{"id":12657,"date":"2016-07-21T15:48:13","date_gmt":"2016-07-21T19:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/?page_id=12657"},"modified":"2026-06-10T19:52:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T23:52:16","slug":"mssd","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/academic-programs\/mssd\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Science in Software Development"},"content":{"rendered":"<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>.column {float: left;width: 33.33%; padding: 17px;}.row:after {content: \"\";display: table;clear: both;} .btn-group button{float:left; text-align:center; text-transform:none; word-break: keep-all; width:150px; height:90px; margin-top:0px; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:0px; padding:0px; border-radius:15px;} <\/p>\n<p><!-- Conflicts with custom CSS: .button:hover{background-color: pink;} a{color:white;} a:hover{color:white;} a:visited{color:white;} h3.bu_collapsible {background-color: #F8F8F8; text-transform: none; padding-left: 10px; width: 100%; border-left: solid; text-align: left; outline: none; font-size: 100%;} --><br \/><\/style>\n<h5>ON CAMPUS | ONLINE<\/h5>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jSe4D5Bb62o?rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-right: 10px;\">The Master of Science (MS) in Software Development constitutes preparation for one of the largest and fastest-growing professions: software developer. It recognizes the ubiquitous and growing need for new and evolving software. The degree program is founded on the principle that developers must be thoroughly practiced in understanding new requirements in diverse fields and, acting as team members or leaders, fully competent to deliver secure, reliable software. This program can be completed fully on campus in Boston or online. Classes are available in both formats, unless otherwise noted.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Students who complete the master\u2019s degree in Software Development will be able to demonstrate:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Advanced knowledge of computer language theory, software design, as well as databases, networks, or security<\/li>\n<li>Proficiency in algorithms, operating systems, computer language usage, software development, and the management of data, networks, or security<\/li>\n<li>Competence sufficient to investigate continually emerging new software technologies, applications, and approaches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Preparatory Labs<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<p>All students are enrolled in the following free, online, non-unit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/academic-programs\/preparatory-labs\/\">preparatory lab<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"coursenum\"><span class=\"coursenum\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/academic-programs\/preparatory-labs\/\">MET LB110 Principles of Software, Logic, and Hardware<\/a><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Masters in Software Development Degree Summary<\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Eight courses\/32 units<\/li>\n<li>Students are required to complete the core curriculum courses and three electives.<\/li>\n<li>Requirements can be completed full time on campus. Or, part time on campus or online.<\/li>\n<li>Applications are accepted throughout the year. The online program has six start dates a year and the on campus program has three.<\/li>\n<li>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 satisfy the degree requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5;\"><p><span style=\"font-size: 100px; line-height: 0.6em; opacity: 0.2;\">\u275d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top: -57px; margin-left: 60px;\"><em>The main reason I selected MET was that it offered an online program that could be completed from anywhere in the world. As I live in Taiwan, this flexibility was of paramount importance when selecting a master\u2019s program. I also really enjoyed the seven-week class format, which allowed me to complete the entire degree program in 15 months&#8230;The Master of Science in Software Development is certainly a challenging program, but take it one step at a time and you will be successful. Enjoy what you are learning and find ways to apply the concepts outside of the classroom. <strong> &#8211; Jason Van Schooneveld, MSSD Alum<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h4>Rankings &amp; Accreditations<\/h4>\n<div style=\"display: flex; gap: 18px; margin: 1.5em 0;\">\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/education\/online-education\/boston-university-OCIT0007\/computer-information-technology\" style=\"text-decoration: none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2026\/02\/us-news-grad-infotech-2026.png\" alt=\"U.S. News &amp; World Report Best Online Programs - Grad Information Technology 2026\" width=\"90\" height=\"90\" style=\"width: 90px;\" \/><\/a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; flex: 1;\"><strong>#12, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs<\/strong><br>\r\nMET\u2019s online master\u2019s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #12 in the nation by <em>U.S. News &amp; World Report<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\n<h4>MSSD Core Curriculum<\/h4>\n<p><em>(five required courses\/20 units)<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"csmet\/cs521\">MET CS 521 Information Structures with Python<\/a><\/div>*<\/li>\n<li><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"csmet\/cs526\">MET CS 526 Data Structures and Algorithms<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"csmet\/cs622\">MET CS 622 Advanced Programming Techniques<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"csmet\/cs665\">MET CS 665 Software Design and Patterns<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"csmet\/cs673\">MET CS 673 Software Engineering\u00a0<\/a> <strong>or <\/strong><\/div><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"csmet\/cs682\">MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"clearfloat\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">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 M.S. in Software Development electives.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">MSSD Electives<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em>(three courses\/12 units)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course or, instructor\u2019s consent. Students interested in taking electives outside of the stated requirements can take them in addition to the program requirements, but they will not be counted towards the Software Development Master&#8217;s Degree.