Graduate Degree Programs I

Master of Science in Actuarial Science
Master of Science in Administrative Studies
Master of Science in Advertising
Master of Science in Arts Aministration

Graduate Degree Programs II
Master of City Planning and Master of Urban Affairs
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems Concentration in Security
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (Online)
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Computer Science Concentration in Security
Master of Criminal Justice
Master of Criminal Justice/Office of Distance Education
Master of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy
Historic Preservation Studies
Master of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Master of Science in (Specialty) Managment (Online)
Master of Science in Telecommunication
Master of Science in Telecommunication Concentration in Security
Online Programs in Security

TOP OF PAGE

Master of Science (M.S.) in Actuarial Science

Overview

The Jobs Rated Almanac, published by American References Inc. of Chicago, reported that the career of an actuary is one of the best according to various criteria. Those criteria were salary, stress, work environment, outlook, security, and physical demands. Nevertheless, the actuary career remains relatively unknown to many of us. Actuaries use quantitative skills to help others make prudent and intelligent financial decisions. These decisions are based on future predictions that are derived from past and present data analyses. Most actuaries work for life, health, and property/casualty insurance companies. However, many are employed by consulting firms, government agencies, accounting firms, industrial corporations, banks, and financial services companies. There is a growing need for skilled mathematicians in the derivative financial markets for portfolio management and option pricing. Actuaries enjoy working with people, applying analytical and mathematical skills to real-life situations, working in a flexible career, and earning a good salary. The demand for actuaries remains high even in tough economic times.

Although actuaries are skilled mathematicians, they are also business men and women who need broad-based business skills. Many actuaries find themselves in high-level management positions. In addition, the prospective actuary needs to prepare for the professional qualifying examinations offered by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society. Fellowship in either of these two professional societies assures the public that the actuary has been trained to perform at a high level of competence. Actuaries, as well as other business professionals, are often asked to make decisions that have far-reaching social implications. Very often these decisions involve a balancing of competing social and ethical values that are never fully disclosed or discussed. Examples of such decisions may include issues involving the environment, affirmative action, right to privacy, and plant closings.

Boston University’s Actuarial Science Program provides specialized courses in actuarial science and related courses in probability and statistics. The program also offers the student a broad-based exposure to business and economic principles along with an opportunity to further his/her knowledge of mathematics. In addition, the program will prepare each student for the professional qualifying examinations. And finally, the program will provide an opportunity for students to be aware of and understand the ethical dilemmas that are often encountered in the process of business decision making. In summary, the Master of Science Degree Program in Actuarial Science will combine core courses in actuarial science with the excellent resources already available at Boston University.

Concentrations Offered

The Master of Science Degree Program in Actuarial Science offers concentrations in (1) Insurance, and (2) Mathematical Finance. Students may select either one of the concentrations depending on their areas of interest and preparation.

Dual Degree Option

Appreciating the converging nature of management skills and technology, the Actuarial Science Department has a special relationship with Metropolitan College’s Administrative Sciences Department and Computer Science Department. With prior approval, students in either program are able to use eight 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 may request that application materials, such as references and transcripts, be forwarded from their initial program to their second.

TOP OF PAGE

Admissions Requirements

To satisfy the admission requirements for the Actuarial Science Program, applicants must:

1. Have a bachelor’s degree;

2. Have completed two semesters of calculus (equivalent to MET MA 123, 124, and 225), and one semester of multivariate calculus (equivalent to MET MA 225);

3. Submit results of the TOEFL examination (international students only). An official score report should be submitted and directly mailed from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The TOEFL institution code for the Actuarial Science Program at Boston University is 3127.

Any applicant with any deficiencies in the requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis. Such prerequisite courses must be fulfilled prior to other courses. Foreign students with a low TOEFL score may be admitted to the program subject to an English program offered through the Boston University Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP). Applicants satisfying requirements (1) and (3) above may be admitted as non-degree students for the preparation of professional examinations for actuaries.

Passing Grade

Minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is C, but an average grade of B must be maintained to satisfy the degree requirements. Grades from all required and elective courses are counted toward the average.

Concentrations

Two concentrations are offered in the graduate program, namely Concentration in Insurance and Concentration in Mathematical Finance.

TOP OF PAGE

Degree Requirements

A total of 42 credits is required for the Master of Science in Actuarial Science. In addition to a computer laboratory course (MET AT 601 or 602), a minimum of 10 courses (40 credits) at the 500-level or above are required for the MS in Actuarial Science. All required courses are selected from the following lists of Core Required Courses and Core Elective Courses.

