Immerse Yourself in the Business Side of Technology
Available on campus, online, and in a blended format, the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to immerse you in the fast-paced world of technological innovation—preparing you for IT leadership and artificial intelligence-integrated positions in sectors of high demand, such as the professional and financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. There are several optional concentrations to choose from:
Concentrations
- Computer Networks
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Database Management & Business Intelligence
- Digital Forensics
- Health Informatics
- IT Project & Product Management
- Web Application Development
Program at a Glance
- Top 10 Online Program since 2014
- Online, On Campus, and Blended
- Part-Time or Full-Time Study
- STEM Designated
- 32 Units
- 8–16 Months to Completion
- 18 Core Faculty
- No GRE/GMAT
- Tuition & Fees Range—Part-Time Study*: $25,452–$30,708
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Advance Your Career with a Master’s in Computer Information Systems
Closely aligned with, but distinct from, computer science and management information systems, BU MET’s MS in Computer Information Systems program is ideal for those interested in leadership roles in the realm of information systems as well as those seeking to advance in their organizations. BU’s Computer Information Systems curriculum focuses on building-up key skills in areas such as AI-augmented problem-solving, project and change management, planning and organization, negotiation and influencing, commercial awareness and business acumen, the understanding of user and customer requirements, and the ability to contribute to a team objective.
The BU MET master’s degree program in Computer Information Systems develops technical competence in AI-integrated information systems and increases knowledge of managerial and organizational issues, preparing you to integrate information technology with the business needs of an organization. That means honing strong leadership and communication abilities and providing hands-on expertise in areas such as systems analysis and design, computer networks, cybersecurity, data analytics, database management, health IT, IT project management, web application development, and more.
What Is My Career Outlook as a Graduate of This Program?
836,632
Total number of US Jobs
106,150
Annual job openings
+5.8%
Annual job openings
15%
Projected ten-year growth in jobs
(faster than average)
$130.1K
Median annual salary
Common job titles include:
- Software Engineer
- Data Engineer
- Software Developer
- Solutions Architect
- Systems Analyst
- Business Analyst
Employers seek expertise in:
- Python
- Software engineering
- Software development
- Java
- SQL
“I believe this program has provided an excellent foundation for pursuing a wide range of careers, from data analyst to system manager or software engineer. With its diverse curriculum, individuals from various backgrounds can find a place where they fit and thrive. I don't want to limit my career path because we live in a century characterized by rapid change, and I believe in continuously challenging and improving myself on a lifelong journey to stay competitive.” Read more.
Chen Han (MET’24)
Media Data Analyst
MS, Computer Information Systems; Graduate Certificate, Data Analytics
Why BU’s Computer Information Systems Degree Has Been Top 10 since 2014
- Accreditation: The master’s degree concentration in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The master’s degree concentration in IT Project & Product Management is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).
- Recognized by the NSA: The National Security Agency (NSA) designates Boston University a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research for its MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Cybersecurity.
- Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s Computer Information Systems courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that ensure you gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies. In addition, BU’s Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS) offers opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
- Career Counseling: MET’s Career Development office and BU’s Center for Career Development offer a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for both online and on-campus students.
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s Computer Information Systems master’s program, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who have hands-on involvement in building networks, developing applications, and fighting cybercrime for the world’s top companies.
- AI-Integrated: Many courses prepare you to leverage artificial intelligence for the analysis, development, and integration of modern information systems.
- Extensive Network: Study information systems alongside peers with solid business experience, learn from faculty who have valuable IT contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
- STEM Designated: Eligible graduates on student visas have access to an Optional Practical Training (OPT) of 12 months and an extension for up to 24 additional months.
- 24:1 Average Class Ratio: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to support.
- Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and many others.
- Flexible Options: Study at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus, fully online, or in the blended format that combines on-campus and online learning. Courses begin fall, spring, and summer; online courses have two starts per term.
- Track Record: Learn from the best—BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over the course of its existence, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
- Merit Scholarships: All graduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Rankings & Accreditations
#10, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology ProgramsMET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.
A National Center of Academic ExcellenceBoston University is a National Security Agency (NSA)-designated Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research for its MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Cybersecurity.
CAHIIM AccreditedBU MET’s MS in Health Informatics and MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Health Informatics are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.
PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project ManagementBU MET’s MS in Project Management and MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in IT Project & Product Management are accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).
Master the Tools to Excel in Computer Information Systems
Offered through BU MET’s Department of Computer Science, the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) is designed for those who are seeking entry to an information technology career, as well as those seeking to advance in one. Students can choose to pursue concentrations in Computer Networks, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Digital Forensics, Health Informatics, IT Project & Product Management, and Web Application Development.
Our faculty consists of academic leaders who are engaged in innovative research and skilled industry experts with experience building networks, ensuring information security for top global companies, and developing applications. Upon graduation, students in the MSCIS program are able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of vital importance to organizations, such as business requirements, systems analysis and design, database technology, information systems development, web and mobile application systems, cybersecurity, data analytics, project management practice, and leadership.
With eight concentrations, BU’s Computer Information Systems master’s encompasses a number of fast-growing and well-paid segments of the IT job market, providing the foundation for work as an application analyst, computer and information systems manager, data analyst, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, IT consultant, network and computer systems administrator, computer systems analyst, database administrator, and many other integral positions in an organization.