<em>\u00a0<\/em>Choose three from\u00a0the following courses:<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>500 Level Courses<\/td>\n<td>600 Level Courses<\/td>\n<td>700 Level Courses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS577\">MET CS 577 Data Science with Python<\/a><br \/><\/div><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS601\">MET CS 601 Frontend Web Development<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS602\">MET CS 602 Server-Side Web Development<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS633\">MET CS 633 Software Quality, Testing, and Security Management<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS634\">MET CS 634 Agile Software Development with Intelligent Systems<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS664\">MET CS 664 Artificial Intelligence<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS669\">MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS683\">MET CS 683 Mobile Application Development with Android<\/a><br \/><\/div><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><div class=\"course-feed\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS763\">MET CS 763 Secure Software Development<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/bu.edu\/csmet\/CS767\">MET CS 767 Advanced Machine Learning and Neural Networks<\/a><br \/><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Related Graduate Certificates<\/h4>\n<p>Students who are currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Software Development 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 <a href=\"mailto:metcs@bu.edu\">metcs@bu.edu <\/a>(on campus\/blended) students) or <a href=\"mailto:metcsol@bu.edu\">metcsol@bu.edu<\/a> (online students).<\/p>\n<div class=\"btn-group\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/academic-programs\/csmet\/it\"><button class=\"button\">Information<br \/>\nTechnology<\/button><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/academic-programs\/csmet\/itpm\"><button class=\"button\">IT Project<br \/>\nManagement <\/button><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/academic-programs\/se\/\"><button class=\"button\">Software<br \/>\nEngineering<\/button><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/academic-programs\/csmet\/wad\"><button class=\"button\">Web Application<br \/>\nDevelopment<\/button><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfloat\"><\/div>\n<h4>Quick Links<\/h4>\n<div class=\"btn-group-smaller\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/academic-programs\/schedules\/\"><button class=\"button\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2019\/03\/apply_to_graduate_32x32px.png\" alt=\"Apply To Graduate\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20988 size-full\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" \/><br \/>\nCourse<br \/>\nSchedules<\/button><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/onlinecampus.bu.edu\"><button class=\"button\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2019\/03\/online_campus_32x32px.png\" alt=\"Online Campus\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20991 size-full\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" \/><br \/>\nOnline<br \/>\nCampus<\/button><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/learn.bu.edu\"><button class=\"button\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2019\/03\/blackboard_Learn_32x32px.png\" alt=\"Blackboard Learn\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20989 size-full\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" \/><br \/>\nBlackboard<br \/>\nLearn<\/button><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/mybu\/\"><button class=\"button\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2019\/03\/student_link_32x32px.png\" alt=\"Student Link\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20992 size-full\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" \/><br \/>\nMyBu<br \/>\nStudent Portal<\/button><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/bu.bncollege.com\/shop\/bu\/page\/find-textbooks\"><button class=\"button\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2019\/03\/textbook_information_32x32px.png\" alt=\"Textbook Information\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20994 size-full\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" \/><br \/>\nTextbook<br \/>\nInformation<\/button><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/online\/online-learning\/technology\/\"><button class=\"button\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2019\/03\/technical_requirements_32x32px.png\" alt=\"Technical Requirements\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20993 size-full\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" \/><br \/>\nTechnical<br \/>\nRequirements<\/button><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/met\/current-students\/graduation\/apply-to-graduate\/\"><button class=\"button\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2019\/03\/apply_to_graduate_32x32px.png\" alt=\"Apply To Graduate\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20988 size-full\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" \/><br \/>\nApply to<br \/>\nGraduate<\/button><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/met.bu.edu\/inquirycs\"><button class=\"button\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/csmet\/files\/2019\/03\/apply_to_graduate_32x32px.png\" alt=\"Request Information\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20988 size-full\" \/><br \/>\nRequest<br \/>\nInformation<\/button><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ON CAMPUS | ONLINE The Master of Science (MS) in Software Development constitutes preparation for one of the largest and fastest-growing professions: software developer. It recognizes the ubiquitous and growing need for new and evolving software. The degree program is founded on the principle that developers must be thoroughly practiced in understanding new requirements in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2828,"featured_media":0,"parent":28,"menu_order":20,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/no-sidebars.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12657"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2828"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12657"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12657\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31991,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12657\/revisions\/31991"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/csmet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}