Core Required Courses:
(26 credits)

For Concentration in Insurance, six required courses are:

MET AT 601 Laboratory for Actuarial and Financial Data Analysis I (2 credits) or
MET AT 602 Laboratory for Actuarial and Financial Data Analysis II (3 credits)

MET AT 721 Mathematics of Compound Interest

MET AT 722 Finance for Actuaries

MET AT 731 Actuarial Mathematics I

MET AT 741 Actuarial Statistics I

MET AT 743 Regression and Time Series, or
CAS MA 575 Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance I, or
CAS MA 684 Multivariate Analysis

For Concentration in Mathematical Finance, six required courses are:

MET AT 601 Laboratory for Actuarial and Financial Data Analysis I, or
MET AT 602 Laboratory for Actuarial and Financial Data Analysis II (2 credits)

MET AT 721 Mathematics of Compound Interest

MET AT 722 Finance for Actuaries

MET AT 731 Actuarial Mathematics I

MET AT 761 Mathematics for Investment and Portfolio Theory

MET AT 762 Mathematical Finance

Core Elective Courses
(16 credits)

For both concentrations, the remaining four courses (a total of 16 credits) need to be selected from the following list.

MET AT 553 Insurance Medicine

MET AT 601 Laboratory for Actuarial and Financial Data Analysis I (2 credits)

MET AT 602 Laboratory for Actuarial and Financial Data Analysis II (3 credits)

MET AT 721 Mathematics of Compound Interest

MET AT 722 Finance for Actuaries

MET AT 731 Actuarial Mathematics I

MET AT 732 Actuarial Mathematics II

MET AT 741 Actuarial Statistics I

MET AT 742 Actuarial Statistics II

MET AT 743 Regression and Time Series

MET AT 744 Survival Analysis

MET AT 751 Individual Insurance Applications of Actuarial Principles

MET AT 752 Group Insurance Applications of Actuarial Principles

MET AT 753 Actuarial Valuation and Financial Statements

MET AT 761 Mathematics for Investment and Portfolio Theory

MET AT 762 Mathematical Finance

MET AT 782 Pension Mathematics and Mortality Tables

MET AT 990 Seminar in Actuarial Science

MET CS 563 Software Development with C++ for Mathematical Finance

CAS MA 572 Introduction to Mathematical Finance

CAS MA 575 Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance I

CAS MA 576 Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance II

CAS MA 578 Bayesian Statistics

CAS MA 583 Introduction to Stochastic Processes

CAS MA 584 Survival Analysis—Statistical Methods for Lifetime Data

CAS MA 594 Stochastic Optimal Control and Investment

MET MA 603 SAS with Statistical Applications

CAS MA 684 Multivariate Analysis

CAS MA 685 Advanced Topics in Applied Statistical Analysis

GRS MA 750 Methods of Statistical Modeling I

GRS MA 751 Methods of Statistical Modeling II

GRS MA 785 Time Series Modeling and Forecasting

GRS MA 795 Stochastic Methods of Mathematical Finance

GRS MA 796 Computational Methods of Mathematical Finance

Students who have completed any of the above coursework or successfully passed the corresponding professional examinations may substitute these courses with other courses after approval by the chairman of the department. It must be emphasized that prerequisite courses identified upon admission have to be fulfilled as soon as possible.

In special cases, at most two elective courses can be taken from the following list, provided written permission is obtained from the Department of Actuarial Science:

MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures

MET AD 744 Venture Capital and the Economics of Innovation

MET AD 764 Multinational Tactics, Strategy, and Positioning

MET CS 565 Java Programming

MET CS 579 Database Management

MET CS 665 Design Patterns and Components

MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design

MET CS 770 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design

MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management

MET CS 782 Information Systems Organizations

MET FI 712 Financial Markets and Institutions

MET FI 717 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

MET FI 730 Advanced Corporate Finance

MET FI 732 Derivative Securities and Markets

MET FI 763 Multinational Finance

MET HC 500 American Health Policy

MET HC 510 The Health Care System

Directed Studies

Courses in directed studies are offered to students who plan to engage in special research topics under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

MET AT 991 Directed Study I

MET AT 992 Directed Study II

Actuarial Internships

The following internship courses are also offered to students who seek practical applications of actuarial principles in insurance companies, financial institutions, pension consulting firms, and other related fields.

MET AT 981 Internship in Actuarial Science I

MET AT 982 Internship in Actuarial Science II

To take these internship courses, students should have successfully completed MET AT 722 and AT 731, and maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.

Relationship to Professional Examinations

Courses offered in the program are designed to prepare students for professional actuarial examinations. The middle digit of the above three-digit course code approximately refers to the examination course number administered by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).

Contact Information

For further information, contact Professor Lois K. Horwitz, Chair ad interim, Department of Actuarial Science, Boston University Metropolitan College, 96 Cummington Street, Suite 160, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-8758; fax: 617-353-8757; e-mail: actuary@bu.edu.

TOP OF PAGE

Master of Science (M.S.) in Administrative Studies

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Administrative Studies is a multidisciplinary program designed to provide an opportunity for focused graduate study in one of five current specialized or industry-specific areas of interest. The program offers concentrations in:

• Economic Development and Tourism Management
• Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Technology
• Financial Economics
• Innovation and Technology
• Multinational Commerce

Vision

The vision of the Department of Administrative Sciences is to produce a student who is a critical thinker, broad in perspective, international in attitude, competent in communications, and skilled in the tools necessary to compete in his/her selected specialization. We respond to the educational needs of our students by combining classroom expertise with technological innovation to offer experiences in diverse course formats, times, and locations.

