Complex network analysis is the quantitative study of interconnected systems that influence every aspect of our lives—from where we get our news and who we share ideas with, to how we travel and the people we interact with, to the products we purchase and the foods we eat. Networks are ubiquitous across natural and human-made systems, and their structure and dynamics can explain and help improve the greatest challenges of the next century, such as pandemics, food scarcity, cultural polarization, and climate change. Expertise in the emerging field of complex network analysis, within the landscape of the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning, forms the foundation of the next generation of thought leaders. Northeastern University leads the way in this burgeoning field, offering a unique master's degree program in complex network analysis methodologies. The program is designed to equip students with the conceptual and analytical tools needed to find patterns of connections in networked systems and apply these techniques in real-world settings. The curriculum includes industry-aligned concentration areas of focus, enabling graduates to apply complex network analysis skills in impactful careers in the public and private sectors as well as in research. The concentrations for this program correspond directly to the following industry sectors:
- Public health and life sciences fields such as epidemiological modeling, public policy, informatics, and behavioral research
- Social or urban science and research fields such as urban planning, social network research, economics, education, criminal science, or public policy
- Finance or technological fields such as financial analytics, market research, or network analysis for business
In this degree program, students are admitted to the college associated with their concentration, and their degree is awarded by that college. The concentrations are associated with the following colleges:
- Complex Social Systems – College of Social Sciences and Humanities
- Economic and Technological Networks – Khoury College of Computer Sciences
- Population Health Dynamics – College of Science and Bouvé College of Health Sciences (with student choice of college)
Students will follow all policies associated with their home college.
- Concentrations and course offerings may vary by campus and/or by program modality. Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for the course availability each term at your campus or within your program modality.
- Certain options within the program may be required at certain campuses or for certain program modalities. Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for requirements at your campus or for your program modality.
Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Required Courses
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| INSH 5301 | Introduction to Computational Statistics | 4 |
| NETS 5050 | Fundamentals of Complex Networks | 4 |
| NETS 5051 | Analyzing Complex Network Data | 4 |
| NETS 5052 | Advanced Tools for Complex Network Analysis | 4 |
| NETS 5901 | Visualizing Complex Networks | 2 |
| NETS 5902 | Communicating Network Data | 2 |
Concentrations
Complete one of the following concentrations:
Experiential Courses
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 4 |
| Complex Network Analysis Research Rotation | |
| Complex Network Analysis Capstone | |
| Thesis | |
Optional Co-op
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| NETS 6000 | Professional Development for Co-op | 1 |
| NETS 6964 | Co-op Work Experience | 0 |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
36–37 total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required
Complex Social Systems Concentration
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 6-8 |
| Social Network Analysis | |
| Modeling and Analyzing Social Networks | |
| Physical and Digital Human Traces | |
| Complexity in Social Systems | |
| Research Design for Social Networks | |
| Big Data for Cities | |
| 4-6 |
| Analyzing Higher-Order Networks | |
| Probabilistic Mathematics of Networks | |
| Special Topics in Complex Networks | |
Economic and Technological Networks
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 6-8 |
| Deep Learning | |
| Supervised Machine Learning and Learning Theory | |
| Unsupervised Machine Learning and Data Mining | |
| Data Mining and Machine Learning for Business | |
| Financial and Economic Networks | |
| 4-6 |
| Analyzing Higher-Order Networks | |
| Probabilistic Mathematics of Networks | |
| Special Topics in Complex Networks | |
Population Health Dynamics Concentration
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 6-8 |
| Bioinformatics Computational Methods 1 | |
| Spreading on Networks: From Epidemics to Memes | |
| Complex Network Analysis for Biological Systems | |
| Biostatistics in Public Health | |
| Advanced Methods in Biostatistics | |
| 4-6 |
| Analyzing Higher-Order Networks | |
| Probabilistic Mathematics of Networks | |
| Special Topics in Complex Networks | |
