Distribution Requirements (total 48 credits)

• English: Two courses: MET EN 104 and EN 201.
• Mathematics: CAS MA 118 is recommended or any course designated as distribution course (H), (N), or (S).
• Natural Science: Two natural science courses, selected from distribution course offerings in the natural sciences (N).
• Literature: Any 100- or 200-level 
MET EN literature course or 
MET HU 221.
• Philosophy: One course.
• History: One course.
• Additional: Four courses: one from distribution course offerings in the humanities (H); one from the social sciences (S); one from the humanities (H), the natural sciences (N), or the social sciences; and one from the humanities (H) or the social sciences (S).

Specialization Courses

Twelve courses completed with a grade of C or higher are required as follows:

• MET CS 231 Programming with C++ and
• MET CS 341 Data Structures with C++
  OR
• MET CS 232 Programming with Java and
• MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java

Plus:

• MET CS 248 Discrete Mathematics
• MET CS 472 Computer Architecture
• MET CS 535 Computer Networks or MET CS 579 Database Management
• MET CS 560 Organization of Programming Language
• MET CS 575 Operating Systems

Students with prior programming experience must also complete:

Five additional computer science courses at the 300 to 599 level, selected with the advice and approval of an advisor.

Students without prior programming experience must also complete:

• MET CS 201 Introduction to Programming

And four additional computer science courses at the 300 to 599 level, selected with the advice and approval of an advisor.

Mathematics Requirement

Three courses total:

• MET MA 123 Calculus I
• MET MA 124 Calculus II

plus one mathematics course selected from the following:

• MET MA 213 Basic Statistics and Probability
• MET MA 214 Applied Statistics
• MET MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
• CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
• CAS MA 242 Linear Algebra

Electives

Usually five courses (20 credits), but possibly more depending on transfer credits. Choose from disciplines other than computer science. At least three courses (12 credits) must be selected from the humanities (H), natural sciences (N), and social sciences (S).

Computer Science Minor

Students must earn a minimum grade of C in courses taken toward a minor. All minor concentrators develop their programs in consultation with an advisor. Two courses may be credited toward both a major and minor specialization.

• MET CS 231 Programming with C++ and
• MET CS 341 Data Structures with C++

OR

• MET CS 232 Programming with Java and
• MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java

Plus two computer science courses at the 300 to 500 level selected with the advice and approval of an academic counselor.

Students without prior programming experience must also complete:

• MET CS 201 Introduction to Programming

Contact Information

For further information, contact Undergraduate Student Services, 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2980; 
email: metuss@bu.edu.

Boston University offers the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science on a fast track in just twenty months. The Accelerated Degree Completion Program follows a cohort format, with classes meeting on weekday evenings and Saturdays. This program provides a comprehensive foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, along with focused exploration of the various disciplines of information technology and the latest industry tools and techniques.

The BS in Computer Science develops valuable experience and professional skills in areas such as object-oriented programming and C++, and many graduates go on to rewarding computer-related careers in software engineering, system administration and management, and research and development in industrial and governmental laboratories. Others use their undergraduate computer science degree background (and analytical skills) to prepare for careers in medicine, law, education, physical and life sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

Applicants are selected based on their academic background and professional expertise. They are expected to have completed a minimum of 64 transferable academic credits, including the equivalent of a freshman-level English writing course and a college-level course in mathematics or related quantitative area. Five years of work experience is also required. A completed application and official high school and college transcripts are necessary for admission.

Program Curriculum (total 64 credits)

The Accelerated Degree Completion program comprises 16 courses. Please see the Undergraduate Course Listing for all course descriptions. The program format is as follows:

Liberal Arts (total 20 credits)

• MET HU 400 Great Works of the Modern Era
• MET IS 400 Great Ideas in Western Thought
• MET IS 401 Communication Skills 1
• MET IS 402 Communication Skills 2
• MET IS 403 Natural Science in Contemporary Society

Computer Science Core (total 44 credits)

• MET CS 232 Programming with Java
• MET CS 248 Discrete Mathematics
• MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java
• MET CS 401 Introduction to Web Application Development
• MET CS 473 Software Engineering
• MET CS 495 Directed Study
• MET CS 503 Windows .NET Application Programming with C#
• MET CS 535 Computer Networks
• MET CS 565 Advanced Java Programming
• MET CS 575 Operating Systems
• MET CS 579 Database Management

Contact Information

For an information package on the Accelerated Degree Completion Program, please contact Student & Corporate Outreach at 617-353-6000 or met@bu.edu. If you would like to discuss the program with the program director, please contact Gerard Keegan: 617-358-3095 or gkeegan@bu.edu.