An Array of Programs

The Department of Administrative Sciences offers corporate, international, diploma, certificate, online, and BU Global programs in addition to the M.S. in Administrative Studies. Please refer to specific bulletin sections pertaining to these programs.

A Specialized Focus

The essential keys to survival during the next decade are the development of a central focused area of study, the acceptance that success will require continued updating of skills and abilities, and the appreciation of the complexity of today’s international environment. The program’s degree curriculum, individual course content, and faculty reflect this belief. The curriculum of the M.S. in Administrative Studies is designed to provide an opportunity for the in-depth study of an exciting growth area.

The Master of Science in Administrative Studies concentrations are designed to be industry or area specific. It is important to note that because of the program’s specialized nature, it is different in its goal and scope from a Master of Business Administration, which is designed to provide individuals with a general overview of management skills and abilities. The Master of Science in Administrative Studies program is best suited for those who have acquired an understanding of the general skills and abilities in their professions and are seeking advanced, specialized study. Because of the differences in design and intent, courses in Boston University’s M.B.A. and M.S. in Administrative Studies programs are not transferable. Students who seek an overview of business administration should consider the M.B.A. program offered by the Boston University School of Management.

Economic Development and Tourism Management

The program provides an in-depth examination of the economics, infrastructure/logistical, security, and research issues involved with regional, national, and international economic development and tourism. Students are exposed to the interplay of private, public, and government organizations as they relate to the design of a comprehensive economic development and tourism plan. The combination of theory and practice prepares students to analyze tourism markets, assess area, regional, and national weaknesses and strengths, and understand infrastructure needs and the costs associated with development.

Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Technology

The objective of this concentration is to provide a balanced coverage of both the technological and the strategic aspects of electronic business and commerce. The concentration explores the tremendous opportunities afforded by the Web and develops skills in: electronic business and commerce technology, electronic business strategic development, e-commerce marketing, e-commerce website functionality (including content and layout of websites and Web analytics) and search engine-based marketing, as well as the role of multimedia applications.

Financial Economics

The Financial Economics concentration offers specialized study in the dynamic areas of finance, analysis, and financial institutions, providing a strong conceptual understanding of finance. The concentration cultivates the requisite skills to forecast and analyze information to make detailed financial decisions while maintaining sight of the larger global economic perspective.

Innovation and Technology

This concentration provides specialized study in the unique aspects of technological and innovative firms, both large and small. These firms represent many industries, but all tend to have rapid product life cycles, high research and development costs, international competition, and highly mobile employees. The concentration offers an opportunity to examine the human and technological factors, as well as quality issues that influence innovation and productivity.

Multinational Commerce

The Multinational Commerce concentration is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the multinational environment. This interdisciplinary concentration provides a well-rounded understanding of the cultural, financial, geopolitical, and international economics issues that affect international commerce activities, importing/exporting activities, and strategy.

TOP OF PAGE

Admissions Information

In order to assist its students, while maintaining control over standards, the department reviews each student’s prior academic background in relationship to their current professional standing to determine suitability. Candidates for admission to the degree program are selected on the basis of academic transcripts, academic and personal references, and often interviews. Degree candidates have six years to complete
the program from the date of their first course.

Part-time students who hold a bachelor’s degree but have not applied
as degree candidates may enroll in the department’s classes on a space-available basis for a maximum of two courses prior to obtaining acceptance to the program. Students should consult prerequisite requirements for the program to determine what courses would be appropriate in this situation. It is important to note that a maximum of one course (4 credit hours) with a grade of B+ or better completed prior to acceptance, not used toward another degree, and taken no more than four years prior to matriculation may be credited toward degree requirements with department approval. A written request on the appropriate department form must accompany the student’s application. Students requesting full-time admission are expected to have completed a minimum of one year of work experience.

The application for graduate admissions can be on the Metropolitan College website at Metropolitan College.

International Applicants

All applicants who require an I-20 visa from Boston University must submit an International Student Data Form, financial, and other documentation deemed necessary by the International Students and Scholars Office. Since scholarship funds are not available to foreign students, each international applicant must also submit a financial declaration showing adequate funding for both tuition and living expenses for the duration of the program. Please consult the International Student Data Form for information on the format and amount of this financial declaration. International students should also submit copies of current or recently issued visa or I-20 documentation. The student’s visa will not be issued without this information.

International students for whom English is not a first language must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students who have completed four years of study, earning a bachelor’s degree, at a United States accredited college or university, may be waived from this requirement. The Boston University TOEFL code is 9034.

The department has an active relationship with the Boston University Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP). Students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL requirement may wish to contact CELOP at 617-353-4870 for further information.

