*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Advance Your Career with Software Architecture and DevOps Expertise
The MS in Software Development constitutes preparation for one of the largest and fastest-growing professions: software developer. It recognizes the ubiquitous and growing need for new and evolving software. The degree program is founded on the principle that developers must be thoroughly practiced in understanding new requirements in diverse fields and, acting as team members or leaders, fully competent to deliver secure, reliable software.
The MS in Software Development is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
Boston University’s online Master of Science in Software Development consists of eight courses (32 units).
Prerequisites
Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within the Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background. The following prerequisite courses may be required:
A maximum of two graduate-level courses (8 units) taken at Metropolitan College before acceptance into the program may be applied towards the degree.
Core Courses
(Five courses/20 units)
Plus one of the following:
Electives
(Three courses/12 credits)
When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course or, instructor’s consent. Choose three from the following list:
Students interested in taking electives outside of the stated requirements should contact the Department of Computer Science for approval.
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.
Work closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who are involved in research projects in areas such as novel internet architectures, smartphone applications, information assurance, biomedical informatics, and many other areas.
Study software development alongside fellow professionals from all backgrounds, learn from faculty who have valuable IT contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
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.
BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department BU. Over its four decades, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
All graduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Rankings & Accreditations
#10
Ranked #10 in the nation
Graduate with Software Development Expertise
Students who complete the online master’s degree in Software Development will be able to demonstrate:
Advanced knowledge of computer language theory, software design, as well as databases, networks, or security.
Proficiency in algorithms, operating systems, computer language usage, software development, and the management of data, networks, or security.
Competence sufficient to investigate continually emerging new software technologies, applications, and approaches.
“I found that I was really drawn to the software development field on an intellectual level, and I started the program because I wanted to learn more. I also felt that my career would benefit from obtaining a degree in software development, and I hoped to transition from working as a systems administrator to a software developer—which I was able to do.” Read more.
Nikki Tebaldi (MET’21) Cloud Adoption Engineer, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory MS, Software Development
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Software Development master’s prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as…
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
Tesla
Fidelity Investments
Bank of America
Microsoft
US Navy
Amazon
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Uber
United States Air Force
Wayfair
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
BMC Software
BNY Mellon
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Cigna
Dell
iRobot
PayPal
PhilipsCompany
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.
Associate Professor of the Practice, Computer Science
Coordinator, Software Development
View All Faculty
Farshid Alizadeh-Shabdiz Professor of the Practice, Computer Science
Scott Arena Master Lecturer, Computer Science
Eric Braude Associate Professor Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science
John Day Master Lecturer, Computer Science
Andrew Gorlin Lecturer, Computer Science
Suresh Kalathur Assistant Professor, Computer Science Director, Analytics
Vijay Kanabar Associate Professor, Computer Science and Administrative Sciences Director, Project Management
Jae Young Lee Assistant Professor, Computer Science Coordinator, Databases
Avinash Mohan Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Reza Rawassizadeh Associate Professor, Computer Science
Anatoly Temkin Assistant Professor Emeritus, Computer Science
Ming Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Yuting Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science Director, Cybersecurity
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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