MS in Computer Information Systems
Offered on the Charles River Campus, online, and in the blended format, the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems program is designed for students who wish to combine technical competence in information systems with knowledge of managerial and organizational issues.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify, evaluate, and manage the implementation of information technologies with strategic value for the enterprise.
- Perform requirement analysis, architecture, design, and implementation, exploiting AI.
- Demonstrate proficiency with current IT tools, database systems, and data communications.
Degree Recognition
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designate the Metropolitan College Department of Computer Science as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research.
The MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in IT Project & Product Management is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC); the concentration in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Admissions Information
For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.
Preparatory Labs
All students are enrolled in the following free, non-unit, preparatory labs designed to strengthen their academic foundation and serve as a key resource for the degree program. Requirements for completion are assessed during the application process.
- MET LB 102 Foundations of Computer Information Systems
- MET LB 103 Core Mathematical Concepts
- MET LB 104 Foundations of Probability
Degree Requirements
Students are required to complete the core curriculum courses and have the option to complete one or more concentration(s) or no concentration. Students who want to earn one or more concentration(s) must satisfy the stated requirements of each concentration they wish to pursue.
A total of 8 courses (32 units) is required, as follows:
Core Courses (four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 520 Information Structures with Java
or MET CS 521 Information Structures with Python
- MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
- MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
- MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program 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.
General Electives (four courses/16 units)
Students who choose not to complete a concentration must select four MET CS courses at the 500 level or higher (16 units) from the list below, with at least two at the 600 level or above. When choosing electives, students should ensure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course. Please note that not all electives are available in the online or blended program format.
Concentrations
Computer Networks (online and on campus)
The Concentration in Computer Networks provides a broad foundation in information technology (IT) and an in-depth understanding of computer data communication and modern networking. Students benefit from a comprehensive examination of network design and implementation, network performance analysis and management, network security, and the latest networking technology. The program is designed to empower students with extensive hands-on experience, enabling them to analyze, design, procure, manage, and implement cutting-edge computer networking solutions and technologies.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of protocols and the processing of user data as it passes through the layers of each device connected to the internet.
- Ability to specify requirements and analyze, design, and evaluate networking across LAN, MAN, WAN, and CDN architectures.
- Proficiency in security, network management, and design principles necessary for inter-process communications.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (four courses/16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Computer Networks must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 685 Network Design and Architecture
- MET CS 690 Network and Cloud Security
- MET CS 775 Advanced Networking
- One course selected from the following:
- MET CS 575 Operating Systems
- MET CS 595 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- MET CS 622 Advanced Programming Techniques
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 763 Secure Software Development
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
Cybersecurity (online, on campus, and blended)
The Concentration in Cybersecurity 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.
Learning Outcomes
- Competence in information security concepts, cryptography, cyberattacks, and cyber defense tools/protocols.
- Advanced knowledge of network and cloud security, including relevant threats/attacks, their root causes, IAM, and best security practices.
- Proficiency in security policies, processes, technology, operations, and risk management (e.g., asset assessments, architectural solutions, modeling, and design).
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (four courses/16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Cybersecurity must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 595 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
- MET CS 690 Network and Cloud Security
- One course selected from the following:
- MET CS 696 Biometrics
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security
- MET CS 698 Cryptography
- MET CS 763 Secure Software Development
- MET CS 787 AI and Cybersecurity
Data Analytics (online and on campus)
The Concentration in Data Analytics provides professionals with the skills required to compete for data analysis jobs amid rising global demand. The concentration will explore the intricacies of data analytics and expose students to various topics related to data processing, analysis, and visualization. Along with probability theory and statistical analysis methods and tools, students will learn how to generate relevant visual presentations of data and will examine concepts and techniques for data mining, text mining, and web mining. In addition to the broad background in the theory and practice of information technology gained from the Computer Information Systems core courses, individuals who complete this program will have a solid knowledge of data analytics practices accompanied by exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery.
Learning Outcomes
- A foundation in applied probability and statistics, especially their relevance to day-to-day data analysis.
- The ability to apply the various data visualization techniques and their applications to real-world data sets.
- The ability to understand web analytics and metrics, procure and process unstructured text, and uncover hidden patterns.
- Knowledge-discovery skills using data-mining techniques over vast amounts of data.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (four courses/16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Data Analytics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(four courses/16 units)
- Two courses selected from the following:
- MET CS 544 Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization or MET CS 550 Computational Mathematics for Machine Learning
- MET CS 555 Foundations of Machine Learning
- Plus, two courses from the list below:
- MET CS 577 Data Science with Python
- MET CS 688 Web Mining and Graph Analytics
- MET CS 699 Data Mining
- MET CS 767 Advanced Machine Learning and Neural Networks
- MET CS 777 Big Data Analytics
Database Management & Business Intelligence (online, on campus, and blended)
The Concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence equips students with the tools necessary to utilize the vast amounts of information provided by large amounts of data. By focusing on the integration of information technology with business problems and opportunities, this concentration enables information systems professionals to understand technological issues in addition to business concepts and fundamentals.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of database modeling and design, implementation, distributed databases, object-oriented and object-relational databases, databases for web applications, and typical data-mining methods.
- Proficiency in designing, implementing, and performance-tuning different types of databases, as well as performing data-mining tasks on various data types.
