare flexibility → CPS programs use rolling admissions and flexible scheduling, while Khoury and Bouvé programs are more selective with structured timelines and clinical requirements
  • Compare alternatives → Drexel University, George Washington University, Arizona State University, and Johns Hopkins University

Northeastern University has built one of the more ambitious online master’s portfolios among highly ranked private universities. Most online programs are administered through the College of Professional Studies (CPS) under the Northeastern Global brand, though several high-profile programs — particularly in computer science and nursing — are housed in their home colleges (Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, D’Amore-McKim School of Business).

This matters for prospective students because the college of origin affects selectivity, tuition rates, and the nature of the student experience. CPS programs tend toward open-access rolling admissions and are designed for working professionals. Khoury and Bouvé programs are more selective, may follow traditional deadline cycles, and carry different tuition structures.

Northeastern’s calling card is its experiential learning model — the co-op tradition that defines its on-campus identity. For online master’s students, this translates into capstone projects, employer-sponsored experiential components, and portfolio-driven coursework rather than traditional co-op placements. Whether this distinction matters depends on what you’re looking for, which is a question this page addresses directly.

Northeastern occupies a specific niche in the online master’s landscape: it’s one of a handful of top-50 national universities offering a genuinely broad online catalog — not just a few token programs, but deep coverage across business, cybersecurity, data science, healthcare, education, criminal justice, communication, and engineering management.

What Northeastern University Is Known For

Cybersecurity as a flagship discipline.

Northeastern holds an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation, which places its cybersecurity programs among a relatively small group with federal-level recognition. The MS in Cybersecurity is one of the university’s most recognized online offerings, and it draws students from military, federal, and private-sector backgrounds. If you’re comparing cybersecurity MBA concentrations or dedicated cybersecurity master’s programs, Northeastern belongs in the conversation.

Data science and computer science through Khoury College.

The MS in Computer Science and MS in Data Science come from Khoury College of Computer Sciences — Northeastern’s dedicated CS school — not from a generic professional studies division. The ALIGN program specifically targets career changers with no prior CS background, offering a bridge pathway into the full MS. This is unusual among top-50 universities.

Experiential learning, adapted for online.

Northeastern’s co-op tradition is famous on campus, but online master’s students should understand what they actually receive: capstone projects, industry-partnered coursework, and optional experiential components — not the six-month paid co-op placements that define the undergraduate experience. The experiential component is real but not equivalent. Students who enroll expecting a traditional co-op may be disappointed.

Healthcare breadth with strong accreditations.

Northeastern offers CCNE-accredited MSN tracks (FNP, PMHNP, Adult-Gerontology NP), a CEPH-accredited MPH, and specialized programs like MS in Health Informatics and MS in Drug Regulatory Affairs. The regulatory affairs programs are genuinely niche — few universities offer them online at the master’s level — and serve a specific pharmaceutical/biotech audience.

AACSB-accredited MBA.

The D’Amore-McKim MBA carries AACSB accreditation and offers seven concentrations including finance, healthcare management, high-tech management, and supply chain. For students specifically seeking AACSB-accredited online MBA programs , Northeastern is a premium-priced but credentialed option.

Employer partnerships and tuition benefits.

Northeastern maintains corporate partnerships that offer tuition discounts to employees of participating organizations. If your employer is a Northeastern partner, this can meaningfully offset the premium pricing.

Northeastern’s online master’s catalog spans at least ten distinct subject areas. The table below groups all known online master’s programs by subject. Note that tuition rates, credit requirements, and admissions selectivity vary significantly by college — CPS programs are generally more accessible, while Khoury and Bouvé programs are more selective.

Business

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
Master of Business AdministrationMBAFinance, Healthcare Mgmt, High-Tech Mgmt, Innovation, Marketing, Supply Chain, SustainabilityAACSBNo (waiver available)Fully onlineD’Amore-McKim School of Business. 18–24 months.
MS in FinanceMSAACSBNoFully online30 credit hours. 12–24 months.
MS in LeadershipMSHealth Mgmt, HR, Organizational Communication, Project Mgmt, Sport LeadershipNoFully online18–24 months.
MS in Project ManagementMSPMI GAC recognizedNoFully online18–24 months.
MS in Commerce and Economic DevelopmentMSNoFully online
MS in Sport LeadershipMSNoFully online

IT & Data

Students exploring data and technology programs should also review our broader psychology programs hub for industrial-organizational tracks that intersect with analytics.