The Department of Computer Science offers the Certificate in Computer Science to students seeking to build skills in C++ and Java software development.

Certificate in Computer Science

There is a significant and growing demand for C++ and Java software development specialists. This certificate provides students with the skills necessary to become part of a C++ or Java development team. Graduates of the program also acquire background required to enter the software engineering certificate program and the Master of Science in Computer Science program.

Prerequisite

• MET CS 201 Introduction to Programming or equivalent experience.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 231 Programming with C++ or MET CS 232 Programming with Java
• MET CS 248 Discrete Mathematics
• MET CS 341 Data Structures with C++ or MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java
• MET CS 472 Computer Architecture

Contact Information

For further information, contact the Department of Computer Science, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2566; email: csinfo@bu.edu; website: http://csmet.bu.edu.

The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science program is intended for computer professionals and for people who intend to move into the computer field from other areas of study. The MS in Computer Science is offered on the Charles River Campus and the North Campus, 100 Apollo Drive, Chelmsford, MA.

Dual Degree Option

Appreciating the converging nature of management skills and technology, the Computer Science Department has a special relationship with Metropolitan College’s Administrative Sciences and Actuarial Science Departments. Students in either program are able to use 8 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 they may request that application materials such as references and transcripts be forwarded from the first program to the second.

Concentrations

Students in the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science may choose a concentration in Security.

The Concentration in Security provides in-depth knowledge of emerging security threats and solutions to prepare technical leaders to identify, develop, and implement highly secure systems and networks that support organizational goals.

Prerequisites

Students who complete the program’s prerequisites at Boston University can earn an Certificate in Computer Science. Contact the Department of Computer Science for more information.

Applicants to the program are required to have a baccalaureate degree and proficiency in the following areas:

• MET CS 201 Introduction to Programming
• MET CS 231 Programming with C++ or MET CS 232 Programming with Java
• MET CS 248 Discrete Mathematics
• MET CS 341 Data Structures with C++ or MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java
• MET CS 472 Computer Architecture

Students are advised to discuss their background in this area with the graduate student advisor in order to determine the best sequence of courses.

Admissions Information

Prerequisite courses or evidence of proficiency in these areas must accompany the application to the program. If college-level credit courses are not in evidence, the department will determine what prerequisite courses must be completed in addition to the graduate degree requirements. Students claiming equivalent proficiency in prerequisite courses from non-academic sources must take an examination to demonstrate such proficiency.

Official transcripts of previous academic work and three letters of recommendation are required as part of the application.

A maximum of two graduate-level courses (8 credits) taken at Metropolitan College before acceptance into the program may be applied toward the degree.

Minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is C (2.0), but an average grade of B (3.0) must be maintained to be in good academic standing and satisfy the degree requirements.

The Application for Graduate Admission can be found on the Metropolitan College website at www.bu.edu/met/admissions.

Degree Requirements

A total of ten courses (40 credits) is required, as follows:

Core Curriculum (five courses/20 credits)

• MET CS 535 Computer Networks or MET CS 579 Database Management
• MET CS 566 Analysis of Algorithms
• MET CS 575 Operating Systems
• MET CS 662 Computer Language Theory
• MET CS 673 Software Engineering

Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program must replace the corresponding core courses with electives. It is recommended that each replacement course be in the same technical area. Students who have work-related experience in any of the core curriculum courses may apply for a waiver by submitting appropriate documentation. When a course waiver is granted the student must substitute a graduate-level computer science course for the core course.

