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Master of Science in Computer Science

Prerequisites | Core Curriculum | Concentrations | Dual Degree Option | Boston Course Schedule | Chelmsford Course Schedule

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.

Program Location

Boston-Charles River Campus | North Campus-Chelmsford

Prerequisite Requirements

  • Prerequisite courses or evidence of proficiency in programming, discrete mathematics and computer systems 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 are advised to discuss their background in this area with the graduate student advisor in order to determine the best sequence of courses.
  • Students who complete the program’s prerequisites at Boston University can earn an Certificate in Computer Science.
  • View admissions requirements here

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Degree Requirements

  • Students are required to finish the core curriculum and either a concentration or five no concentration electives.
  • A minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is a 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.

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Core Curriculum (Five required courses/20 credits)

  • Core course waivers for undergraduate & work related experience. Students who have completed courses as part of their undergraduate degree program or have work related experience on core curriculum subjects may request permission from the Department to replace the corresponding core courses with graduate level computer science electives. If a waiver is granted, it is recommended that each replacement course be in the same technical area.

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Security Concentration (Five courses/20 credits)

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.

Requirements
MET CS 690 Network Security
MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
MET CS 789 Cryptography

And 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 one elective selected from the no concentration list

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Computer Networks Concentration (5 courses/20 credits)

This concentration offers a broad foundation of information technology, along with an in-depth exploration of computer data communication and modern networking. The Computer Networks concentration provides 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 hands-on experience, in order to analyze, design, procure, manage, and implement cutting-edge computer networking solutions and technologies.

Requirements
MET CS 635 Network Design and Implementation
MET CS 685 Network Design and Management
MET CS 690 Network Security
MET CS 775 Advanced Networking
And one elective selected from the no concentration list

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No Concentration

If you are not choosing a concentration, select five courses (20 credits) from the following list with at least three courses at the 600-level or above:

The following elective must be approved by an advisor:

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Masters Thesis Option (8 credits)

MET CS 810/811

This option is to be completed within twelve months. Students majoring in Computer Science may elect a thesis option. 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).

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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 use 8 credits from one degree 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.

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