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MS in AnalyticsMSNoFully onlineCollege of Professional Studies. 18–24 months.
MS in Data ScienceMSNoFully onlineKhoury College of Computer Sciences.
MS in Information SystemsMSNoFully online
MS in Computer ScienceMSAI, Data Science, General, Software Engineering SystemsVariesFully onlineKhoury College. ALIGN program for career changers. Selective admissions.

Cybersecurity

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MS in CybersecurityMSNSA/DHS CAE-CDNoFully onlineFlagship online program. 18–24 months.
MS in Cyber-Physical SystemsMSNoFully online

Nursing

Northeastern’s nursing programs require clinical placements, making them hybrid rather than fully online. For a broader view of online MSN options, see our MSN programs hub .

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MS in Nursing — Family Nurse PractitionerMSNCCNENoHybrid (clinicals required)Bouvé College. Deadline-based admissions.
MS in Nursing — Psychiatric Mental Health NPMSNCCNENoHybrid (clinicals required)Deadline-based admissions.
MS in Nursing — Adult-Gerontology NPMSNCCNENoHybrid (clinicals required)Deadline-based admissions.

Healthcare

See our MHA programs hub for a broader comparison of online healthcare administration degrees.

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MS in Healthcare AdministrationMSNoFully online
MS in Health InformaticsMSNoFully online
MPH — Master of Public HealthMPHCEPHNoFully onlineBouvé College.
MS in Drug Regulatory AffairsMSNoFully onlineNiche: pharmaceutical/biotech.
MS in Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics, and Medical DevicesMSNoFully onlineUnique niche program.

Education

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MEd in Higher Education AdministrationMEdNoFully online
MEd in eLearning and Instructional DesignMEdNoFully online
MEd in Curriculum and InstructionMEdNoFully online

Criminal Justice

For broader context on online criminal justice master’s degrees, visit our criminal justice programs hub .

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MS in Criminal JusticeMSNoFully online
MS in Homeland SecurityMSNoFully online

Public Administration

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MPA — Master of Public AdministrationMPANoFully online
MS in Nonprofit ManagementMSNoFully online

Communication

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MS in Organizational CommunicationMSNoFully online
MS in Corporate and Organizational CommunicationMSNoFully online
MS in Technical CommunicationMSNoFully online

Engineering

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MS in Engineering ManagementMSNoFully online

Psychology

For additional online psychology master’s options, see our psychology programs hub .

ProgramDegreeConcentrationsAccreditationGRE RequiredFormatNotes
MS in Applied Behavior AnalysisMSABAI VerifiedNoHybrid (fieldwork required)Supervised fieldwork for BCBA certification eligibility.

Northeastern sits in a competitive tier of private universities offering large online master’s catalogs. The comparison below highlights the most relevant peer institutions — all with OMC evaluation pages — across dimensions that actually affect your decision.

Comparison Table: Northeastern vs. Peer Online Master’s Universities

DimensionNortheasternDrexel UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityArizona State UniversityJohns Hopkins University
Institution TypePrivate, nonprofitPrivate, nonprofitPrivate, nonprofitPublicPrivate, nonprofit
U.S. News TierTop 50Top 100Top 70Top 120 (innovation #1)Top 10
Online Master’s Programs30+100+60+200+30+
Tuition Range (per credit)$800–$1,700+$700–$1,200+$1,000–$1,800+$500–$1,000+$1,100–$1,900+
Experiential/Co-op DNAStrong (adapted online)Strong (co-op tradition)ModerateModerateLimited (research focus)
Strongest Online SubjectsCybersecurity, Data, Business, HealthcareHealth, Business, Engineering, ITPolicy, Public Health, International AffairsBusiness, Education, Engineering, ITPublic Health, Education, Healthcare
GRE RequiredMostly noVariesVariesMostly noVaries
Admissions ModelMostly rolling (CPS); selective (Khoury, Bouvé)Rolling and deadline-basedMostly deadline-basedRollingSelective, deadline-based
Key Accreditations (Online Programs)AACSB, CCNE, CEPH, NSA/DHS CAE-CDAACSB, CCNE, ABETAACSB, NASPAACSB, CACREPCEPH, NASP

