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—preparing you for IT leadership and artificial intelligence-integrated roles.
Accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program (GAC) and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Program Prerequisites and Corequisites
Applicants must have an earned bachelor’s degree, in any field of study, from a regionally accredited college/university (or the international equivalent) prior to enrollment at MET. Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within MET’s Computer Science department. 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 complimentary lab may be required.
All students are required to enroll in the following complimentary labs, regardless of their background. These labs may be completed alongside regular MSCIS courses and are to be completed by the end of the second semester.
Master’s in Computer Information Systems Degree Summary
Eight courses/32 units
Students are required to complete the core curriculum courses and have the option to complete one or more concentrations or, no concentration. Students who want to earn one or more concentrations must satisfy the stated requirements of each concentration they wish to pursue. Students who are not choosing a concentration must complete recommended prerequisites and corequisites along with the core courses and four electives.
The degree can be completed part time or full time on campus, online, or, in the blended format in as little as two semesters full time on campus or four semesters part time on campus or online. Not all courses are offered in every format, consult an Administrative Advisor for further details.
Applications are accepted throughout the year. The online program has six start dates a year and the on campus or blended program has three.
A minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is a C (2.0) but an average grade of B (3.0) must be maintained to be in good academic standing and to be eligible to graduate.
For students who matriculated before Fall 2025, and wish to continue with the previous curriculum, please check the following link for the degree requirements:2024–2025 MSCIS Degree Requirements
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.
MSCIS Concentration Options
Computer Networks
The concentration in Computer Networks provides students with a broad foundation in information technology (IT) and an in depth understanding of computer data communication and modern networking. The four MSCIS core courses include a comprehensive introductory networking course that covers digital communications, local area, wide area, wireless and other network technologies. The core also includes courses in databases, math for IT, strategic IT, software development, and systems analysis and design. The Computer Networks concentration courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding 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 knowledge and hands-on experience to analyze, design, procure, manage and implement cutting-edge computer networking solutions and technologies.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (16 units), students pursuing a Concentration in Computer Networks must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
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.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Cybersecurity must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
Excellent Boston University classes such as Network Security and Enterprise Cyber Security have enriched my role as a premier support architect for BMC Software, where I must articulate the importance of security to the engineering teams and customers at the financial customers we serve. – Isaac Matta, current student, MS in Computer Information Systems, concentration in Cybersecurity
The concentration in Data Analytics will provide 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.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (16 units), students pursuing a Concentration in Data Analytics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
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.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
The objective of this concentration is to provide students with the technical and managerial knowledge needed to investigate digital crime scenes and analyze digital evidence. The primary focus of this program is on applying in-depth technical skills and emerging technology management to cases involving fraud, cybercrime, data breaches, intellectual property theft, and regulatory compliance. Individuals graduating from this program will have a solid understanding of digital forensics tools and practices, as well as the ability to serve as expert witnesses in court proceedings.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Digital Forensics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
The objective of this program is to expose students to modern health information technology, including heath data collection, processing and storage. The primary focus of this program is on electronic medical data generated and stored in health care and public health organizations. Individuals graduating from this 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.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum* (16 units), students pursuing a Concentration in Health Informatics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
The Health Informatics accreditor of Boston University’s Metropolitan College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM. The College’s accreditation for the master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Health Informatics concentration, has been reaffirmed through 2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
*Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program or have relevant work-related experience 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.
Mission Statement:
The program is designed to prepare IT and health care professionals for careers in the management of health care information systems. Program courses have been developed and taught by faculty with expertise in biomedicine, computer science, biomedical engineering, and health IT.
The program provides students with an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to health care IT, and teaches cutting-edge IT technologies used in the design, implementation, and management of health care IT applications. Students are exposed to modern health information technology, including the collection, processing, storage, communication, and use of health data and information. They are also introduced to the American health care system, biomedical terminology, knowledge hierarchy, medical algorithms, clinical decision-making, data/communication standards, data privacy and security, hospital informatics systems (including electronic health records), the latest developments in health care IT, and the management of IT challenges.
Particularly valuable for those engaged in the administration of technical projects, the concentration in IT Project Management introduces 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. 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.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (16 units), students pursuing a Concentration in IT Project Management must also take the following concentration requirements:
And one additional Project Management course, chosen with advisor’s approval.
Accreditation BU MET’s MS in Project Management and MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in IT Project & Product Management are accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).
The Concentration in Web Application Development introduces the fundamental concepts of web applications, providing a comprehensive coverage of both client-side and server-side development. The latest topics in JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, Vue.JS, Angular, Ionic, 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.
Students who complete the MSCIS degree concentration in Web Application Development will be able to demonstrate:
Advanced knowledge of web application development languages.
Proficiency in one or two server-side web language/platform-specific technologies like Node.js and PHP, and client-side languages like JavaScript.
Competence sufficient to apply acquired knowledge in migrating to new and emerging standards and technologies.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (16 units), students pursuing a concentration in Web Application Development must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
Select four courses at the 500 level or higher, with at least two at the 600 level or above, unless you are pursuing a concentration in Computer Networks, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Digital Forensics, Health Informatics, IT Project & Product Management, or Web Application Development. When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course. Note that some courses may not be available in an online format.
Students have the option to complete a master’s thesis in addition to the program’s eight course (32 unit) requirements. The thesis option is to be completed within twelve months and is available to Master of Science in Computer Information Systems candidates who have completed at least four 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 the department).
Appreciating the converging nature of management skills and technology, the Computer Science Department has a special relationship with Metropolitan College’s Administrative Sciences department. Degree candidates in either program may apply up to 8 credits from one degree toward a second degree in one of these disciplines, thereby reducing their work by two courses.
Interested students apply for a second master’s degree after enrollment at MET. Students who apply for a second master’s degree are eligible for an application fee waiver and may also request that application materials (including references and transcripts) be forwarded from the first application to the second. Upon acceptance to the second master’s degree, credit transfer may be applied for up to 8 credits.
What degree programs are eligible for the second-degree option?
Administrative Studies: MS in Applied Business Analytics, MS in Enterprise Risk Management, MS in Financial Management, MS in Global Marketing Management, MS in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, MS in Project Management, MS in Supply Chain Management
Computer Science: MS in Computer Science, MS in Computer Information Systems
What two courses from the first degree can be applied to the second degree?
Contact your designated program administrator to determine how courses will count towards your second degree program as it can vary by degree – metcs@bu.edu (on campus/blended) students) or metcsol@bu.edu (online students).
Related Graduate Certificates
Students who are currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems have the option to complete a certificate program without reapplication. Classes may count towards both a certificate and degree program (if requirements indicate the same course). However, please refer to the Academic Policies Manual regarding classes overlapping between two certificate programs. To add a certificate to your academic profile, email your designated program administrator at metcs@bu.edu (on campus/blended) students) or metcsol@bu.edu (online students).
