Delve Deeper into Computer Science
With a master’s degree in computer science from BU, you will arm yourself with knowledge of the underlying principles of computer and information systems and theory. Our internationally renowned faculty are as active in their research fields as they are in the classroom. Students quickly gain expertise with basic techniques and methods to research the technical literature in search of a solution—or to devise new methods—when confronted with a challenging design, implementation, or theory problem. Our wide-ranging curriculum offers many opportunities for hands-on experience as well, allowing you to participate in the development of new systems or in the cutting-edge research projects led by our faculty. In addition to our general MS in Computer Science, we offer two specializations: cyber security and data-centric computing.
Beyond the computer science offerings, students are encouraged to tap into the rich array of elective coursework spread throughout the University’s 16 schools and colleges, including the College of Engineering and School of Management. With years of experience, our faculty advisors are especially helpful in steering CS students toward valuable, supplemental classes.
The CS program at Boston University is geared toward students with a CS undergraduate degree, but we also welcome those with equivalent computer training and experience, as well as students with gaps in their CS background but strong academic records overall. Whatever your background, in the Department of Computer Science, you’ll find a dynamic, diverse, and supportive community comprising a first-rate faculty and inspired student body—all located in the culturally and educationally rich city of Boston, Massachusetts, the center of a region with a storied history of technology innovation.
While not required, MS candidates may complete a master’s project or thesis. Projects are carried out with the approval of, and under the supervision of, a faculty member. A master’s project can be expanded into a master’s thesis, which requires two faculty readers.
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Request InfoQuestions? Please feel free to contact us at cs@bu.edu.
Requirements
Eight semester courses (32 credits) approved for graduate study are required. Course requirements include 5 breadth courses, with at least one in each of the following areas:
- Theory
- Systems
- Software
- Applications
- and three additional course electives
Students are expected to achieve a grade of B- or better in all graduate level courses that count towards the 32 degree credit requirement. In addition, among the grades received for the five breadth courses, the number of grades of B– must not be greater than the number of grades of B+ or higher. No grade lower than B– may be used for graduate credit.
Of the eight required courses for the MS CS degree, students must take five (breadth requirement) courses, three of which satisfy the CS core and two of which satisfy the Specialization requirements of the student’s CS program track.
The MS in CS Core must be satisfied by all students pursuing an MS in CS, inclusive of specialization. This requirement covers the three areas of software, systems and theory.Students can satisfy each area of the core with any graduate level CS course that is applicable. However, it is recommended that the CS core be satisfied with the courses that have been explicitly designed to form the core CS foundation for Master’s students, specifically:
- Software: GRS CS 611 *recommended*
- Theory: GRS CS 630 *recommended*
- Systems: A choice of:
- CAS CS 551
- CAS CS 552
- CAS CS 561
- GRS CS 651
- GRS CS 654
- GRS CS 655
Students wishing to satisfy a core area with a different course, other than the course recommended, have the option to do so with the approval of their CS advisor.
*With advisor permission, other courses that can satisfy, the Software requirement are:
-
- CAS CS 511
- CAS CS 520
- CAS CS 525
and, the Theory requirement are:
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- CAS CS 530
- CAS CS 531
- CAS CS 535
- CAS CS 537
In addition to the three course CS Core requirement, students must complete at least two additional courses specific to degree.
General CS track
Students who are in the general CS track, should take at least one additional course in the breadth area of applications. The fulfillment of the applications requirement can be completed with a wide array of courses in the Department of Computer Science.
Any application related graduate level CS course satisfies the applications requirement. However, any course that is applicable for the Cybersecurity or Data Centric computing specialization or any course applicable for the MS in AI program, is recommended and will automatically fulfill this requirement.
The remainder of the general MS degree is elective courses. Students in the general degree program can tailor their elective courses with a choice of:
- Any graduate-level course in the Department of Computer Science (CAS CS 500-599 or GRS CS 600-999)
- Graduate-level courses in other departments (with approval):
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics
- College of Engineering
- Questrom School of Business
Thesis
While not required for (non-PhD) students accepted into the Master’s Program. Projects are carried out with the approval of, and under the supervision of, a faculty member. A master’s project can be expanded into a master’s thesis, which requires two faculty readers.
Sample Program
*Sample program coming soon*
How to Apply
Please view our Admissions tab on how to apply.
Faculty
Our computer science professors are internationally recognized experts and active researchers, hailing from around the globe.
Alumni Voices
Graduates of our program have gone on to a variety of rewarding computer science careers. Read some of their stories here.
Research
From cell phone privacy to data mining to image and video computing, our professors and researchers are continually exploring and breaking new ground. See where they’re headed next.
Careers: Next Steps
Our CS Connections program is designed to link students with prospective employers in the computer science and cyber security fields, particularly in the Boston area. We also offer plenty of professional resources, networking events, and the latest job and internship listings.