Graduate with Expertise
Metropolitan College’s Computer Information Systems master’s degree will equip you with the ability to:
- Identify, evaluate, and manage the implementation of information technologies with strategic value for the enterprise.
- Apply AI to system and requirement analysis, architecture, design, and implementation.
- Demonstrate proficiency with current IT tools, database systems, data communications, and associated.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
BU MET graduate certificate programs can serve as building blocks to a master’s degree. Each certificate shares specific courses with the master’s in Computer Information Systems program, giving you the option to take one, two, or three certificates on your path to a master’s degree. Students currently enrolled in a graduate certificate who are interested in transitioning into a master’s degree should contact their academic advisor to declare their interest in this pathway. A new master’s degree application is not required. Connect with a graduate admissions advisor at csadmissions@bu.edu to learn more about this option.
The following graduate certificate programs can be applied to the master’s degree:
- Advanced Information Technology
- Computer Networks
- Data Analytics
- Database Management & Business Intelligence
- Digital Forensics
- Health Informatics
- Information Security
- Information Technology
- IT Project Management
- Software Engineering
- Web Application Development
Master’s in Computer Information Systems Curriculum
A total of 32 units is required.
Students who are not choosing a concentration must complete recommended prerequisites and corequisites along with the core courses and four electives. Students pursuing a concentration should review the requirements for Computer Networks, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Digital Forensics, Health Informatics, IT Project & Product Management, or Web Application Development.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution. Students with limited academic background in information technology or computer science may be required to enroll in the following complimentary lab. Recommendations will be provided upon admission.
Prerequisite:
- MET LB 102 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
All students are required to enroll in the following complimentary labs, regardless of their background. These labs can be taken simultaneously while enrolled in the MSCIS program.
Corequisites:
- MET LB 103 Core Mathematical Concepts
- MET LB 104 Foundations of Probability
Core Courses
(Four courses/16 units)
One of the following*:
MET CS 520 Information Structures with Java
MET CS 521 Information Structures with Python
And these three courses:
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
*If a student chooses to take both MET CS 520 and MET CS 521, the first course completed will fulfill the core requirement and the second course completed will count as an elective.
Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program may request permission from the Department of Computer Science to replace the corresponding core courses with graduate-level computer information systems electives. Please refer to the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.
General Electives
(Four courses/16 units)
Select four Computer Science & IT courses at the 500 level or higher, with at least two at the 600 level or above, unless you are pursuing a concentration in Computer Networks, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Digital Forensics, Health Informatics, IT Project & Product Management, or Web Application Development. When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course. Note that some courses may not be available in an online format.
Master’s Thesis Option
(8 units)
Students have the option to complete a master’s thesis in addition to the program’s eight course (32 unit) requirements. The thesis option is to be completed within twelve months and is available to Master of Science in Computer Information Systems candidates who have completed at least four 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 the department).
Computer Science Faculty
-
Guanglan Zhang
Associate Professor, Computer Science Coordinator, Health Informatics Programs Chair, Computer Science
-
Shengzhi Zhang
Associate Professor Associate Chair, Computer Science
-
Eric Braude
Associate Professor Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science
-
Farshid Alizadeh-Shabdiz
Professor of the Practice, Computer Science
-
Scott Arena
Master Lecturer, Computer Science
-
Lou Chitkushev
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Associate Professor, Computer Science Director, Health Informatics & Health Sciences
View All Faculty
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Competitive Tuition
Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET programs offer the flexibility of part-time or full-time study, either on campus or online. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. If you enroll in 1–2 courses (4–8 units) in a semester, you are charged the part-time per-unit rate. If you enroll in 3–4 courses (12–16 units) in a semester, you are charged the full-time semester rate.
MS in Computer Information Systems (Online and On Campus)
| Enrollment Status | Part Time | Full Time | |
| Courses per Semester | 2 courses (8 units) |
4 courses (16 units) |
3 courses (12 units) |
| Time to Degree | 4 semesters (16 months) |
2 semesters (8–12 months)*** |
3 semesters (12–16 months)*** |
| Tuition* | $567–$1,005 per unit** |
$34,935 per semester |
$34,935 per semester |
| Fees per Semester* | $75 | $501 | $501 |
| Total Degree Cost* | $25,452– $30,708 |
$70,872 | $78,987 |
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fee rates.
**Cost per unit is determined by course number (100–599 = $567/unit, 600–999 = $1,005/unit).
***Summer semester enrollment is not required for international students to maintain F-1 visa status. Enrollment in summer semester coursework will expedite completion of program and reduce total program cost.
International students seeking an F-1 visa for on-campus study must enroll full time and demonstrate availability of funds to cover the Estimated Cost of Graduate Study; those who wish to study online may enroll part-time but are not eligible for a visa. Learn more about International Student Tuition & Fees.
Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit BU MET’s Financial Aid page.
Get Started
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
What to Read Next: MET Computer Science & IT Knowledge Center
- Computer Science & IT Student Stories
- How Long Does a Master’s in Computer Science Take to Complete—and What is the Cost?
- Why Get a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at BU MET?
- What Do My Career Options Look Like with a Master’s in Computer Science from BU’s Metropolitan College?
- Are There Different Computer Science Graduate Programs or Specializations at BU?
