Program at a Glance
- Online and On Campus
- Part-Time Study
- 16 Units
- 8 Months to Completion
- 19 Core Faculty
- No GRE/GMAT
- Tuition & Fees Range—Part-Time Study*: $14,850–$16,630
*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees.
Take the Next Step
Get essential information and guidance for applying.
Learn to Develop Web Applications
Available on campus and online, the Graduate Certificate in Web Application Development at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) introduces the fundamental concepts of web applications, providing a comprehensive coverage of both client-side and server-side development. The latest topics in JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, Vue.js, Angular, PHP, and Node.js are widely covered. You also learn, and work with, cutting-edge technologies for building desktop and mobile web applications. Over the course of the certificate program, you will create real-world web application projects that also involve interacting with databases such as Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases like MongoDB.
By completing the BU MET Web Application Development certificate, you will have the skills necessary to pursue roles such as:
- Web application developer, designing user interactions on websites, databases for website functionality, and coding for mobile platforms
- Full stack web developer, capable of developing UIs using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and Vue.js, and interface with databases
- Web solutions engineer, who can leverage coding skills or experience in JavaScript as well as design and develop tools and applications for small- to large-scale data processing
Speak with our Admissions Team
Schedule a 1:1 call to speak with an advisor directly or attend an admissions event alongside other future students.
“My favorite project was the portfolio website I made. This was a great project because it helped you understand the concepts in class and gave you a project you could showcase and use outside of school.” Read more.
Chantal Barrett (MET'23)
Software Engineer, Dell
MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Web Application Development
Why BU Should Be Your Top Choice for Computer Science Graduate Study
- Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s computer science courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that emphasize technical and theoretical knowledge—combining in-depth, practical experience with the critical skills needed to remain on the forefront of the information technology field.
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s computer science graduate programs, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and seasoned industry leaders in a wide range of technology fields who are committed to teaching the latest technologies within the framework of ideas, concepts, and methods that drive innovation.
- Extensive Network: Study alongside peers and professionals with solid IT experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
- 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 or fully online. 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 its four decades, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
Rankings & Accreditations
#12, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs MET's computer science & IT graduate certificates share curriculum with MET's online master's degrees in computer information technology, which are ranked #12 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Prepare for the Future of Technology with BU MET
The four-course Web Application Development graduate certificate is part of BU MET’s portfolio of computer science and IT graduate programs. For over forty years, the Department of Computer Science at Metropolitan College has prepared students to tackle contemporary challenges in the field. Our programs are uniquely flexible—we offer courses evenings on campus, fully online, or in a blended format that combines online study with occasional campus visits—so you can balance graduate school with your career, family, and other obligations. We take pride in providing training in critical specialization areas and emphasizing practical, insightful, and adaptable knowledge that can be immediately applied on the job while informing your career growth for years to come. We also offer extensive advising to help you identify the subjects you’ll need to achieve your career goals.
The MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in IT Project Management is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC); the MSCIS concentration in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Through the MSCIS concentration in Security, Boston University is designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Gain Expertise in Web App Development
Metropolitan College’s Graduate Certificate in Web Application Development will equip you with:
- Advanced knowledge of web application development languages.
- Proficiency in server-side web language/platform-specific technologies like Java and .NET, and client-side languages/frameworks like JavaScript.
- Competence sufficient to apply acquired knowledge in migrating to new and emerging standards and technologies.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
You can earn the master’s in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Web Application Development by completing the Graduate Certificate in Web Application Development and the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, plus two additional courses: Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MET CS 546 ) and either Information Structures with Java (MET CS 520) or Information Structures with Python (MET CS 521). 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.
Web Application Development Graduate Certificate Curriculum
Preparatory Labs
All students are enrolled in the following free, non-unit, preparatory lab designed to strengthen their academic foundation and serve as a key resource for the degree program. Requirements for completion are assessed during the application process.
Graduate Certificate Requirements
A total of four courses (16 units) is required, as follows:
MET CS 601 Frontend Web Development
MET CS 602 Server-Side Web Development
Plus two courses selected from the list below:
MET CS 622 Advanced Programming Techniques
MET CS 634 Agile Software Development with Intelligent Systems
MET CS 683 Mobile Application Development with Android
MET CS 763 Secure Software Development
Computer Science Faculty
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Guanglan Zhang
Associate Professor, Computer Science Coordinator, Health Informatics Programs Chair, Computer Science
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Shengzhi Zhang
Associate Professor Associate Chair, Computer Science Coordinator, Web Application Development
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Scot Arena
Master Lecturer, Computer Science Coordinator, Computer Networks
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Farshid Alizadeh-Shabdiz
Professor of the Practice, Computer Science
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Lou Chitkushev
Professor, Computer Science Senior Associate Dean, Academic Affairs Director, Health Informatics & Health Sciences Head, Digital Forensics Research Laboratory
View All Faculty
How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET programs offer the flexibility of part-time study, either on campus or online. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. Course enrollment in this certificate program is 1–2 courses (4–8 units) in a semester, and tuition is charged the part-time per-unit rate.
International students studying in on-campus programs are required to enroll full-time and should consult MET Admissions to ensure full-time enrollment is possible for a graduate certificate program based on current course availability. International students who enroll full-time will pay the full-time tuition rate as denoted on the tuition and fees page.
Web Application Development Graduate Certificate (Online and On Campus)
| Enrollment Status | Part Time |
| Courses per Semester | 2 courses (8 units) |
| Time to Degree | 2 semesters (8 months) |
| Tuition* | $585–$1,030 per unit** |
| Fees per Semester* | $75 |
| Total Certificate Cost* | $14,850– $16,630 |
*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fee rates.
**Cost per unit is determined by course number (100–599 = $585/unit, 600–999 = $1,030/unit).
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.
