MS in Computer Information Systems
Online
NOTE: This site is an archive of 2011–2012 programs and policies at Boston University Metropolitan College. If you are looking for current information about Metropolitan College and its programs, please go to our official website: www.bu.edu/met.
The online Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems is designed for working professionals in the IT field. The program will capitalize on students’ experience by offering specialized training in management, preparing graduates for managerial positions within the computer science or information systems field.
The online MS in Computer Information Systems is accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management.
Concentrations
Students in the MS in Computer Information Systems (Online) may choose from the following concentrations:
The concentration in Computer Networks provides students with a broad foundation in information technology (IT), and an in-depth understanding of computer data communication and modern networking. The six MS in Computer Information Systems core courses include a comprehensive, introductory networking course that covers digital communications, local area, wide area, wireless, and other network technologies. The core also includes courses in databases, math for IT, strategic IT, software development, and systems analysis and design. The Computer Networks concentration courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of network design and implementation, network performance analysis and management, network security, and the latest networking technology. The program is designed to empower students with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to analyze, design, procure, manage, and implement cutting-edge computer networking solutions and technologies.
The concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence provides extensive hands-on experience with SQL using Oracle and other leading DBMS and data mining tools. Students in this concentration will develop extensive skill and experience in the design and implementation of operational databases as well as the data warehousing, data mining, and related business intelligence technologies for managing the enterprise.
The concentration in Health Informatics exposes individuals to health electronic applications and data, including their collection, processing, and storage. Individuals graduating from this program will have a solid knowledge of data communication and computer networks as well as biomedical databases. Each of these areas includes data security and privacy components, which are essential for dealing with medical data. In addition, the foundations of health information technology and electronic health records give graduates a solid exposure to the latest medical technologies, as well as to the electronic record systems used in hospitals and other medical organizations. Students also have the opportunity to take a course that will expose them to the modern IT project management tools and techniques.
The concentration in IT Project Management is particularly valuable for those engaged in the administration of technical projects. Students are introduced to general concepts embodied in the Project Management Institute’s PMBOK, while exploring specialized techniques for software risk management, software cost estimation, and software quality management. Students also learn virtual project management, enabling them to manage geographically distributed software development. Students taking any course in this concentration are eligible to take a PMP® preparation course for free—an important step toward certification as Project Management Professionals.
The concentration in Security provides in-depth knowledge of emerging security threats and solutions to prepare technical leaders to identify, develop, and implement highly secure systems and networks that support organizational goals.
Degree Requirements
A total of ten courses (40 credits) is required, as follows:
Core Curriculum
(six courses/24 credits)
- MET CS 520 Information Structures or MET CS 601 Web Application Development
- MET CS 546 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems
- MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
- MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
- MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
- MET CS 782 IT Strategy and Management
Students who are not choosing a concentration must select an additional four courses (16 credits) from the following:
- MET CS 601 Web Application Development
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
- MET CS 699 Data Mining and Business Intelligence
- MET CS 701 Advanced Web Application Development
- MET CS 703 Network Forensics
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
- MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture
Concentration in Computer Networks
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems (Online) Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Computer Networks must also take the following concentration requirements:
Concentration Requirements
(four courses/16 credits)
- MET CS 635 Network Design and Implementation
- MET CS 685 Network Performance and Management
- MET CS 690 Network Security
- MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
Concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems (Online) Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence must also take the following concentration requirements:
Concentration Requirements
(four courses/16 credits)
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 699 Data Mining and Business Intelligence
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
And one course from the following:
- MET CS 601 Web Application Development
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
- MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
- MET CS 701 Advanced Web Application Development
- MET CS 703 Network Forensics
- MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture
Concentration in Health Informatics
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems (Online) Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Health Informatics must also take the following concentration requirements:
Concentration Requirements
(four courses/16 credits)
- MET CS 570 Health Sciences and IT
- MET CS 580 Health Informatics
- MET CS 581 Electronic Health Records
- MET CS 781 Advanced Health Informatics
Concentration in IT Project Management
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems (Online) Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a concentration in IT Project Management must also take the following concentration requirements:
Concentration Requirements
(four courses/16 credits)
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
- MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture
And one course from the following:
- MET CS 601 Web Application Development
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
- MET CS 699 Data Mining and Business Intelligence
- MET CS 701 Advanced Web Application Development
- MET CS 703 Network Forensics
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
Concentration in Security
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems (Online) Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Security must also take the following concentration requirements:
Concentration Requirements
(four courses/16 credits)
- MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
- MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
Plus one or two courses from the following:
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
And no more than one course from the following:
- MET CS 601 Web Application Development
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
- MET CS 699 Data Mining and Business Intelligence
- MET CS 701 Advanced Web Application Development
- MET CS 703 Network Forensics
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
- MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture
Contact Information
For program details and application information, visit www.bu.edu/online or view the Department of Computer Science website at www.bu.edu/csmet.