What the comparison reveals:

  • Northeastern vs. Drexel: These two share more DNA than any other pair — both are private co-op universities with large online catalogs. Drexel tends to be modestly less expensive and has a larger total program count. Northeastern has stronger brand recognition in cybersecurity and data analytics, and its MBA carries AACSB accreditation. If cost is a concern, Drexel may offer comparable quality at a lower price point.
  • Northeastern vs. GWU: George Washington University is stronger in policy, international affairs, and D.C.-networked public health. Northeastern outperforms in tech, cybersecurity, and data programs and offers a broader overall catalog. Both are premium-priced.
  • Northeastern vs. ASU: Arizona State University is the scale and affordability champion — more programs, lower tuition, more accessibility. Northeastern competes on brand prestige, smaller cohort sizes, and specialized programs (cybersecurity, regulatory affairs, health informatics) that ASU may not match. If budget is your primary constraint, ASU is the obvious alternative.
  • Northeastern vs. Johns Hopkins: Johns Hopkins has an unmatched brand in health and research, but its online master’s catalog is narrower. Northeastern offers far more subject breadth and is somewhat less expensive. Johns Hopkins is the better choice if you’re pursuing public health or health policy specifically; Northeastern is better if you need a range across business, tech, and healthcare.

Northeastern University is

Best For

Northeastern’s online master’s programs aren’t designed for everyone, and that’s part of the value proposition. Here’s who benefits most:

  • Mid-career professionals investing in brand-name credentials. If you’ve been working 3–10+ years and want a master’s degree from a recognized top-50 university without leaving your job, Northeastern delivers that. The brand carries weight in hiring and promotion discussions, particularly in industries where institutional prestige matters — technology, healthcare, finance, and consulting.
  • Cybersecurity and data professionals (or career changers into these fields). Northeastern’s NSA/DHS designation, Khoury College CS programs, and the ALIGN career-change pathway create a genuinely differentiated pipeline for people entering or advancing in cybersecurity, data science, and analytics. If you’re comparing cybersecurity master’s programs specifically, Northeastern’s federal designation is a meaningful credential.
  • Healthcare administrators and nursing professionals. The combination of CCNE-accredited NP tracks, a CEPH-accredited MPH, healthcare administration, health informatics, and niche regulatory affairs programs creates one of the most complete healthcare program suites available online from a single university.
  • Students who value employer partnerships. If your employer has a tuition benefit arrangement with Northeastern, the premium pricing becomes much more manageable. Northeastern actively cultivates corporate partnerships, and for students at partner organizations, the effective cost can drop significantly.
  • Professionals near a Northeastern campus who want hybrid flexibility. While most programs are fully online, students near Boston, Charlotte, Seattle, Silicon Valley, or other Northeastern campuses may benefit from optional in-person networking events, residencies, or experiential components that enrich the online experience.

Not a Best Fit For

Northeastern is a strong option in specific contexts, but there are clear scenarios where other universities serve students better.

  • You’re budget-conscious and paying out of pocket. Northeastern’s per-credit rates place it among the more expensive online master’s options. If you’re self-funding without employer tuition assistance, public universities like Arizona State University or Purdue University offer comparable program breadth at a fraction of the cost. Even among private universities, Drexel University is typically less expensive per credit.
  • You expect a traditional co-op placement. Northeastern’s experiential learning model is real but adapted for online students. You’ll get capstone projects and industry-aligned coursework, not the paid six-month co-op rotations that define the on-campus experience. If true employer-embedded experiential learning is your primary criterion, the online format may not deliver what you expect.
  • You need a fully asynchronous experience with zero synchronous components. Most CPS programs are asynchronous, but several programs — particularly in nursing (clinical placements), applied behavior analysis (supervised fieldwork), and some Khoury College offerings — require synchronous sessions, in-person components, or scheduled meeting times. If your schedule demands absolute flexibility, verify the specific program’s format before enrolling.
  • You want the fastest possible path to a degree. While some programs can be completed in 12–18 months, Northeastern doesn’t emphasize speed as aggressively as Western Governors University or competency-based alternatives. If time-to-completion is your top priority, other options may serve you better.
  • You’re looking for MSW, counseling, or licensure-track psychology programs. Northeastern’s online psychology offerings are limited to Applied Behavior Analysis. It doesn’t currently offer an online MSW , clinical mental health counseling, or marriage and family therapy at the master’s level online. Students pursuing social work or clinical psychology should look elsewhere.
  • You need programs that Northeastern doesn’t cover well. Despite its breadth, Northeastern has gaps. There’s no online master’s in occupational therapy, no online MFA, and no standalone online counseling program. Students seeking these specific fields will need to attend other universities.