General Electives (five courses/20 credits)

Students who are not choosing a concentration must select five general electives. At least three courses must be at the 600 level or above:

• MET CS 503 Windows .NET Application Programming with C#
• MET CS 532 Computer Graphics
• MET CS 546 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems
• MET CS 560 Organization of Programming Languages
• MET CS 561 Financial Informatics
• MET CS 565 Advanced Java Programming
• MET CS 580 Biomedical Information Technology
• MET CS 581 Electronic Health Records
• MET CS 599 Biometrics
• MET CS 601 Web Application Development
• MET CS 605 Human-Computer Interface Design with .NET
• MET CS 632 IT Project Management
• MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
• MET CS 635 Network Design and Implementation
• MET CS 651 Web Development with .NET
• MET CS 664 Artificial Intelligence
• MET CS 665 Design Patterns and Components
• MET CS 667 Enterprise Java
• MET CS 671 Systems Programming Using UNIX
• MET CS 674 Database Security
• MET CS 679 Enterprise Architecture
• MET CS 683 Mobile Application Development
• MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
• MET CS 685 Network Performance and Management
• MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
• MET CS 690 Network Security
• MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
• MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
• MET CS 699 Data Mining and Business Intelligence
• MET CS 701 Advanced Web Application Development
• MET CS 703 Network Forensics
• MET CS 713 Advanced Digital Forensics
• MET CS 732 Advanced Game Graphics
• MET CS 733 Real-Time Multimedia Simulation
• MET CS 734 Artificial Intelligence for Video Games
• MET CS 751 Web Services
• MET CS 755 Cloud Computing
• MET CS 767 Fuzzy, Expert, Genetic, and Neural Systems
• MET CS 773 Software Quality Management
• MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
• MET CS 780 Database Administration
• MET CS 789 Cryptography
• MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography

Electives other than those listed must be approved by an advisor and often include:

• MET CS 594 Special Topics
• MET CS 893 Agile and Advanced Software Engineering Methods
• MET CS 894 Special Topics

Master’s Thesis Option in Computer Science (8 credits)

Students majoring in Computer Science may elect a thesis option, to be completed within twelve months. This option is available to Master of Science in Computer Science candidates who have completed at least seven 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 department).

• MET CS 810/811 Master’s Thesis

Concentration in Security

In addition to the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science core curriculum (20 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Security must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:

Concentration Requirements (three courses/12 credits)

• MET CS 690 Network Security
• MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
• MET CS 789 Cryptography

Electives (two courses/8 credits)

One course selected from the following:

• MET CS 599 Biometrics
• MET CS 674 Database Security
• MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
• MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
• MET CS 703 Network Forensics
• MET CS 713 Advanced Digital Forensics
• MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography

And no more than one additional course from the list of Computer Science general electives above.

Contact Information

For further information, contact the Department of Computer Science, Boston University Metropolitan College, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 250, Boston, MA 02215, 617-353-2566; email: csinfo@bu.edu; website: http://csmet.bu.edu.

The Department of Computer Science is pleased to offer graduate certificates in a variety of cutting-edge topics, providing intensive training in specific industry areas, emerging technologies, and the latest technological developments.

The Department of Computer Science offers numerous eLive courses. Available in a blended format, eLive courses combine online study with four 3-hour face-to-face Saturday meetings per semester—providing added flexibility to the learning experience and new avenues of opportunity for those with demanding schedules. While some certificate programs are entirely eLive, other certificates and degrees may have requirements that can be satisfied through eLive courses.

In most cases, credits from Computer Science graduate certificates can be applied toward the MS degrees in Computer Information Systems or Computer Science. To find out more, and to get help planning a course of study, please contact the Department of Computer Science, Boston University Metropolitan College, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 250, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2566; fax: 617-353-2367; email: csinfo@bu.edu; website: http://csmet.bu.edu.

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Information Technology (Business Informatics)

(on campus, online, or eLive)

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Information Technology provides students with state-of-the-art knowledge of modern enterprise IT and systems analysis. It offers hands-on experience in the most important contemporary business informatics areas such as advanced database management, web development, IT project management, and enterprise information security. Students graduating with this certificate will have gained the skills to provide unique expertise to enterprises dealing with the major IT challenges of today, along with a solid foundation for exploring the advanced IT challenges of tomorrow.

Prerequisites

Any bachelor’s degree. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 601 Web Application Development
• MET CS 632 IT Project Management
• MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
• MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management

Graduate Certificate in Database Management & Business Intelligence

(on campus or online)

Database systems are the information heart of modern enterprises, where they are used for processing business transactions and for understanding and managing the enterprise. Business intelligence is the analysis of data to improve management of the enterprise and routine business operations such as intelligent supply chain management. Students who complete the Certificate in Database Management & Business Intelligence will be prepared to design and implement both transaction processing and decision support databases, and to use data mining technologies to discover the structure, trends, and relationships in the data to produce valuable business insights and effective decision support processes.

