In today’s changing business environment, individuals frequently find they need to update or obtain new skills in specific business areas. The Department of Administrative Sciences offers undergraduate certificate programs in the areas of Business Management and International Business Management.

Undergraduate Certificate in Business Management (four courses/16 credits)

• MET MG 472 Financial Concepts
• MET MG 503 Business in a Changing Society
• MET MG 520 International Business Management

Plus one course, selected with advisor approval, which serves to enhance the student’s understanding of the business environment.

Undergraduate Certificate in International Business Management (four courses/16 credits)

• MET MG 472 Financial Concepts
• MET MG 520 International Business Management
• MET MG 550 International Business Law and Regulation

Plus one course, selected with advisor approval, which serves to enhance the student’s understanding of the international business environment.

The Master of Science in Administrative Studies (MSAS) is a multidisciplinary program designed to provide the opportunity for focused graduate study in one of five specialized or industry-specific areas of interest. Each of the concentrations will allow students to develop creativity, global awareness, communication skills, and the ability to use technology to increase productivity and efficiency.

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

To prosper in business today, you must have the flexibility to embrace rapid change, and a commitment to continued education and specialization. The MSAS degree is best suited to those who have gained an understanding of their profession’s general skills and abilities, and who are seeking advanced specialized education. It is important to note that because of the program’s specialized nature, it is different in its goal and scope from a master’s degree in business administration (the MBA), which is designed to provide individuals with a general overview of management skills and abilities.

Vision

The Department of Administrative Sciences responds to the educational needs of students by providing industry-specific academic programs that are innovative, scholarly, challenging, interdisciplinary, and practically focused. We design these programs to incorporate the technologies necessary so they can be delivered at times, places, and in formats to meet a wide array of needs. Our teaching mission is to produce critical and innovative thinkers—broad in perspective, international in attitude, skilled in communications—who are competent, capable, and comfortable in their ability to make decisions either alone or in teams, and practiced in using the tools necessary to compete in their specialization. We prepare students to succeed in a global environment, within a professional and ethical framework.

An Array of Programs

The Department of Administrative Sciences offers international diplomas, certificates, and online programs, in addition to the MSAS.

The MSAS concentrations that include the appropriate Project Management courses are accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center.

Classes are held on Boston University’s Charles River Campus as well as in foreign locations with our international partner universities in Spain, Mexico, Korea, and Turkey, providing valuable opportunities to engage with students and scholars in those countries.

Admission Information

In order to determine suitability for the Master of Science in Administrative Studies, the Department of Administrative Sciences reviews each student’s academic background in relationship to their current professional standing. Candidates for admission to the MSAS degree program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; they are selected on the basis of academic transcripts, academic and personal references, and, in some cases, interviews.

Degree candidates have six years to complete the program from the date of their first course.

To apply for admission to the Master of Science in Administrative Studies program, contact the Department of Administrative Sciences at 617-353-3016 or adminsc@bu.edu, or visit www.bu.edu/met/admissions.

International Applicants

Applicants who require an I-20 from Boston University must submit an International Student Data Form, along with financial and other documentation as required by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). Since financial aid is not available to foreign students, each international applicant will be asked to provide a financial declaration showing adequate funding for both tuition and living expenses for the duration of the program. All credentials must be submitted in English. International students must submit copies of current or recently issued visa or I-20 documentation. Boston University will not issue an I-20 without this information. Additional information may be obtained by visiting bu.edu/isso.

International students must demonstrate an understanding of English, including the ability to read and write with proficiency. Students whose native language is not English must submit one of the following:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 560
• The TOEFL Internet-Based Test (IBT) with a minimum total score of 84, and minimum scores in each section as follows: Reading–21; Listening–18; Speaking–23; Writing–22
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with a minimum score of 6.5

For information on these tests, visit the TOEFL website at www.toefl.org or the IELTS website at www.ielts.org. Information may also be obtained at United States embassies or consulates. For the TOEFL examination, the institutional code for Boston University’s Department of Administrative Sciences is 9034. There is no institutional code for the IELTS. Students who have completed four years of study in the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, may have the language testing requirement waived. Students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL/IELTS requirements may wish to contact Boston University’s Center for English Language & Orientation Program (CELOP) for further information. Call 617-353-4870 or visit bu.edu/celop.

Financial Assistance

The Metropolitan College Graduate Financial Aid office offers comprehensive financial aid services to graduate students, including assistantships, Federal Stafford Loans, and Graduate Plus Loans.