These six programs represent Northeastern’s strongest or most distinctive online master’s offerings, based on accreditation, reputation, unique positioning, or market demand.

1. MS in Cybersecurity

Northeastern’s cybersecurity program is arguably its online flagship. The NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation puts it in select company nationally, and the curriculum is built around real-world threat modeling, network security, and policy. It draws heavily from military, federal, and enterprise security professionals. Completion in 18–24 months, no GRE required.

2. MBA (D’Amore-McKim School of Business)

AACSB-accredited with seven concentrations — the most notable being healthcare management, high-tech management, and supply chain management. The GMAT/GRE waiver makes this more accessible than many ranked MBA programs, though the premium tuition offsets that accessibility. Students who specifically need AACSB accreditation and want a recognized brand should compare this against other AACSB-accredited online MBA programs .

3. MS in Data Science (Khoury College)

Housed in one of the nation’s top computer science colleges, not a professional studies division. This distinction matters because Khoury’s research faculty design the curriculum, and the degree carries CS-school branding rather than generic professional studies labeling. The program is more selective than CPS offerings.

4. MPH — Master of Public Health (Bouvé College)

CEPH-accredited, which is the gold standard for public health programs. The online MPH is delivered through Bouvé College of Health Sciences and covers epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy. Students exploring public health specializations may also want to review epidemiology-focused programs across universities.

5. MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner (Bouvé College)

CCNE-accredited and one of the most sought-after online NP tracks at Northeastern. Requires clinical placements, so this is a hybrid program, but the coursework is primarily online. Deadline-based admissions make it more competitive than CPS programs. Prospective nursing students should compare across our MSN programs hub for alternatives.

6. MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

ABAI-verified, which is the accreditation that matters for BCBA certification eligibility. The program requires supervised fieldwork hours, making it a hybrid, but it’s one of the more structured online ABA pathways from a top-50 university. This is a strong option for students pursuing board certification in behavior analysis.

Admissions Summary

FactorCPS Programs (most online master’s)Khoury College ProgramsBouvé College Programs (Nursing, ABA)
Admissions ModelRolling — multiple starts per yearSelective — may have application deadlinesDeadline-based — Fall and Spring intakes
GRE/GMATNot required for mostVaries by programNot required
Minimum GPATypically 2.5–3.0Typically 3.0+Typically 3.0+
Work ExperiencePreferred but not always requiredNot required (ALIGN exists for career changers)Clinical experience required for NP tracks
Application ComponentsTranscripts, resume, personal statement, 1–2 recommendationsTranscripts, resume, personal statement, 2–3 recommendationsTranscripts, resume, personal statement, recommendations, license verification

The key distinction at Northeastern is that “online master’s admissions” isn’t a single process — it depends heavily on which college houses the program.

College of Professional Studies (CPS): Most of Northeastern’s online master’s programs sit here, and admissions are designed for working professionals. Rolling admissions with multiple start dates per year means you’re not locked into a fall-only application cycle. GRE/GMAT is waived for most programs. This is the most accessible path into a Northeastern master’s degree.

Khoury College of Computer Sciences: The MS in Computer Science is more selective, with competitive admissions and potential prerequisites depending on your background. The ALIGN program specifically exists for career changers — it adds a bridge semester of foundational CS coursework before the full MS sequence. Data Science admissions are somewhat more accessible but still more selective than CPS norms.