Prerequisites

Any bachelor’s degree. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business or MET CS 579 Database Management
• MET CS 699 Data Mining and Business Intelligence
• MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management

At least one of the following three courses:

• MET CS 674 Database Security
• MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
• MET CS 780 Database Administration

Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics

(on campus, online, or eLive)

Computers and various digital devices are used throughout organizations large and small to operate daily business. The fundamental role of digital systems in business brings with it serious security challenges. Hackers and criminals are constantly attacking all types of organizations. To mitigate such risks, it is important for IT specialists to obtain a comprehensive overview of digital forensics. This specialized graduate certificate program in digital forensics will provide students with comprehensive knowledge of “digital-crime scene investigation.” This program introduces students to forensic analysis policy and procedures, forensic analysis tools, data recovery, and investigation, amongst other topics.

Prerequisites

Any bachelor’s degree. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 625 Business Data and Communication Networks
• MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
• MET CS 703 Network Forensics
• MET CS 713 Advanced Digital Forensics or MET CS 699 Data Mining and Business Intelligence

Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics

The objective of this program is to expose students to modern health informatics, including heath data collection, processing, and storage. This program primarily focuses on electronic medical data generated and stored in health care and public health organizations. Individuals who complete the Health Informatics certificate program will have a solid knowledge of health information technology and systems and electronic health records as well as a solid exposure to the latest medical technologies.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 580 Biomedical Information Technology
• MET CS 581 Electronic Health Records

Plus either one of the following two courses:

• MET CS 535 Computer Networks
• MET CS 625 Business Data and Communication Networks

And one selected from the following:

• MET CS 579 Database Management
• MET CS 632 IT Project Management
• MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
• MET CS 649 Database Management for Health Care

Graduate Certificate in Information Security

(on campus or online)

Developing a strong information security program in today’s world is crucial and challenging for most organizations. In general, information security means protecting information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction. Information security is essential because most organizations, including government agencies, hospitals, insurance companies, and private businesses, store various kinds of information about their employees and customers. If any business-related information is confidential, the security of that data becomes crucial. For example, if critical business data (e.g., credit card numbers or design documents) is leaked to competitors or hackers, it could lead to loss of business, lawsuits, and even bankruptcy. Organizations also need to be able to comply by standards and laws, such as HIPPA, PCI, and GLBA, which help protect confidential and privacy of customer data.

The Information Security certificate program examines various aspects of information security, including IT security policies and system security. Students may also learn about digital forensics to help in investigating a security breach, or obtain a good understanding of how information is stored in a database and what services are available to protect it. On completing the graduate certificate, students will have sufficient skills in developing and implementing IT security in their organizations.

Prerequisites

Any bachelor’s degree. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

Any four of the following:

• MET CS 599 Biometrics
• MET CS 674 Database Security
• MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
• MET CS 690 Network Security
• MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
• MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security
• MET CS 703 Network Forensics
• MET CS 713 Advanced Digital Forensics
• MET CS 789 Cryptography
• MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography

Graduate Certificate in Information Technology

(on campus or online)

This certificate program offers students hands-on experience in various aspects of software design and implementation, while providing comprehensive knowledge about the state-of-the-art in information technology. Industry reports reveal that today’s business world seeks graduates who possess broad business perspectives; systems/IS skills, including hardware and software programming; a strong grasp of communication and teamwork; analytical abilities; and cutting-edge technology knowledge in areas of systems analysis, web technology, data communications, and database systems. Along with building these qualities and skills, the Information Technology program prepares students to:

• Assess the information needs of different organizational levels within an organization
• Design or fully participate in designing systems for an organization that are both competitive and efficient
• Create an information systems architecture that aligns with organization goals
• Design systems that people can control, understand, and use in a socially and ethically responsible manner

Prerequisites

Any bachelor’s degree.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 625 Business Data and Communication Networks
• MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
• MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
• MET CS 782 IT Strategy and Management

Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Project Management

(on campus, online, or eLive)

It is important to be informed of new and improved project management tools and techniques in today’s competitive market, where only the best project managers will succeed in completing assignments in a timely, cost-effective, and quality-conscious manner. Project managers, systems analysts, designers, programmers, research managers, and others engaged in the administration of technical projects will find this graduate certificate valuable. After completing this program, graduates will be able to pursue Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, if they wish to do so, and take an optional PMP Preparation course.