Financial assistance is not available to international students.

To learn more, call 617-358-3993, email finanaid@bu.edu, or visit bu.edu/met/financial_aid.

Transfer of Credits

A maximum of two graduate-level courses (eight credits), completed with a grade of B+ or better and not used toward another degree, may be transferred from an accredited university with approval from the Administrative Sciences department. The courses must have been completed no more than two years prior to matriculation. To request transfer of credits to the MSAS, students must fill out a transfer of credit form and attach all pertinent information.

Part-time students who hold a bachelor’s degree, but have not yet applied as degree candidates, may enroll in a maximum of two courses on a space-available basis. Please note that only two courses taken prior to acceptance into the MSAS program will be counted toward the degree.

Good Standing

No grade lower than B- may be used toward degree, diploma, or certificate requirements. Students with less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA are placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation must make satisfactory progress toward achieving a minimum of 3.0 by the following semester, and must be in a position to graduate with a 3.0 or better within the remaining program courses.

Students who, in the determination of the department and based on past academic performance, are not in a position to raise their GPA to the necessary level to graduate within the remaining courses will be terminated from the program. Students who have not removed themselves from academic probation after one semester for full-time status (three semesters for part-time status) will be terminated from the program.

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.

Dual Degree Option

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

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.

Prerequisites

All students must demonstrate proficiency in mathematical skills for management by taking MET AD 510 Mathematics for Management.

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.

Department courses to satisfy the prerequisites are:

• MET AD 501 Business Communications for International Students (4 cr)
• MET AD 510 Mathematics for Management (2 cr)

Waiver Policy

A waiver exam is available for AD 510 (Mathematics for Management). Students must take this waiver prior to the start of classes or must sign up for AD 510 in the first semester. AD 510 is available in either an online or a classroom format.

Master of Science in Administrative Studies Concentrations Offered

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

Degree and Concentration Requirements

A total of 12 courses (48 credits) is required. Students must satisfy the degree core courses, concentration requirements, concentration electives, and free electives for the specific concentration selected, as follows:

The Economic Development & Tourism Management concentration 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. The program emphasizes sustainable economic development via the commodification of cultural and nature tourism assets.

Degree Core Courses (five courses/20 credits)

• MET AD 632 Financial Concepts
• MET AD 642 Project Management
• MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
• MET AD 655 International Business, Economics, and Cultures
• MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

Concentration Requirements (four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 600 Economic Development and Tourism Management
• MET AD 603 Evaluating and Developing Markets for Cultural Tourism
• MET AD 747 Service: Quality, Delivery, and Productivity
• MET AD 758 Eco-Tourism

Concentration Electives (select two courses/8 credits)

• MET AD 610 Introduction to Business Continuity, Security, and Risk Management
• MET AD 650 Economic Development via Tourism in the Developing World
• MET AD 657 Economic Sustainability, Development, and Competitiveness of a Tourist Destination
• MET AD 683 Infrastructure and Logistical Planning for Tourism Development
• MET AD 715 Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
• MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution
• MET AD 728 Understanding and Managing Heritage Tourism
• MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques
• MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures
• MET AD 746 Business Law and Regulation in a Global Environment
• MET AD 749 International Economics
• 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 AD 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis
• MET AD 860 International Advertising

Free Elective (select one graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use their graduate-level free elective to broaden their understanding of numerous topics that comprise the field of economic and development tourism. 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.

The objective of the Electronic Commerce, Systems & Technology concentration is to provide balanced coverage of both the technological and the strategic aspects of electronic business and commerce. Students explore the tremendous opportunities afforded by the web, and develop 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.

Degree Core Courses (five courses/20 credits)

• MET AD 632 Financial Concepts
• MET AD 642 Project Management
• MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
• MET AD 655 International Business, Economics, and Cultures
• MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

Concentration Requirements (four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 660 Databases, Security, and Web Design
• MET AD 670 Creative Multimedia: Tools, Design, and Application
• MET AD 680 Global Service Sector and Supply Chain Strategy
• MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques

Concentration Electives (select two courses/8 credits)

• MET AD 610 Introduction to Business Continuity, Security, and Risk Management
• MET AD 715 Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
• MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures
• MET AD 744 Venture Capital and Financing Innovation
• MET AD 746 Business Law and Regulation in a Global Environment
• MET AD 747 Service: Quality, Delivery, and Productivity
• MET AD 760 Going International: Importing and Exporting Operations
• MET AD 773 International Business Simulation
• MET AD 850 Business Law
• MET AD 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis
• MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business

Free Elective (select one graduate-level course/ 4 credits)

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

The Financial Economics concentration provides a strong conceptual understanding of finance, combined with an understanding of the workings of financial markets and institutions. The concentration focuses on the dynamic areas of corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions, venture capital, investment analysis, derivatives and hedging, portfolio management, international finance, mutual funds, and banking. Students develop the requisite skills to forecast and analyze information to make detailed financial decisions while maintaining sight of the larger global economic perspective.