All application materials must be submitted in English. A copy of the original document must accompany translations of academic records and other materials. Records of university study should show courses, grades, type of degree received, and exact or approximate rank in class.

TOP OF PAGE

Degree and Concentration Requirements

The M.S. in Administrative Studies degree program comprises twelve courses (48 credit hours). All students must, in addition, satisfy the prerequisites for the specific concentration selected. Waived courses from core or concentration areas must be replaced by an elective course so as to meet the 48-credit-hour requirement.

Good Standing

No grade lower than B– may be used toward degree, certificate, or diploma requirements. Students must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 in order to be in good academic standing and to graduate. Students with a grade point average of less than 3.0 are on academic probation and must be in a position to achieve a 3.0 within the 48 required credit hours for graduation.

Dual Concentration Option

This is a unique opportunity for students to obtain additional specialized knowledge by completing two Administrative Studies concentrations. Students can qualify for a second concentration by completing (1) the prerequisites, (2) the concentration requirements for each concentration, and (3) a minimum of three additional concentration courses (15 concentration courses). The exact number of courses needed may be more than 15 depending on the student’s concentrations and the courses selected.

TOP OF PAGE

Dual Degree Option

Actuarial Science, Arts Administration, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Telecommunication with Administrative Sciences.

Appreciating the converging nature of management skills and technology, the Administrative Sciences Department has a special relationship with Metropolitan College’s Arts Administration, Computer Science, and Actuarial Science Departments. Students in either program are able to credit 8 credit hours from one degree toward a second degree, thereby reducing their coursework on the second degree by two courses. Students must be accepted independently by appropriate departments, but they may request that application materials, such as references and transcripts, be forwarded from their initial program to their second.

TOP OF PAGE

Program Requirements

Prerequisites

All students must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: (1) mathematical skills for management and (2) computer applications including: database, spreadsheet, and word processing applications.

International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English skills. International students must take MET AD 501 Business Communications for International Students unless waived by the department.

You are expected to satisfy the program prerequisites prior to enrolling in a second course and before any course that would require a specific prerequisite. Prerequisites can only be satisfied by obtaining a B grade or better in the department’s prerequisite course or by passing the department’s waiver exams.

Department courses to satisfy the prerequisites are:

MET OM 500 Mathematics for Management (2 cr)

MET AD 501 Business Communications for International Students (4 cr)

Computer Applications: The Department offers a placement
exam for computer skills to determine proficiency. Students not passing sections of the exam will be required to attend the Department seminars specific to the sections deficit.

Master of Science in Administrative Studies Concentrations Offered:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Concentration Core Courses

(7 courses/28 credits)

MET AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting

MET AD 600 Tourism: Economic Development and Tourism Management

MET AD 603 Evaluating and Developing Markets for Cultural Tourism

MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

MET AD 758 Eco-Tourism

MET FI 631 Financial Analysis

MET TM 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design

Concentration Electives

(Select 4 courses/16 credits)

MET AD 650 Economic Development via Tourism in the Developing World: (series covering different countries)

MET AD 657 Economic Sustainability, Development and Competitiveness of a Tourist Destination

MET AD 682 Risk Assessment and Security Management

MET AD 683 Infrastructure and Logistical Planning for Tourism Development

MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution

MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures

MET AD 742 Program and Project Management

MET AD 747 Service: Quality, Delivery, and Productivity

MET AD 749 International Economics

MET AD 757 International Heritage Management and the Business of Heritage

MET AD 761 Comparative Economic and Industrial Aspects of World Commerce

MET AD 764 Multinational Tactics, Strategies, and Positioning

MET AD 767 Culture and Development

MET AD 769 Cultural Tourism and the Art and Festival Industries

MET AR 722 Education in Cultural Institutions

MET MG 721 International Business Law

MET MK 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis

MET MK 860 International Advertising

MET ML 631 Culture and Cuisine: Their Rapport in Civilization

MET ML 681 Food Writing and the Language of Food

MET UA 613 Designing Urban Space

MET UA 625 Urbanization and the Environment

MET UA 729 Environment and Resource Policy Formulation

Free Elective

(Select 1 graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use the free graduate-level elective to broaden their understanding of Economic Development and Tourism Management. This coursework can be selected from Administrative Sciences offerings or other Metropolitan College departments, as well as from Boston University’s other Schools and Colleges.

Waiver Policy

A Waiver Exam is available for OM 500 (Mathematics for Management). Students must take this waiver prior to the start of classes or must sign up for OM 500 in the first semester. Available in either online or classroom format.

Computer Applications: Students must sign up to take a placement exam that is available through the department.

Exempt Exams are provided for: AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting and FI 631 Financial Analysis. Students who pass these exams must replace each exempted exam with a 4-credit concentration elective so as to graduate with the required 48 credits.

