Master of Science in Computer Science
ON CAMPUS
The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science program is for computer professionals and people who intend to move into the computer field from other areas of study.
Career Outlook
- 2017 median annual salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists is $114,520 per year*
- 19% increase in Computer and Information Research Scientist jobs by 2026*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Research Scientists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm (visited August 07, 2018).
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 in programming, discrete mathematics and computer systems. The following prerequisite courses may be required. Students who complete all of the program’s prerequisites at Boston University can earn a Certificate in Computer Science.
| Java Programming Track |
C++ Programming Track |
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Students who do not have any programming experience are strongly encouraged to take MET CS 201 before the prerequisite programming sequences in C++ or Java.
Masters in Computer Science 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.
- Requirements can be completed in as little as three semesters full time on campus or five semesters part time on campus. Some courses may have the option to be taken online or, in the blended format.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for three start dates a year.
- 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.
MSCS Core Curriculum
(five required courses/20 credits)
Core classes are available On Campus (OC) only, unless otherwise specified.
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 science electives.
MSCS Concentration Options
(five courses/20 credits)
Concentration options and classes are available On Campus (OC), Online (OL) and in the Blended (EL) format, unless otherwise noted.
Computer Networks (OC)
This concentration offers a broad foundation of information technology, along with an in-depth exploration of computer data communication and modern networking. The Computer Networks concentration provides 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, in order to analyze, design, procure, manage, and implement cutting-edge computer networking solutions and technologies.
Concentration Requirements
Students choosing this concentration should choose the core course MET CS 535 Computer Networks.
In addition to the MS in Computer Science core curriculum (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Computer Networks must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(five courses/20 credits)
- And one elective selected from the no concentration list
Area Coordinators
Data Analytics (OC, OL)
The Data Analytics Concentration will explore the intricacies of data analytics and expose students to various topics and tools related to data processing, analysis and visualization. Students will learn probability theory, statistical analysis methods and tools, generating relevant visual presentations of data, and concepts and techniques for data mining, text mining, and web mining. Individuals who complete this program will have a solid knowledge of concepts and techniques in data analytics as well as a solid exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery in addition to the broad background in the theory of practice of computer science from the core courses.
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the MS in Computer Science core curriculum (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Data Analytics must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(five courses/20 credits)
- And one elective selected from the no concentration list
Area Coordinator
Security (OC)
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
Students choosing this concentration should choose the core course MET CS 535 Computer Networks.
In addition to the MS in Computer Science core curriculum (20 credits), students pursuing a Concentration in Security must also take the following concentration requirements and electives:
(five courses/20 credits)
- One elective selected from the no concentration list
And one course selected from the following:
Area Coordinators
No Concentration (General Electives)
In addition to the MS in Computer Science core curriculum (20 credits), students who are not choosing to complete a concentration must select five courses (20 credits) from the following list with at least three courses at the 600-level or above. When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have completed all prerequisites required by the selected course.
Electives other than those listed must be approved by an advisor.
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 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 the department).
Second Master's 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. 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?
- Actuarial Science: MS in Actuarial Science
- 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. You may also email csinfo@bu.edu for further details.
Related Graduate Certificates
Students who are currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Computer Science 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.
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