Degree Core Courses (five courses/20 credits)

• MET AD 731 Corporate Finance
• MET AD 642 Project Management
• MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
• MET AD 655 International Business, Economics, and Cultures
• MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

Concentration Requirements (four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting
• MET AD 712 Financial Markets and Institutions
• MET AD 717 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
• MET AD 763 Multinational Finance and Trade

Concentration Electives (select two courses/8 credits)

• MET AD 610 Introduction to Business Continuity, Security, and Risk Management
• MET AD 709 Case Studies in Current Corporate Financial Topics
• MET AD 713 Derivative Securities and Markets
• MET AD 714 Mergers and Acquisitions
• MET AD 715 Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
• MET AD 716 Managing Financial Institutions
• MET AD 718 Overview of Mutual Funds Industry
• MET AD 722 Legal Issues in the Financial Industry
• MET AD 744 Venture Capital and Financing Innovation
• 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 AD 783 International Investments

Free Electives (select one graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use their graduate-level free elective 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.

Exemption Policy

Exempt Exams are provided for: AD 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting and AD 731 Corporate Finance. Students who pass these exams must replace each exempted exam with a 4-credit concentration elective in order to graduate with the required 48 credits.

The Innovation & Technology concentration focuses on unique aspects of technological and innovative firms, ranging from start-ups to large multinational companies. Students are exposed to concepts needed to be effective managers in a wide variety of roles (from marketing to product development to project management to human resources) in high-tech and biotech companies as well as in more traditional environments such as consumer electronics and manufacturing, retail, health care, and financial services. Emphasis is placed on the challenges of rapidly changing markets and industries, high research and development costs, international competition, and highly mobile professional employees.

Degree Core Courses (five courses/20 credits)

• MET AD 632 Financial Concepts
• MET AD 642 Project Management
• MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
• MET AD 655 International Business, Economics, and Cultures
• MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

Concentration Requirements (four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 667 Innovation, Global Competitiveness, and National Economic Development
• MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques
• MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures
• MET AD 746 Business Law and Regulation in a Global Environment

Concentration Electives (select two courses/8 credits)

• MET AD 600 Economic Development and Tourism Management
• MET AD 610 Introduction to Business Continuity, Security, and Risk Management
• MET AD 680 Global Service Sector and Supply Chain Strategy
• MET AD 715 Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
• MET AD 722 Legal Issues in the Financial Industry
• MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution
• MET AD 735 Marketing in Technology-Based Industries
• MET AD 743 Managing Employees, Professionals, and Teams
• MET AD 744 Venture Capital and Financing Innovation
• MET AD 745 Competitive Strategies for Dynamic Environments
• MET AD 747 Service: Quality, Delivery, and Productivity
• MET AD 748 Business Strategy and Commercialization in Biotech and Medical Companies
• MET AD 757 International Business Law
• MET AD 760 Going International: Importing and Exporting Operations
• MET AD 764 Multinational Tactics, Strategies, and Positioning
• MET AD 773 International Business Simulation
• MET AD 850 Business Law
• MET AD 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis

Free Electives (select one graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use their 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.

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 strategies.

Degree Core Courses (five courses/20 credits)

• MET AD 632 Financial Concepts
• MET AD 642 Project Management
• MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
• MET AD 655 International Business, Economics, and Cultures
• MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

Concentration Requirements (four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 667 Innovation, Global Competitiveness, and National Economic Development
• MET AD 680 Global Service Sector and Supply Chain Strategy
• MET AD 746 Business Law and Regulation in a Global Environment
• MET AD 760 Going International: Importing and Exporting Operations

Concentration Electives (select two courses/8 credits)

• MET AD 600 Economic Development and Tourism Management
• MET AD 603 Evaluating and Developing Markets for Cultural Tourism
• MET AD 715 Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
• MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution
• MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques
• 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 773 International Business Simulation
• MET AD 783 International Investments
• MET AD 852 International Market Research
• MET AD 857 International Marketing Strategy
• MET AD 860 International Advertising

Free Electives (select one graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use their 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.

