Computer Science & IT Graduate Certificate Programs
Contact
For contact information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.
The Department of Computer Science is pleased to offer graduate certificates in a variety of cutting-edge topics, providing intensive training in specific industry areas, emerging technologies, and the latest technological developments.
Multiple Certificates: Students may pursue more than one certificate, but should be aware that in the case of courses overlapping between certificates, only one course may be counted toward a second certificate. If more than one course overlaps, the additional courses must be replaced by electives, with the consent of the Computer Science department.
In most cases, units from Department of Computer Science graduate certificates can be applied toward a master’s degree program offered by the department. To find out more, and to get help planning a course of study, please contact the Department of Computer Science at 617-353-2566 or by email at metcs@bu.edu. Further details are also available on the department website.
Admissions Information
For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.
Graduate Certificates
Advanced Information Technology
(On campus, online, or blended)
The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Information Technology provides students with state-of-the-art knowledge of modern enterprise IT and systems analysis. It offers hands-on experience in the most important contemporary business informatics areas, such as advanced database management, web development, IT project management, and enterprise information security. Students who earn this certificate will have gained the skills to provide unique expertise to enterprises dealing with the major IT challenges of today, along with a solid foundation for exploring the advanced IT challenges of tomorrow.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge in the field of information technology, with strengths both in the theory and practice of information technology.
- Proficiency in technical skills used in modern enterprise information systems, as well as comprehensive skills in the analysis of requirements, design, architecture, and implementation of computer applications systems.
- Competence sufficient for effective management of information systems projects.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 601 Web Application Development
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 695 Cybersecurity
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
Computer Networks
(On campus)
The Graduate Certificate in Computer Networks offers a broad foundation in information technology, along with an in-depth exploration of computer data communication and modern networking. Students undertake a comprehensive examination 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, in order to analyze, design, procure, manage, and implement cutting-edge computer networking solutions and technologies.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of data communication networks and protocols. Identify issues involved in multiaccess media and devices as applied to wired and wireless networks. Identify key areas for performance analysis and debugging of networks, along with techniques for network management in small- to large-scale networks.
- Demonstrate proficiency in data communication protocols and networks, including such areas as: flow control, distributed synchronization, error detection and correction, and routing techniques, and where to implement them.
- Demonstrate competence sufficient to design, specify, and develop data transfer protocols for specific purposes. Design, specify, plan, and define networks of any size. Analyze, evaluate, and select networking devices applicable to the network area that they are being implemented in, whether LAN, MAN, WAN, or wireless.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 535 Computer Networks
- MET CS 635 Network Media Technologies
- MET CS 685 Network Design and Management
or MET CS 775 Advanced Networking - MET CS 690 Network Security
Data Analytics
(On campus or online)
The graduate certificate program in Data Analytics will explore the intricacies of data analytics and expose students to various topics and tools related to data processing, analysis, and visualization. Students will learn probability theory and statistical analysis methods and tools, generating relevant visual presentations of data and concepts and techniques for data mining, text mining, and web mining. Individuals who complete this program will have a solid knowledge of concepts and techniques in data analytics as well as a solid exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery. The certificate in Data Analytics prepares students for the position of data analyst or data scientist.
Learning Outcomes
- Familiarity with applied probability and statistics, and their relevance in day-to-day data analysis.
- The ability to explore the various data visualization techniques and their applications using real-world data sets.
- An understanding of web analytics and metrics; how to procure and process unstructured text; and hidden patterns.
- Skills in facilitating knowledge discovery using data mining techniques over vast amounts of data.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework equivalent of MET CS 546 will be required, based on your academic and professional background.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 544 Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization
- MET CS 555 Foundations of Machine Learning
- MET CS 688 Web Mining and Graph Analytics
- MET CS 699 Data Mining
Database Management & Business Intelligence
(On campus, online, or blended)
Database systems are the information heart of modern enterprises, where they are used for processing business transactions and for understanding and managing the enterprise. Business intelligence is the analysis of data to improve management of the enterprise and routine business operations such as intelligent supply chain management. Students who complete the Certificate in Database Management & Business Intelligence will be prepared to design and implement both transaction processing and decision support databases, and to use data mining technologies to discover the structure, trends, and relationships in the data to produce valuable business insights and effective decision support processes.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of database modeling and design, database implementation, distributed databases, object-oriented and object-relational databases, and databases for web applications, as well as typical data mining methods.
- Proficiency in the design, implementation, performance tuning of different types of databases, and in performing data-mining tasks on various types of data.
- Competence sufficient to participate in the design and implementation of large, distributed database systems and business intelligence systems.