TOP OF PAGE

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE, SYSTEMS, AND TECHNOLOGY

Concentration Core

(8 courses /32 credits)

MET AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting

MET FI 631 Financial Analysis

MET AD 742 Program and Project Management

MET TC 625 Business Data Communications and Network

MET TM 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design

MET TM 660 Databases, Security, and Web Technology

MET TM 670 Creative Multimedia Tools, Design, and Applications

MET TM 737 Internet- and Wireless-Enabled Marketing Techniques

Concentration Electives

(Select 3 courses /12 credits)

MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures

MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

MET AD 746 Legal and Regulatory Issues in High-Tech and Biotech Industries

MET AD 747 Service: Quality, Delivery, and Productivity

MET AD 760 Going International: Importing/Exporting Operations

MET AD 773 International Business Simulation

MET CS 669 Database Systems and Design for Business

MET CS 679 Architectural Design of Client/Server Systems

MET CS 782 Information Systems Organization

MET FI 744 Venture Capital and the Economics of Innovation

MET MG 721 International Business Law

MET MG 850 Business Law

MET MK 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis

MET TM 750 Relationship and Supply Chain Management

ENG EK 780 Technology Strategy of the Firm

Free Elective

(Select 1 graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use the graduate-level free elective to broaden their understanding of the rapidly growing and changing landscape of Internet commerce operations.

Waiver Policy

A Waiver Exam is available for OM 500 (Mathematics for Management). Students must take this waiver prior to the start of classes or must sign up for OM 500 in the first semester. OM 500 is available in either classroom or online formats.

Computer Applications: Students must sign up to take a placement exam that is available through the department.

Exempt Exams are provided for: AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting and FI 631 Financial Analysis. Students who pass these exams must replace each exempted exam with a 4-credit concentration elective so as to graduate with the required 48 credits.

TOP OF PAGE

FINANCIAL ECONOMICS

Concentration Core

(6 courses /24 credits)

MET AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting

MET FI 631 Financial Analysis

MET FI 709 Case Studies in Current Corporate Financial Topics

MET FI 712 Financial Markets and Institutions

MET FI 717 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

MET FI 763 Multinational Finance and Trade

Concentration Electives

(3 courses /12 credits. At least 2 electives must be FI courses)

MET AD 682 Risk Assessment and Security Management

MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

MET AD 745 Competitive Strategies for Dynamic Environments

MET AD 749 International Economics

MET AD 764 Multinational Tactics, Strategies, and Positioning

MET AD 773 International Business Simulation

MET AT 569 Optimization Methods of Operations Research

MET FI 720 Legal Issues in the Financial Industry

MET FI 730 Advanced Corporate Finance

MET FI 732 Derivative Securities and Markets

MET FI 733 Mergers and Acquisitions

MET FI 734 Managing Financial Institutions

MET FI 735 Overview of Mutual Funds Industry

MET FI 744 Venture Capital and Financing Innovation

MET FI 766 Information Services and Systems for Financial Analysis

MET FI 803 International Taxation

MET FI 843 International Investments

MET MG 605 Banking and Financial Service Marketing

MET TM 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce and Web Design

Free Electives

(Select 3 graduate-level courses/12 credits)

Students are encouraged to use graduate-level free electives to broaden their understanding of finance. This coursework can be selected from other Administrative Sciences offerings or Metropolitan College departments as well as from Boston University’s other Schools and Colleges.

Please note: Some computer science courses may have prerequisites.

Waiver Policy

A Waiver Exam is available for OM 500 (Mathematics for Management). Students must take this waiver prior to the start of classes or must sign up for OM 500 in the first semester. OM 500 is available in either classroom or online formats.

Computer Applications: Students must sign up to take a placement exam that is available through the department.

Exempt Exams are provided for:
AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting and FI 631 Financial Analysis. Students who pass these exams must replace each exempted exam with a 4-credit concentration elective so as to graduate with the required 48 credits.

TOP OF PAGE

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Concentration Core

(7 courses/28 credits)

MET AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting

MET FI 631 Financial Analysis

MET AD 735 Marketing in Technology-Based Industries

MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures

MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

MET AD 742 Program and Project Management

MET AD 746 Legal and Regulatory Issues in High-Tech and Biotech Industries

Concentration Electives

(Select 4 courses/16 credits)

MET AD 600 Economic Development and Tourism Management

MET AD 667 Technology Transfer, Innovation, and Regional Economic Development

MET AD 682 Risk Assessment and Security Management

MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution

MET AD 743 Managing Professionals and Teams

MET AD 745 Competitive Strategies for Dynamic Environments

MET AD 747 Issues in Service: Quality, Delivery, and Productivity

MET AD 748 Business Strategy and Commercialization in Biotech and Medical Companies