Bouvé College of Health Sciences: Nursing NP tracks follow deadline-based admissions with Fall and Spring cohorts. Clinical experience and active RN licensure are typically required. The ABA program requires a bachelor’s degree and supervised fieldwork arrangements.

Most Northeastern online master’s programs do not require standardized test scores, which aligns with the university’s presence on lists of online master’s programs with no GRE requirement .

Tuition Range Box

Cost DimensionRange
Per-Credit Rate (CPS programs)~$800–$1,000 per credit
Per-Credit Rate (Khoury, D’Amore-McKim, Bouvé)~$1,200–$1,700+ per credit
Typical Total Program Cost (30–45 credits)~$24,000–$75,000+ depending on program and college
FeesTechnology fee, registration fee vary by term
Financial AidFederal loans, employer tuition partnerships, military/veteran discounts, merit scholarships (limited for online)

Northeastern is not a budget-friendly option. This needs to be stated clearly because it’s the single most common concern prospective online students raise.

The university charges per credit hour, and rates vary meaningfully by college. CPS programs (the majority of online master’s offerings) tend to fall in the $800–$1,000 per-credit range. Programs housed in D’Amore-McKim (MBA), Khoury (CS, Data Science), and Bouvé (Nursing, Public Health) carry higher per-credit rates, often exceeding $1,500.

For a 30-credit CPS program, total tuition might land around $24,000–$30,000. For a 45-credit MBA or a 40+ credit nursing program through a higher-rate college, total costs can exceed $60,000–$75,000.

How to make it work financially:

  • Employer partnerships: Northeastern’s corporate partnership network is extensive. Employees of partner organizations may receive 10–25% tuition discounts. Check with your employer before enrolling.
  • Military and veteran benefits: Northeastern participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers military tuition discounts.
  • Federal financial aid: Online students are eligible for federal student loans. Explore student loan forgiveness programs if you work in public service or qualifying nonprofit roles.
  • Payment plans: Northeastern offers monthly payment plans to spread costs across each semester.

If tuition is your primary constraint and you don’t have employer support, public universities like Arizona State University or Penn State World Campus offer significantly lower per-credit rates for comparable programs.

Northeastern’s programs appear in or are relevant to several OMC ranking pages. Use these to compare Northeastern against other universities in specific program categories:

Visit Northeastern University’s official online programs page

FAQs

Is Northeastern University regionally accredited?

Yes. Northeastern is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation covers all programs, including those delivered online.

Do Northeastern online master’s degrees say “online” on the diploma?

No. Northeastern does not distinguish between online and on-campus degrees on transcripts or diplomas. Graduates receive the same credential regardless of delivery format.

Can online students participate in Northeastern’s co-op program?

The traditional co-op experience — six-month paid employer placements — is not available to most online master’s students. However, many online programs incorporate experiential learning elements such as capstone projects, applied research, and employer-partnered coursework. Some programs offer optional experiential components for students near a Northeastern campus.

How long does it take to complete an online master’s at Northeastern?

Most programs are designed for completion in 18–24 months at a part-time pace. Some programs (like the MS in Finance at 30 credits) can be completed in as few as 12 months for students taking a heavier course load. Nursing and clinical programs may take longer due to placement scheduling.

Is the GRE or GMAT required?

No, for the vast majority of online master’s programs at Northeastern. Most CPS programs do not require standardized test scores. The MBA offers a GMAT/GRE waiver. Khoury College programs may have varying requirements. Verify with the specific program.

Does Northeastern offer payment plans for tuition?

Yes. Northeastern offers monthly payment plans that allow students to spread tuition across each semester rather than paying in a single lump sum. Federal student loans and employer tuition reimbursement are also commonly used.

What is the difference between CPS programs and Khoury/Bouvé programs?

The College of Professional Studies (CPS) administers most online master’s programs and is designed for working professionals with rolling admissions and flexible scheduling. Khoury College (Computer Sciences) and Bouvé College (Health Sciences) house more selective, discipline-specific programs with different admissions timelines, higher tuition rates, and sometimes synchronous or clinical components. The college of origin affects your admissions process, tuition, and student experience.