- Proficiency in identifying and appropriately responding to professional, ethical, and legal issues in data management.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 579 Database Management (on campus only)
or MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business - MET CS 699 Data Mining
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
And one selected from the following:
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
Digital Forensics
(On campus, online, or blended)
Computers and various digital devices are used throughout organizations large and small to operate daily business. The fundamental role of digital systems in business brings with it serious security challenges. Hackers and criminals are constantly attacking all types of organizations. To mitigate such risks, it is important for IT specialists to obtain a comprehensive overview of digital forensics. This specialized Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics program will provide students with comprehensive knowledge of “digital-crime scene investigation” and introduces students to forensic analysis policy and procedures, forensic analysis tools, data recovery, and investigation, among other topics.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of the computer forensics tools necessary to launch a complete and successful digital forensics investigation in civil, criminal, or administrative cases.
- Proficiency in conducting network forensics analysis, including determining how a perpetrator or an attacker gained access to a network and transmitted felonious digital data.
- Competence sufficient to conduct a comprehensive “digital crime scene investigation” and mastery of skills pertaining to acquisition of digital evidence, conducting analysis, presenting a report, and being an expert witness in a court.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security
Plus one of the following:
- MET CS 690 Network Security
- MET CS 695 Cybersecurity
Health Informatics
(On campus, online, or blended)
The objective of this program is to expose students to modern health informatics, including health data collection, processing, and storage. This program primarily focuses on electronic medical data generated and stored in healthcare and public health organizations. Individuals who complete the Certificate in Health Informatics program will have a solid knowledge of health information technology and systems and electronic health records as well as a solid exposure to the latest medical technologies.
Learning Outcomes
- An understanding of the American healthcare system, medical terminology, basic human anatomy and physiology, disease processes, diagnostic modalities, treatments associated with common disease processes, and the IT needs of healthcare providers as they diagnose and treat common diseases.
- Advanced knowledge of the functionality, technical infrastructure, system selection, and best-practice deployment of healthcare IT, including medical algorithms, project management, electronic health records (EHR), privacy and security, regulations, and Health IT standards.
- Understanding of fundamental characteristics of data, information, and knowledge in the healthcare domain and proficiency in managing, processing, and analyzing healthcare data.
- Competence sufficient to lead health IT initiatives; conduct biomedical research; and design, implement, and manage advanced solutions.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 570 Biomedical Sciences and Health IT
- MET CS 580 Health Informatics
- MET CS 581 Health Information Systems
- MET CS 781 Advanced Health Informatics
Mission Statement:
The Health Informatics program is designed to prepare IT and healthcare professionals for careers in the management of healthcare information systems. Program courses have been developed and taught by faculty with expertise in biomedicine, computer science, biomedical engineering, and health IT.
The program provides students with an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to healthcare IT, and teaches cutting-edge IT technologies used in the design, implementation, and management of healthcare IT applications. Students are exposed to modern health information technology, including the collection, processing, storage, communication, and use of health data and information. They are also introduced to the American healthcare system, biomedical terminology, knowledge hierarchy, medical algorithms, clinical decisionmaking, data/communication standards, data privacy and security, hospital informatics systems (including electronic health records), the latest developments in healthcare IT, and the management of IT challenges.
Information Security
(On campus, online, or blended)
Developing a strong information security program in today’s world is crucial and challenging for most organizations. In general, information security means protecting information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction. Information security is essential because most organizations—including government agencies, hospitals, insurance companies, and private businesses—store various kinds of information about their employees and customers. If any business-related information is confidential, the security of that data becomes crucial. For example, if critical business data (e.g., credit card numbers or design documents) is leaked to competitors or hackers, it could lead to loss of business, lawsuits, and even bankruptcy. Organizations also need to be able to comply by standards and laws, such as HIPPA, PCI, and GLBA, which help protect confidentiality and privacy of customer data.
MET’s Information Security graduate certificate program touches upon various aspects of information security, including IT security policies and system security. Students also learn about digital forensics to help in investigating a security breach, or obtain a good understanding of how information is stored in a database and what services are available to protect it. On completing the graduate certificate, students will have sufficient skills in developing and implementing IT security in their organizations.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of information security concepts, governance, biometric systems, and database systems security, as well as network security and cryptography.
- Proficiency in risk management, such as asset assessments, architectural solutions, modeling, and design.
- Competence in security policies, processes, technology, and operations.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background.
Curriculum—on campus (four courses/16 units)
Choose four courses from the following list:
- MET CS 599 Biometrics
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
- MET CS 690 Network Security
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security
- MET CS 695 Cybersecurity
- MET CS 763 Secure Software Development
- MET CS 789 Cryptography
- MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography
Curriculum—blended and online (four courses/16 units)
Choose four courses from the following list:
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
- MET CS 690 Network Security
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security
- MET CS 695 Cybersecurity
Information Technology
(On campus, online, or blended)
The Information Technology graduate certificate program offers students hands-on experience in various aspects of software design and implementation, while providing comprehensive knowledge about the state-of-the-art in information technology. Industry reports reveal that today’s business world seeks graduates who possess broad business perspectives; systems/IS skills, including hardware and software programming; a strong grasp of communication and teamwork; analytical abilities; and cutting-edge technology knowledge in areas of systems analysis, web technology, data communications, and database systems. Along with building these qualities and skills, the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology program prepares students to:
- Assess the information needs of different organizational levels within an organization;
- Design or fully participate in designing systems for an organization that are both competitive and efficient;
- Create an information systems architecture that aligns with organizational goals; and
- Design systems that people can control, understand, and use in a socially and ethically responsible manner.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of the goals, functions, and operations of an IT organization.
- Proficiency in analytical and technical skills in various aspects of software design and implementation.
- Competence in the field of information technology, and the ability to contribute to its advancement.
- Competence in communication, collaboration, teamwork, and ethics and professionalism.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- 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
IT Project Management
(On campus, online, or blended)
It is important to be informed of new and improved project management tools and techniques in today’s competitive market, where only the best project managers will succeed in completing assignments in a timely, cost-effective, and quality-conscious manner. Project managers, systems analysts, designers, programmers, research managers, and others engaged in the administration of technical projects will find this graduate certificate valuable. After completing this program, graduates will be able to pursue Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, if they wish, and to take an optional PMP exam preparation course.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of the following project management process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing; knowledge of agile software development practices, and planning and governance of large projects.
- Proficiency in all basic project management tools and software techniques, including software architecture, project communications, risk analysis, cost estimation and budgeting, and quality control; proficiency in planning and developing a comprehensive project plan and software development life cycle.
- Competence sufficient to architect, design, and implement software systems.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 633 Software Quality, Testing, and Security Management
- MET CS 634 Agile Software Development
- MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture
Medical Information Security & Privacy
(On campus, online, or blended)
Students gain exposure to the complex and varied factors that must be taken into account when addressing information security issues within healthcare systems. This certificate program presents the methods and skills needed for designing and building secure and reliable systems by developing an understanding of the special requirements of healthcare systems, where privacy of personal data must be balanced with access to patient records.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of the functionality, technical infrastructure, and best-practice deployment of healthcare IT, including medical algorithms, electronic health records, privacy and security, and regulations.
- Proficiency in security issues in computer systems, networks, and applications, and an understanding of the unique set of privacy and security needs in a healthcare environment.
- Competence sufficient to lead health IT initiatives, to design and implement advanced healthcare software solutions, and to manage the data privacy and system security challenges in a healthcare environment.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 580 Health Informatics
- MET CS 581 Health Information Systems
- MET CS 695 Cybersecurity
Plus one selected from the following:
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
Software Engineering
(On campus or online)
The Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering program is designed to produce software engineers who will participate in and lead development projects. It enables students to plan, design, and implement software applications. The program emphasizes the object-oriented method, but also covers structured techniques, project management, and testing. C++ and Java are the principal object-oriented languages used. The program is suited both to programmers seeking professional growth and to software engineers who want to learn the object-oriented paradigm.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of software projects, including requirements analysis, object-oriented methods, design patterns, testing, and maintenance.
- Proficiency in software project management, software design, Unified Modeling Language usage, and computer-aided software engineering.
- Competence sufficient to participate in and lead the planning, requirements analysis, design, and timely implementation of quality software applications within budget.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required equivalent to the Certificate in Computer Science, based on your academic and professional background.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 632 IT Project Management
- MET CS 633 Software Quality, Testing, and Security Management
- MET CS 665 Software Design and Patterns
- MET CS 673 Software Engineering
Web Application Development
(On campus or online)
The Graduate Certificate in Web Application Development program introduces the fundamental concepts of web applications, providing comprehensive coverage of both client-side and server-side development. The latest topics in JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, jQuery, AngularJS, PHP, and Node.js are widely covered. Students also learn, and work with, cutting-edge technologies for building desktop and mobile web applications. Students create real-world web application projects that also involve interacting with databases such as Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases like MongoDB.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of web application development languages.
- Proficiency in one or two server-side web language/platform-specific technologies like Java and .NET, and client-side languages like JavaScript.
- Competence sufficient to apply acquired knowledge in migrating to new and emerging standards and technologies.
Prerequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within our Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background.
Curriculum (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 601 Web Application Development
- MET CS 602 Server-Side Web Development
- MET CS 701 Rich Internet Application Development
- Plus one course selected from the list of Computer Information Systems general electives
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NOTE: Program information is accurate as of July 2024. Check the MET website for important updates.
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