MET AD 760 Going International: Importing and Exporting Operations

MET AD 764 Multinational Tactics, Strategies, and Positioning

MET AD 765 Management in a Changing Environment

MET AD 773 International Business Simulation

MET AD 775 Corporate Communications and Investor Relations

MET CS 782 Information Systems Organization

MET FI 720 Legal Issues in the Financial Industry

MET FI 744 Venture Capital and the Economics of Innovation

MET MG 721 International Business Law

MET MG 850 Business Law

MET MK 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis

MET TM 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce and Web Design

MET TM 740 Marketing, Data Base, and Enterprise/Customer Relation Management

MET TM 750 Supply Chain Management

MET UA 521 Environmental Law

CAS EC 510 Economics of Technological Change

ENG EK 780 Technology Strategy of the Firm

ENG MN 580 Manufacturing Strategy

GRS GG 815 Seminar: Location Theory

UNI SS 801 Government and Technology Development: Incentives, Regulation, and Barriers

Free Elective

(Select 1 graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use the graduate-level free elective to broaden their understanding of business innovation and technology. This coursework can be selected from other Administrative Sciences offerings or Metropolitan College departments as well as from Boston University’s other Schools and Colleges.

Please note: Some computer science courses may have prerequisites.

Waiver Policy

A Waiver Exam is available for OM 500 (Mathematics for Management). Students must take this waiver prior to the start of classes or must sign up for OM 500 in the first semester. OM 500 is available in either classroom or online formats.

Computer Applications: Students must sign up to take a placement exam that is available through the department.

Exempt Exams are provided for: AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting and FI 631 Financial Analysis. Students who pass these exams must replace each exempted exam with a 4-credit concentration elective so as to graduate with the required 48 credits.

TOP OF PAGE

MULTINATIONAL COMMERCE

Concentration Core

(7 courses/28 credits)

MET AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting

MET FI 631 Financial Analysis

MET AD 760 Going International: Importing and Exporting Operations

MET AD 761 Comparative Economic and Industrial Aspects of World Commerce

MET AD 764 Multinational Tactics, Strategies, and Positioning

MET FI 763 Multinational Finance and Trade

MET MG 721 International Business Law

Concentration Electives

(Select 4 courses/16 credits)

MET AD 600 Economic Development and Tourism Management

MET AD 603 Evaluating and Developing Markets for Cultural Tourism

MET AD 650 Economic Development via Tourism in the Developing World (series covering different countries)

MET AD 657 Economic Sustainability, Development, and Competitiveness of a Tourist Destination

MET AD 682 Risk Assessment and Security Management

MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution

MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures

MET AD 745 Competitive Strategies for Dynamic Environments

MET AD 749 International Economics

MET AD 750 International Commerce: Eastern/Central Europe and CIS

MET AD 751 International Commerce: European Community

MET AD 752 International Commerce: South America

MET AD 753 International Commerce: Pacific Basin and East Asia

MET AD 754 International Commerce: Middle East

MET AD 767 Culture and Development

MET AD 773 International Business Simulation

MET FI 843 International Investments

MET MK 852 International Market Research

MET MK 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis

MET MK 857 International Marketing Strategy

MET MK 860 International Advertising

MET TM 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce and Web Design

MET TM 750 Supply Chain Management

UNI SS 801 Government and Technology Development: Incentives, Regulation, and Barriers

Free Elective

(1 graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use the graduate-level free elective to broaden their understanding of multinational commerce. This coursework can be selected from other Administrative Sciences offerings or Metropolitan College departments as well as from Boston University’s other Schools and Colleges.

Please note: Some computer science courses may have prerequisites.

Waiver Policy

A Waiver Exam is available for OM 500 (Mathematics for Management). Students must take this waiver prior to the start of classes or must sign up for OM 500 in the first semester. OM 500 is available in either classroom or online formats.

Computer Applications: Students must sign up to take a placement exam that is available through the department.

Exempt Exams are provided for: AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting and FI 631 Financial Analysis. Students who pass these exams must replace each exempted exam with a 4-credit concentration elective so as to graduate with the required 48 credits.

Contact Information

For further information on the M.S. in Administrative Studies Program in the five concentration areas, contact Administrative Sciences Department, Attn: Program Information, Boston University Metropolitan College, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-3016; e-mail: adminsc@bu.edu.

TOP OF PAGE

Master of Science (M.S.) in Advertising

Offered in collaboration with Boston University College of Communication

Fast-paced, innovative, and ever evolving, the ad industry offers big rewards for those willing to embrace the importance of teamwork, run with new ideas, and take certain risks—these challenges are exactly what stimulate and inspire superior advertising, media, and communication experts.

Dedicated to accelerating the careers of working adults, Boston University Metropolitan College has collaborated with the College of Communication to develop the Master of Science in Advertising program. Specially designed for the motivated, working professional, the curriculum is rigorous and intensive, and offered in a convenient, part-time evening format. Participants master the essentials of advertising and build on that foundation through a broad-based curriculum that includes courses in international marketing, electronic commerce, mass communication, promotional strategy, advertising and society, and financial and managerial accounting.

