MS in Computer Information Systems
Charles River Campus, Boston
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 Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems program is designed for students who wish to combine technical competence in information systems with knowledge of managerial and organizational issues.
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designated the Metropolitan College Department of Computer Science as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education for academic years 2007 through 2012, and a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research for academic years 2008 through 2013.
The MS in Computer Information Systems has been accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management.
Concentrations
Students in the MS in Computer Information Systems 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.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in the following areas:
- MET CS 201 Introduction to Programming
- MET CS 231 Programming with C++ or MET CS 232 Programming with Java
Students are advised to discuss their background with the graduate student advisor in order to determine the best sequence of courses.
Admissions Information
Prerequisite courses or evidence of proficiency in the above areas must accompany the application to the program. If college-level credit courses are not in evidence, the department will determine what prerequisite courses must be completed in addition to the graduate degree requirements. Students claiming equivalent proficiency in prerequisite courses from non-academic sources must take an examination to demonstrate such proficiency.
Official transcripts of previous academic work and three letters of recommendation are required as part of the application.
A maximum of two graduate-level courses (8 credits) taken at Metropolitan College before acceptance into the program may be applied toward the degree.
Minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is C (2.0), but an average grade of B (3.0) must be maintained to be in good academic standing and satisfy the degree requirements.
The Application for Graduate Admission can be found on the Metropolitan College website at www.bu.edu/met/admissions.
Note: The MS in Computer Information Systems program is also available online. Please visit www.bu.edu/online for more information.
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 have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program must replace the corresponding core courses with electives. It is recommended that each replacement course be in the same technical area. Students who have work-related experience in any of the core curriculum courses may apply for a waiver by submitting appropriate documentation. When a course waiver is granted, the student must substitute an elective for the core course.
General Electives
(four courses/16 credits)
Students who are not choosing a concentration must select four general electives. Electives other than those listed below must be approved by the student’s advisor. In choosing general electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course. At least three elective courses must be at the 600 level or above:
- MET CS 503 Windows .NET Application Programming with C#
- MET CS 504 Green Information Technology
- MET CS 532 Computer Graphics
- MET CS 561 Financial Informatics
- MET CS 565 Advanced Java Programming
- MET CS 580 Health Informatics
- MET CS 581 Electronic Health Records
- MET CS 599 Biometrics
- MET CS 605 Human-Computer Interface Design with .NET
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
- MET CS 651 Web Development with .NET
- MET CS 664 Artificial Intelligence
- MET CS 665 Design Patterns and Components
- MET CS 667 Enterprise Java
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
- MET CS 685 Network Performance and Management
- MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
- MET CS 690 Network Security
- 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 713 Advanced Digital Forensics
- MET CS 732 Advanced Game Graphics
- MET CS 733 Real-Time Multimedia Simulation
- MET CS 734 Artificial Intelligence for Video Games
- MET CS 751 Web Services
- MET CS 773 Software Quality Management
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
- MET CS 780 Database Administration
- MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture
- MET CS 789 Cryptography
- MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography
Master’s Thesis Option in Computer Information Systems (8 credits)
Students majoring in Computer Information Systems may elect a thesis option, to be completed within 12 months. This option is available to MS in Computer Information Systems candidates who have completed at least seven courses toward their degree and have a GPA of 3.7 or higher. Students are responsible for finding a thesis advisor and a principal reader within the department. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member; the principal reader may be part-time faculty with a PhD (unless waived by department).
- MET CS 810/811 Master’s Thesis
Concentration in Computer Networks
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Computer Networks must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
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 Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
Concentration Requirements
(two courses/8 credits)
- MET CS 699 Data Mining and Business Intelligence
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
Concentration Electives
(two courses/8 credits)
At least one from the following:
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
- MET CS 780 Database Administration
And no more than one additional course from the list of Computer Information Systems general electives.
Concentration in Health Informatics
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Health Informatics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
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 Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a concentration in IT Project Management must also take the following concentration requirements:
Concentration Requirements
(three courses/12 credits)
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
- MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture
Concentration Elective
(one course/4 credits)
Any course from the list of Computer Information Systems general electives.
Concentration in Security
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems Core Curriculum (24 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Security must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
Concentration Requirements
(two courses/8 credits)
- MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
- MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
Concentration Electives
(two courses/8 credits)
Choose one of the following courses:
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
And one additional course selected from the following:
- MET CS 599 Biometrics
- MET CS 690 Network Security
- MET CS 703 Network Forensics
- MET CS 713 Advanced Digital Forensics
- MET CS 789 Cryptography
- MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography
Contact Information
For further information, contact the Department of Computer Science, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 250, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2566; email: csinfo@bu.edu; website: www.bu.edu/csmet.