Prerequisites

Any bachelor’s degree and MET CS 231 or MET CS 232, or consent of instructor. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 632 IT Project Management
• MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
• MET CS 673 Software Engineering or MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
• MET CS 782 IT Strategy and Management

Graduate Certificate in Interactive Multimedia & Game Engineering

(on campus or eLive)

Multimedia computing applications in entertainment, education, and training have grown enormously during the past decade. These applications include intelligent video games and interactive simulations employed by business, industry, and governmental institutions such as the U.S. Army, Homeland Security, and the National Institutes of Health. Mapping realistic virtual worlds and harnessing artificial intelligence that accurately reflects human actions is at the cutting-edge of computer science. It has also become fundamental to many areas of entertainment, education, and training.

The Interactive Multimedia & Game Engineering certificate program introduces students to graphics and simulation; it then builds on this foundation with animation, advanced graphics, real-time techniques, and artificial intelligence.

Prerequisites

Any bachelor’s degree and MET CS 248 and MET CS 341 or MET CS 342.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 532 Computer Graphics
• MET CS 733 Real-Time Multimedia Simulation

And any two of the following:

• MET CS 683 Mobile Application Development
• MET CS 732 Advanced Game Graphics
• MET CS 734 Artificial Intelligence for Video Games

Graduate Certificate in Medical Information Security & Privacy

Students gain exposure to the complex and varied factors that must be taken into account when addressing information security issues within health care systems. This certificate presents the methods and skills needed for designing and building secure and reliable systems by developing an understanding of the special requirements of health care systems, where privacy of personal data must be balanced with access to patient records.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 580 Biomedical Information Technology
• MET CS 581 Electronic Health Records
• MET CS 695 Enterprise Information Security

Plus one course selected from the following:

• MET CS 674 Database Security
• MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
• MET CS 634 IT Security and Privacy in Health Care

Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering

This program is designed to produce software engineers who will participate in and lead development projects. It enables students to plan, design, and implement software applications. The program emphasizes the object-oriented method, but also covers structured techniques, project management, and testing. C++ and Java are the principal object-oriented languages used, although knowledge of Java is not a prerequisite. The program is suited both to programmers seeking professional growth and to software engineers who want to learn the object-oriented paradigm.

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree and the Certificate in Computer Science or its equivalent in experience. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 632 IT Project Management or MET CS 893 Agile and Advanced Software Engineering Methods
• MET CS 665 Design Patterns and Components or MET CS 770 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
• MET CS 673 Software Engineering
• MET CS 773 Software Quality Management

Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering for Health Care Systems

The objective of this program is to prepare software engineers to participate in and lead development projects in health informatics. The curriculum enables graduates to plan, design, and implement software health care applications. The program emphasizes the object-oriented method, but also covers structured techniques, project management, and testing. Java and C++ are the principal object-oriented languages used. The health care-specific knowledge is provided by courses in biomedical IT and electronic health records, as well as through examples, modules, and case studies within the existing technical courses.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 580 Biomedical Information Technology
• MET CS 581 Electronic Health Records
• MET CS 673 Software Engineering

Plus one course selected from the following:

• MET CS 632 IT Project Management
• MET CS 665 Design Patterns and Components
• MET CS 773 Software Quality Management

Graduate Certificate in Web Application Development

The graduate certificate in Web Application Development provides comprehensive coverage of both client-side and server-side development. The latest topics in PHP, .NET (C# 3.0, ASP.NET 3.5, ADO.NET, LINQ, WCF, and WPF), and Enterprise Java (Servlets, JSP, Hibernate, Spring, and EJBs) are widely covered. Students will also learn and work with cutting-edge technologies such as Ruby on Rails, AJAX, Flex, and Google Web Toolkit (GWT). Students will be creating real-world web application projects that will also involve interacting with databases such as Oracle, MySQL, and SQLSERVER.

Prerequisites

Any bachelor’s degree and MET CS 231 or MET CS 232, and MET CS 341 or MET CS 342. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.

Curriculum (four courses/16 credits)

• MET CS 579 Database Management or MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
• MET CS 601 Web Application Development
• MET CS 651 Web Development with .NET or MET CS 667 Enterprise Java
• MET CS 751 Web Services or MET CS 701 Advanced Web Application Development