Admission

All candidates for admission to the part-time M.S. in Advertising Program must have a bachelor’s degree and are selected on the basis of undergraduate transcripts, academic and personal references, and work experience. Standardized admissions tests such as the GRE are not required; English language proficiency is. The program has a rolling admissions policy with no absolute deadlines. Students may complete up to eight credits in the program prior to admission. Courses taken in the College of Communication’s full-time or Summer Term program may not be counted toward the part-time degree. Because this is a part-time program, it is not possible for international students to obtain a visa for study in it.

The M.S. in Advertising consists of 13 courses for a total of 52 credits.

Please note: Some courses may have prerequisites. See the Advertising course descriptions for details.

Required Courses

(total 6 courses)

MET CM 702 Advertising and Society
MET CM 704 Contemporary Mass Communication
MET CM 707 Writing for Media Professionals
MET CM 708 Principles and Practices of Advertising
MET CM 722 Communication Research
MET CM 732 Advertising Campaigns

MET/COM CM Advertising Electives

Select 4 courses from among the following:

MET CM 711 Account Planning
MET CM 714 Video Production for Advertising and Public Relations
MET CM 716 Computers in Communication
MET CM 717 Ad Copy and Design
MET CM 718 Creating Broadcast Advertising
MET CM 719 Interactive Marketing Communication
MET CM 721 Ad Management
MET CM 726 Problem Solving in Advertising
MET CM 727 Portfolio Development for Advertising
MET CM 736 Advertising Media Planning and Buying

MET Management Electives

Select 3 courses from among the following MET Graduate Management electives with the prefixes AC, AD, AR, MK, and TM:

MET AC 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting
MET AD 720 Organizational Communication
MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution or
MET AD 893 Seminar: Special Topics
MET AD 735 Marketing in Technology-Based Industries
MET AD 741 The Innovative Process: Developing New Products and Services
MET AD 764 Multinational Tactics, Strategy, and Positioning
MET AR 720 Marketing and Audience Development for the Arts
MET MK 857 International Marketing Strategy
MET TM 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce
MET TM 737 Electronic Commerce and Business Marketing

MET/COM students may petition for additional courses to substitute for the list above.

Academic Standing

Students in the M.S. in Advertising Program must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 to remain in good standing and to graduate. No grade below B– in any course may be applied toward the degree. Students with grade point averages below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must be in a position to achieve a 3.0 within the 52 required credit hours for graduation or be subject to dismissal.

For further information, please visit www.bu.edu/met/advertising or contact Metropolitan College, M.S. in Advertising, 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2975; e-mail: metad@bu.edu.

TOP OF PAGE

Master of Science (M.S.) in Arts Administration

Overview

The Boston University Arts Administration Program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in visual arts, performing arts, and arts service organizations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The past two decades have witnessed a rapid expansion in arts audiences, practitioners, and institutions. Concomitantly, the increased cyclical economic uncertainty in both the public and private sectors has resulted in a growing need for highly skilled administrators who can work effectively with elected officials, business and community leaders, and fellow arts professionals. Boston University’s M.S. in Arts Administration Program emphasizes excellence, creativity, economic problem solving, internationalism, and a commitment to the new technologies of our age. We are particularly concerned with helping arts organizations place the achievement of their missions ahead of any blind devotion to maximizing revenues. It is toward such an end that we sustain a deep conviction in the centrality of the role of the artist, and in the fundamental importance of artistic excellence, as issues central to the health of all arts organizations in the 21st century. In short, we are committed to making the world safe for art—not making art safe for the world.

The Arts Administration program is offered through Boston University’s Metropolitan College, and is specifically designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults. Students can complete all coursework on a part-time, evening basis, in approximately two years. Full-time study toward the degree is also possible, although scheduling issues may sometimes arise, as not every course will appear in a one-year cycle.

Admission

All candidates for admission to the degree program must have a bachelor’s degree, and are selected on the basis of undergraduate transcripts, academic and personal references, and related work experiences. We are particularly interested in those applicants who have two or more years of work experience after conferral of their undergraduate degrees. Personal interviews are strongly encouraged, either in person or by telephone. Standardized admission tests, such as the GRE, are not required, but students may submit scores if they so choose. Students are expected to have a demonstrable, discipline-based expertise in one art area (such as visual arts, dance, theatre, or music). Although this requirement may be satisfied in a variety of ways, most applicants have undergraduate degrees in the arts. The program has a rolling admissions policy with no absolute deadlines. However, students interested in applying for fall admission are encouraged to apply by late March, as the number of applicants is quite high. A student may also complete up to eight credits as a non-matriculating student prior to admission. International applicants must submit official iBT TOEFL scores. When submitting TOEFL scores please use our institution code: 3040. The department code is 99.

