Khoury College is a place where you will do much more than learn the technical skills needed to be successful in the computer sciences. Our policies and procedures guide our academic approach, instill a strong sense of integrity in our students, and streamline the academic process so you can focus on your goals.

Academic policies

Our standards for academic integrity

The Khoury College of Computer Sciences upholds the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Faculty will report all students found in violation of this policy to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR).

Northeastern University expects students to complete all examinations, tests, papers, creative projects, and assignments of any kind according to the highest ethical standards as set forth either explicitly or implicitly in the Code of Student Conduct or by the direction of instructors.

As members of the academic community, students must become familiar with their rights and responsibilities. In each course, they are responsible for knowing the requirements and restrictions regarding research and writing, examinations of whatever kind, collaborative work, the use of study aids, the appropriateness of assistance, and other issues. Students are responsible for learning the conventions of documentation and acknowledgment of sources in their fields.

Please note:

• Academic dishonesty is taken very seriously and can result in expulsion
• Cheating goes on a student’s permanent record
• Final grades are at instructors’ discretion

Northeastern University’s Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution & Cheating (OSCCR) strives to promote and instill the values of civility and good citizenship within the Northeastern community. OSCCR addresses student conduct violations and conflicts through an educational process and provides engaging programming and training to help maintain a healthy living and learning environment. OSCCR also strives to provide a community free of intimidation, harassment, or unfair treatment. Violations of the university’s Academic Integrity Policy are handled by OSCCR.

Academic progression standards

In addition to meeting university progression standards, it is expected that full-time Khoury students enroll in four courses with appropriate labs and recitations and successfully complete at least 12 semester hours each academic semester with an acceptable grade-point average (GPA) as noted below. Any exceptions to the course load requirement must be approved by the student’s academic adviser prior to the start of each semester. Pass/fail courses are restricted to electives outside of the major, minor, and NUpath requirements.

GPA requirements for graduation

A minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.000 in major (CS/CY/DS/IS) courses and a minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.000 overall are required for graduation.

Criteria for academic probation

Full-time students in Khoury College of Computer Sciences will be placed on academic probation effective for the following academic semester for any of the reasons noted below:

• Not following a program of study approved by the student’s academic advisor
• Not earning at least 12 semester hours in each academic full-term semester (Fall, Spring)

First-year students

• Not maintaining an overall cumulative GPA of at least 1.800 at the end of each full-term semester (Fall, Spring) of the first-year curriculum and a GPA of at least 2.000 in the major at the end of the second academic full-term semester of the curriculum (Spring)

Upper-class and transfer students

• Not maintaining an overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.000 and a GPA of at least 2.000 in the major at the end of the second academic full-term semester of the curriculum completed on campus (Fall or Spring) and at the end of each full-term academic semester thereafter (Fall, Spring)

Academic dismissal from major

Not maintaining a GPA of at least 2.000 in the major at the end of the third academic full-term semester and at the end of each full-term academic semester (Fall, Spring) thereafter will result in dismissal from Khoury College of Computer Sciences.

Students not following a program of study approved by the student’s academic advisor for more than one semester may be dismissed from Khoury College of Computer Sciences.

Students dismissed from their major but who are otherwise eligible to remain an active student within the university may continue within Khoury College of Computer Sciences as a transitional major for one semester.

Co-op policies

During your co-ops, you’ll build on your classroom knowledge, gain hands-on experience,  and improve your job prospects in a supportive, integrated program.

Academic procedures

Changing from one Khoury major to another

Students who are already in Khoury College and want to change to another major in Khoury College should schedule an appointment with their Khoury academic advisor.

Changing to Khoury College from a non-Khoury major

Our mission is “computer science for everyone” — we’re happy that you’re considering changing your major and switching your home college to Khoury College. We accept undergraduate students who demonstrate the skills and commitment necessary to be successful in our majors.

Admission requirements for students changing majors

• Must be in good academic standing
• Must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher in Khoury classes
• Successful completion of CS 2000/2001 or CS 2100/2101 or DS 2500/DS 2501 (whichever comes first)
  • If a student wanting to change majors takes and passes the CS 2000/2001 placement test, they will then need to take and pass CS 2100/2101 or DS 2500/2501 (depending on the intended major), prior to being eligible for a major change. Students are not eligible for a major change based on passing the CS 2000/2001 placement test alone.
• For admission into CS/Business, CY/Business, or DS/Business, students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher average in any business courses.

Students who want to change to a Khoury major and want Khoury College as their home college must meet with our academic coordinator, Jessica Speece.

Major change applications to Khoury College are accepted throughout the year. If you wish to transfer into Khoury College but don’t currently meet the admission criteria above, you will remain in your current college as a transitional student. In addition to meeting with your home college advisor, we recommend meeting with Jessica Speece to discuss your academic plans.

Guided self-placement test for students changing majors

The Khoury introduction to programming courses below are typically taken sequentially:

• CS 2000: Introduction to Program Design and Implementation
• CS 2100: Program Design and Implementation (computer science and cybersecurity students) or DS 2500: Intermediate Programming with Data (data science students)

Starting in 2025, all students can take an online self-assessment to determine if they should place out of the introductory course, CS 2000, and start with CS 2100 or DS 2500. By placing out of CS 2000 and moving straight to the second course, more experienced students can challenge themselves in a class where the material and pace are better suited to their experience level. To access the online assessment, create an account on the Khoury College Assessment Page. When creating your account, please be sure to use your NUID (nine-digit number) so we can identify you.

The self-assessment will cover programming topics that are covered in the introductory course. Multiple programming languages, including Python and Java, will suffice for use on the self-assessment. If you successfully complete the placement exam and need assistance enrolling in CS 2100 or DS 2500, please email Jessica Speece.

Please note:

• Students who are currently in a Khoury combined major, but not in Khoury College as their home college, who want to make Khoury College their home college, must meet with their assigned Khoury secondary academic advisor.
• If the combined major you want is offered by your home college, you can choose to stay in your home college. Please speak with your assigned academic advisor to see if this is a possibility for you.
• Important deadlines and information regarding co-op coordinator assignments for students changing to a Khoury major can be found within our co-op processes and policies pages.

Submitting a request for a new combined major

The college will take proposals under consideration. Given the many complications involved in considering a new curriculum, submitting a request does not imply that the college will create your proposed combined major. Please do not make academic plans on the assumption that a combined major will be created.

The creation of a new major is a lengthy process due to the extensive planning and levels of approval that must be attained. Your information will be kept on file, and you will be informed if, and when, such a major has been created.

Preparing to graduate

Preparing for graduation is an exciting time, and our academic advisors look forward to supporting you along the way. Official graduation clearance comes from two offices: the Khoury advising office and the university registrar’s office.

To ensure your final year at Khoury College and Northeastern concludes smoothly, you should:

• Confirm that the graduation year indicated on myNortheastern matches your intended graduation year
• Read and follow your advisor’s instructions regarding graduation — you’ll start receiving correspondence about graduation clearance in the spring or early summer of the year prior to your graduation
• Review and approve your official Graduation Clearance Contract
• Apply to graduate on the Student Hub to notify the university of your graduation intentions
• Notify your academic advisor of any changes in registration or graduation plans
• Review important information about the commencement ceremony held each May