- Competence sufficient to participate in the design and implementation of large, distributed database systems and business intelligence systems.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (four courses/16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
- MET CS 699 Data Mining
- MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
Digital Forensics (online and on campus)
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. The Concentration in Digital Forensics provides comprehensive knowledge of “digital-crime scene investigation” and introduces students to forensic analysis policy and procedures, forensic analysis tools, data recovery, and investigation, among other topics.
Learning Outcomes
- Advanced knowledge of the computer forensics tools necessary to launch a complete and successful digital forensics investigation in civil, criminal, or administrative cases.
- Proficiency in conducting network forensics analysis, including determining how a perpetrator or an attacker gained access to a network and transmitted felonious digital data.
- Competence sufficient to conduct a comprehensive “digital crime scene investigation” and mastery of skills pertaining to acquisition of digital evidence, conducting analysis, presenting a report, and being an expert witness in a court.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (four courses/16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Digital Forensics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
- MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
- MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security
- Plus, two of the following:
- MET CS 595 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- MET CS 674 Database Security
- MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
- MET CS 690 Network and Cloud Security
- MET CS 696 Biometrics
- MET CS 698 Cryptography
- MET CS 763 Secure Software Development
- MET CS 787 AI and Cybersecurity
Health Informatics (online, on campus, and blended)
The Concentration in Health Informatics exposes students to modern health information technology, including health data collection, processing, and storage. The primary focus of this program is on electronic medical data generated and stored in healthcare and public health organizations. Individuals graduating from this program will have a solid knowledge of health information technology and systems and electronic health records, and command of the latest medical technologies.
The MS in Computer Information Systems with a Health Informatics concentration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of the lifecycle of healthcare information system (HCIS) acquisition, development, implementation, and support.
- The ability to comprehend key healthcare delivery workflows, analyze how HCIS changes those workflows, and manage these changes.
- The skills to lead health IT initiatives; engage in biomedical research; and design, implement, and manage advanced IT solutions.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (four courses/16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Health Informatics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 570 Biomedical Sciences and Health IT
- MET CS 580 Health Informatics
- MET CS 581 Health Information Systems
- MET CS 781 Advanced Health Informatics
IT Project & Product Management (online, on campus, and blended)
The Concentration in IT Project & Product Management is particularly valuable for those engaged in the administration of technical projects. Students are introduced to general concepts embodied in the Project Management Institute’s PMBOK®, while exploring specialized techniques for software risk management, software cost estimation, and software quality management. Students also learn virtual project management, enabling them to manage geographically distributed software development.
The MS in Computer Information Systems with an IT Project & Product Management concentration is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). Students taking any course in this concentration are eligible to take a PMP® preparation course for free—an important step toward certification as Project Management Professionals.
Learning Outcomes
- Proficiency in all basic project management tools and software techniques, including software architecture, project communications, risk analysis, cost estimation and budgeting, and quality control.
- Knowledge of agile software development practices, as well as planning and governance of large projects and programs.
- Competence to architecting, designing, and implementing software systems.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (four courses/16 units), students pursuing a concentration in IT Project & Product Management must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 632 Information Technology Project and Product Management
- MET CS 633 Software Quality, Testing, and Security Management
- MET CS 634 Agile Software Development with Intelligent Systems
- MET CS 782 IT Strategy and Management or a project management-focused elective approved by the advisor
Web Application Development (online and on campus)
The Concentration in Web Application Development introduces the fundamental concepts of web applications, providing comprehensive coverage of both client-side and server-side development. The latest topics in JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, jQuery, AngularJS, PHP, and Node.js are widely covered. Students also learn, and work with, cutting-edge technologies for building desktop and mobile web applications. Students create real-world web application projects that also involve interacting with databases such as Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases like MongoDB.
Learning Outcomes
- The ability to develop and deploy full-stack web applications using client-side and server-side technologies (including responsive front-end frameworks and back-end services), building secure, scalable, and maintainable systems.
- The ability to apply advanced programming principles, agile methodologies, and mobile and secure software development techniques to create user-centered applications.
- The ability to work in team-based environments and adapt to evolving web development practices.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (four courses/16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Web Application Development must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(four courses/16 units)
- MET CS 601 Frontend Web Development
- MET CS 602 Server-Side Web Development
- Plus, two courses selected from the following:
- MET CS 622 Advanced Programming Techniques
- MET CS 634 Agile Software Development with Intelligent Systems
- MET CS 683 Mobile Application Development with Android
- MET CS 763 Secure Software Development
Master’s Thesis Option (two courses/8 units)
Students have the option to complete a master’s thesis by taking two master’s thesis courses (8 units) in addition to the program’s eight-course (32 unit) requirement. The thesis must be completed within 12 months and is available to MS in Computer Information Systems degree candidates who have completed at least four courses toward their degree and have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher. Students are responsible for finding a thesis advisor and principal readers within the department. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member; the principal reader may be part-time faculty. Department approval is required.
- MET CS 810 Master’s Thesis 1
- MET CS 811 Master’s Thesis 2
Declaration of More Than One Concentration
Students in the MS in Computer Information Systems program have the option to concentrate in more than one area for their MS program. Each concentration must be finished before the student officially graduates from their program. No additional concentration may be added after graduation. In the case of some courses overlapping between one or more concentrations, only two courses may count toward both concentrations. If more than two courses overlap, the student must take electives in their place so that each concentration is completed. Not all concentrations are available in the blended format.