Financial Aid

The program provides a small number of Graduate Assistantships to matriculating students. These offer up to $5,000 in tuition remission per semester in exchange for research and administrative work (10–20 hours per week). There is also, at times, a very limited amount of unrestricted scholarship support available to outstanding students. Information about both of these opportunities is made available to students when they are admitted to the degree program. The Boston University Office of Financial Assistance (617-353-2965) can provide additional information about deferred payment and loan programs.

Academic Standing

All students in the Arts Administration program must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 to remain in good standing and to graduate. No grade below B– in any course may be applied toward the degree. Students with a grade point average below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must be in a position to achieve a 3.0 within the 40 required credit hours for graduation or be subject to dismissal. Students who are placed on academic probation for two consecutive semesters are also subject to dismissal.

Curriculum

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Arts Administration is an independent degree program within Boston University’s Metropolitan College. We also take advantage of some of the resources, faculty, and courses offered by the Art History and Historic Preservation Studies departments (Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) and the Administrative Studies, Advertising, and Urban Affairs departments (Metropolitan College). General information and policies for Metropolitan College can be found at www.bu.edu/ artsadmin.

The Arts Administration program emphasizes an interdisciplinary curriculum, and we are committed to including both performing arts and visual arts students in the same courses. There is also the opportunity to specialize by taking courses specifically within certain discipline-based areas. The curriculum is largely focused on the nonprofit area, but it is also possible to substitute a limited number of courses with a commercial (for profit) orientation. Arts Administration courses are taught by the director, the assistant director, and adjunct faculty who are working professionals in the Boston area. The faculty has, on average, well over ten years of high-level professional experience in the arts.

Program Requirements

If marked (*) six concentration courses must be completed before enrolling.

If marked (**) written approval of advisor required.

Concentration Core

Group A: These four required courses

MET AR 690 The Art World
MET AR 750 Financial Management for Non-Profits or
MET FI 631 Financial Analysis
MET AR 778 Legal Issues in Arts Administration
MET AR 802/803 Internship in Arts Administration I and II* (2 cr each)

Group B: At least five courses from this group

MET AR 550 Raising Funds and Grant Writing for Nonprofit
  Organizations
MET AR 650 Writing for the Arts
MET AR 700 Leadership and Career Development for Arts
  Administrators
MET AR 711 Capital Campaigns
MET AR 720 Marketing and Audience Development for the Arts
MET AR 722 Education in Cultural Institutions
MET AR 723 Individual Fundraising
MET AR 740 Arts and the Internet
MET AR 766 Arts and the Community
MET AR 771 Managing Performing Arts Organizations
MET AR 774 Managing Visual Arts Organizations
MET AR 777 Comparative Cultural Policy and Administration
MET AR 779 Public Art Program Administration
MET AR 781 Special Topics in Arts Administration
MET AR 804 Advanced Management and Consulting for Arts
  Organizations*

Concentration Electives

Group C: One course may be taken from this group

CAS AH 520 The Museum and Historical Agency**
CAS AH 521 Curatorship: Exhibition Development**
MET AH 588 The Arts in Cuba
MET AH 598 Art and Popular Culture
MET AD 600 Economic Development and Tourism Management
MET AD 603 Evaluating and Developing Markets for Cultural Tourism
MET FI 631 Financial Analysis (in lieu of AR 750 only)
MET TM 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce and Web Design
MET CM 708 Principles and Practices of Advertising
MET CM 722 Communication Research
MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution
MET AD 733 Leadership in Management
MET UA 515 History and Theory of Urban Planning
MET UA 805 The Boston Urban Symposium

One additional course may be substituted from group B above.

Internship

Students matriculating in the Arts Administration Program are required to have some direct work experience in arts organizations prior to degree conferral. A minimum of six of the ten required courses must be completed before the student undertakes the actual fieldwork, although the planning phase may begin earlier. The program maintains a formal relationship with a core group of potential host organizations that have been selected for their willingness to work with interns, although it is possible to intern with other organizations as well. The student is expected to complete a total of 150 hours of work with the host agency, generally within a single semester.

Internship Waiver

Students with four or more years of professional arts organization work experience may waive the internship requirement with their advisor’s written consent. If the internship is waived, the student must enroll in a tenth classroom-based course. Also, with the permission of the advisor, MET AR 804 Advanced Management and Consulting for Arts Organizations may be substituted for the internship requirement if the student has had two years of full-time professional arts administration work experience.

Prerequisite

A prerequisite in accounting must also be met. This need not be completed before beginning your coursework, but must be taken within the first two semesters of the program and does not count toward the ten courses required for the degree. The accounting prerequisite can be satisfied by taking MET AC 630 or by having completed a one-year undergraduate course in Financial and Managerial Accounting.

International Study

The Arts Administration program is committed to providing its students with high quality international programs of study through the resources of Boston University. Coursework in London, Paris, Cuba, and Brussels has been offered in recent years.

For further information, contact Professor Daniel Ranalli, Director, Department of Arts Administration, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-4064; e-mail: artsad@bu.edu; Arts Administration at Boston University.

TOP OF PAGE

GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS II