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.
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designated the Department of Computer Science as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Information Assurance Research.
Accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Program Prerequisites
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 our 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 course may be required:
Masters in Computer Information Systems Degree Summary
Ten courses/40 credits
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 choose not to pursue a concentration will take
and four general electives to complete their degree.
Degree can be completed part time or full time on campus, online, or, in the blended format in as little as three semesters full time on campus or five 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.
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
(five courses/20 credits)
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 five 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 (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Computer Networks must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
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 (20 credits), 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 (20 credits), students pursuing a concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence 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* (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Health Informatics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIM). Completion of a CAHIIM-accredited program is required in order to be eligible to sit for professional certification exams offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), such as the Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI™) exam. Along with demonstrating a high standard of proficiency and professionalism sought by employers, AHIMA certification ensures access to valuable networking resources, opens the door to higher earning potential, and paves the way for long-term leadership opportunities in the field.
*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, or with courses from the following list:
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 (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in IT Project Management must also take the following concentration requirements:
The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems has been accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).
The GAC and PMI logos are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. For the full list of PMI’s legal marks, please contact the PMI Legal department.
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.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Security 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 Security
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 (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Web Application Development must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
In addition to the MS in Computer Information Systems core curriculum (20 credits), Students who are not choosing to complete a concentration must take MET CS 546 and four general electives (16 credits) from the list below with at least three at the 600 level or above. When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course. Not all courses are offered on campus, online and in the blended format. Consult your advisor for guidance.
Metropolitan College received the USDLA Platinum Best Practices Award for Distance Learning Programming for the course Quantitative Methods for Information Systems, developed by Dr. Anatoly Temkin and Dr. Daniel Hillman.
Master Thesis - Optional Requirement (8 credits)
The thesis option is to be completed within twelve months. This option is available to Master of Science in Computer Information Systems 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 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 and Actuarial Science departments. 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 Administrative Sciences, MS in Applied Business Analytics, MS in Enterprise Risk Management, MS in Financial Management, MS in Global Marketing Management, MS in Project Management, MS in Supply Chain Management
Computer Science: MS in Computer Science, MS in Computer Information Systems, MS in Telecommunication
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).
The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (
Metropolitan College received the USDLA Platinum Best Practices Award for Distance Learning Programming for the course Quantitative Methods for Information Systems, developed by Dr. Anatoly Temkin and Dr. Daniel Hillman.
