*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Develop Information Technology Leadership Expertise
Established in 2004, Boston University’s online master’s in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) immerses students in the fast-paced world of technological innovation—preparing them for IT leadership positions in all sectors. BU students learn from expert faculty who are also industry leaders with hands-on involvement in building networks, developing applications, and fighting cybercrime for the world’s top companies. Online programs at Boston University provide something you won’t get anywhere else: a cutting-edge technical education rooted in BU’s 150-year old tradition of academic excellence.
Designed for students who wish to combine technical competence in information systems with knowledge of managerial and organizational issues, the MSCIS offers a variety of optional degree concentrations that encompass some of the fastest growing and highest paid segments of the IT job market:
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*:
And these three courses:
*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 or have relevant work-related experience 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.
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).
Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.
How You Benefit from a Boston University Education
A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.
Benefit from an average 24:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
Learn from 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.
Gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies through case studies and real-world projects. In addition, there are a variety of opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
Many courses prepare you to leverage artificial intelligence for the analysis, development, and integration of modern information systems.
Experience a supportive online network, with courses developed and taught by PhD-level full-time faculty and professionals with hands-on expertise in the industry.
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.
All eligible students admitted to a graduate degree program are automatically considered for Merit Scholarships during the application process, based on the strength of their academic qualifications and professional experience. Learn more.
Rankings & Accreditations
#10, Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs
MET’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 Excellence
Boston 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.
The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.
PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management
BU 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).
Graduate with Computer Information Systems Expertise
Students who complete the master’s degree in Computer Information Systems will be able 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, and data communications.
“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
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Computer Information Systems Master’s degree prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as Software Engineer, Data Engineer, Software Developer, Solutions Architect, Systems Analyst, and Business Analyst, among others, 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 technologies, data analytics, cybersecurity, database management, IT project management, and other fast-growing fields within the tech industry.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
Fidelity Investments
IBM
United States Army
United States Air Force
Boeing
Oracle
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Accenture
Bank of America
Lockheed Martin
Microsoft
PwC
United States Marine Corps
United States Navy
Tata Consultancy Services
Booz Allen Hamilton
Apple
AT&T
Cisco
Raytheon
Dell EMC
Infosys
State Street
General Motors
Meditech
Partners HealthCare
Staples
UnitedHealth Group
Verizon
Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET
You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.
Anatoly Temkin Assistant Professor Emeritus, Computer Science
Ming Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science Coordinator, BSCS Programs
Yuting Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science Director, Cybersecurity Coordinator, Computer Systems & Digital Forensics
Tanya Zlateva Dean, Metropolitan College & Extended Education Professor of the Practice, Computer Science and Education Education Director, Information Security, Center for Reliable Information Systems & Cyber Security
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