MS in Computer Science
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 Science program is intended for computer professionals and for people who intend to move into the computer field from other areas of study. The MS in Computer Science is offered on the Charles River Campus and the North Campus, 100 Apollo Drive, Chelmsford, MA.
Dual Degree Option
Appreciating the converging nature of management skills and technology, the Computer Science department has a special relationship with Metropolitan College’s Administrative Sciences and Actuarial Science departments. Students in either program are able to apply 8 credit hours from one degree to be credited toward a second degree, thereby reducing their work on the second degree by two courses. Students must be accepted independently by both departments, but they may request that application materials such as references and transcripts be forwarded from the first program to the second.
Concentrations
Students in the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science program may choose a concentration in Computer Networks or Security.
The Concentration in Computer Networks (Charles River Campus only) provides students with a broad foundation in information technology (IT), and an in-depth understanding of computer data communication and modern networking. The five MS in Computer Science 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 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
Students who complete the program’s prerequisites at Boston University can earn a Certificate in Computer Science. Contact the Department of Computer Science for more information.
Applicants to the program are required to have a baccalaureate degree in any field and proficiency in the areas covered by the following courses:
- MET CS 201 Introduction to Programming
- MET CS 231 Programming with C++ or MET CS 232 Programming with Java
- MET CS 248 Discrete Mathematics
- MET CS 341 Data Structures with C++ or MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java
- MET CS 472 Computer Architecture
Students are advised to discuss their background in this area with the graduate student advisor in order to determine the best sequence of courses.
Admissions Information
Prerequisite courses or evidence of proficiency in these 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.
Degree Requirements
A total of ten courses (40 credits) is required, as follows:
Core Curriculum (five courses/20 credits)
- MET CS 535 Computer Networks or MET CS 579 Database Management
- MET CS 566 Analysis of Algorithms
- MET CS 575 Operating Systems
- MET CS 662 Computer Language Theory
- MET CS 673 Software Engineering
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 a graduate-level computer science course for the core course.
General Electives (five courses/20 credits)
Students who are not choosing a concentration must select five general electives. At least three courses must be at the 600 level or above:
- MET CS 503 Windows .NET Application Programming with C#
- MET CS 532 Computer Graphics
- MET CS 546 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems
- MET CS 560 Organization of Programming Languages
- 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 601 Web Application Development
- 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 635 Network Design and Implementation
- 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 671 Systems Programming Using UNIX
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 683 Mobile Application Development
- 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 755 Cloud Computing
- MET CS 767 Fuzzy, Expert, Genetic, and Neural Systems
- 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
Electives other than those listed must be approved by an advisor and often include:
- MET CS 594 Special Topics
- MET CS 893 Agile and Advanced Software Engineering Methods
- MET CS 894 Special Topics
Master’s Thesis Option in Computer Science (8 credits)
Students majoring in Computer Science may elect a thesis option, to be completed within twelve months. This option is available to Master of Science in Computer Science 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 Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science Core Curriculum (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Computer Networks must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
Concentration Requirements (five courses/20 credits)
- MET CS 635 Network Design and Implementation
- MET CS 685 Network Performance and Management
- MET CS 690 Network Security
- MET CS 775 Advanced Networking
And one additional course from the list of Computer Science general electives.
Concentration in Security
In addition to the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science core curriculum (20 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Security must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
Concentration Requirements (three courses/12 credits)
- MET CS 690 Network Security
- MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
- MET CS 789 Cryptography
Concentration Electives (two courses/8 credits)
One course selected from the following:
- MET CS 599 Biometrics
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 703 Network Forensics
- MET CS 713 Advanced Digital Forensics
- MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography
And no more than one additional course from the list of Computer Science general electives.
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; www.bu.edu/csmet.