The Department of Administrative Sciences also offers a number of online master’s degree programs in management.

• Banking & Financial Services Management
• Business Continuity, Security & Risk Management
• Insurance Management
• International Marketing Management
• Project Management

Contact Information

For further information on the MS in Administrative Studies degree program, or any of the five concentrations, contact the Administrative Sciences Department, Attn: Program Information, Boston University Metropolitan College, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-3016; email: adminsc@bu.edu; www.bu.edu/met/programs.

In today’s changing business environment, individuals frequently find they need to update or obtain new skills in specific business areas. The Department of Administrative Sciences offers graduate certificates in the following areas:

• Electronic Commerce, Systems & Technology
• Financial Markets & Institutions
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• International Marketing
• Project Management
• Risk Management & Organizational Continuity (online)

The department also offers the following graduate diplomas:

• Banking & Financial Services
• International Marketing

Admissions and Prerequisites

Prior to starting a certificate or diploma program, students are required to submit a graduate application and evidence of a bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited institution.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, students considering the Graduate Certificate in Financial Markets & Institutions must complete the prerequisite requirement of MET AD 510 Mathematics for Management, or pass a waiver exam.

For application materials, visit www.bu.edu/met/admissions.

A 3.0 GPA is required for certificate or diploma award, and no course with a grade below B- may be credited toward the certificate or diploma. Individuals considering using certificate or diploma courses toward the Master of Science in Administrative Studies degree or a specific online Master of Science in Specialty Management must (a) apply to the program prior to completing two courses; (b) recognize that grades earned in certificate or diploma courses will not be used in the admission decision process; and (c) meet the department academic admission requirements.

For more information about Administrative Sciences Graduate Certificate Programs, please contact the Administrative Sciences Department, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-3016; email: adminsc@bu.edu.

Graduate Certificate in Electronic Commerce, Systems & Technology

Required Curriculum (Four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
• MET AD 670 Creative Multimedia: Tools, Design, and Application
• MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques

Plus one elective selected from the MSAS degree concentration in Electronic Commerce, Systems & Technology, with advisor’s approval.

Graduate Certificate in Financial Markets & Institutions (on campus or online)

Required Curriculum (Four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting
• MET AD 712 Financial Markets and Institutions
• MET AD 731 Corporate Finance

Plus one elective selected from the MSAS degree concentration in Financial Economics, with advisor’s approval.

Graduate Certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Required Curriculum (Four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services
• MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques
• MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures

Plus one elective selected from Administrative Sciences courses with advisor’s approval.

Graduate Certificate in International Marketing (on campus or online)

Required Curriculum (Four Courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic, Systems, and Web Design
• MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques
• MET AD 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis

Plus one elective selected from Administrative Sciences courses with advisor’s approval.

Graduate Certificate in Project Management (on campus or online)

Required Curriculum (Four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 642 Project Management
• MET AD 643 Project Communications Management
• MET AD 644 Project Risk and Cost Management
• MET AD 646 Program Management

Graduate Certificate in Risk Management & Organizational Continuity (online)

Required Curriculum (Four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 610 Introduction to Business Continuity, Security, and Risk Management
• MET AD 613 System-Wide Risk Planning, Strategy, and Compliance
• MET AD 614 Incident Response and Disaster Recovery

Plus one selected from the following:

• MET AD 612 COO—Public Emergency Management
• MET AD 644 Project Risk and Cost Management
• MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures

Graduate Certificate in Tourism Development

Required Curriculum (Four courses/16 credits)

• MET AD 600 Economic Development and Tourism Management
• MET AD 603 Evaluating and Developing Markets for Cultural Tourism
• MET AD 758 Eco-Tourism

Plus one selected from the following:

• MET AD 650 Economic Development via Tourism in the Developing World
• MET AD 657 Economic Sustainability, Development, and Competitiveness of a Tourist Destination

Graduate Diploma in Banking & Financial Services

Required Curriculum (Five courses/20 credits)

• MET AD 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting
• MET AD 731 Corporate Finance
• MET AD 712 Financial Markets and Institutions

Plus two electives selected from the MSAS degree concentration in Financial Economics, with advisor’s approval.

Graduate Diploma in International Marketing

Required Curriculum (Five courses/20 credits)

• MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
• MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques
• MET AD 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis

Plus two electives selected from Administrative Sciences courses, with advisor’s approval.