Available on campus and online, the Master of Science in Actuarial Science at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) provides you with the tools and knowledge to excel as an actuary. A solid foundation in calculus and multivariate calculus is recommended for applicants to this program. There are two optional concentrations:
The world is filled with uncertainty and risk—and successful businesses need to quantify these risks. With their mathematical ability, analytic tools, and computer programming skills, actuaries are uniquely qualified to develop solutions to increasingly complex problems and to help quantify and manage risk for businesses in a variety of industries. By using data and models, actuaries have the expertise to determine the probability of certain future events. As an actuary, you develop ways to mitigate the impact of adverse financial circumstances on businesses, governmental agencies, and other organizations.
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Prepare for a Rewarding Career as an Actuary
With a master’s degree in Actuarial Science from BU MET, you are well-positioned to work in a variety of traditional and non-traditional actuarial roles. Actuarial skills are valued in any field in which strong abilities in predictive risk analysis, mathematics, and statistics are essential to developing business strategies. Though actuaries work in a variety of areas, they are most notably integral in the insurance industry. Their analytic skills and ability to quantify risk and uncertainty make actuaries invaluable to insurance and financial teams, and essential to health insurance, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, and pension and health consulting firms. Actuaries are also employed by government agencies, accounting firms, banks, and financial services companies.
According to the Society of Actuaries (SoA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), “Actuaries are the leading professionals in finding ways to manage risk. It takes a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior to manage today’s complex risks facing our society.” As industry practitioners, BU MET’s Actuarial Science faculty not only teach the basic information you need to succeed in an actuarial field, but give you the insight to “think like an actuary” when confronted with a real-world problem. Whether you decide to specialize in health insurance, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, pension and retirement benefits, enterprise risk management, or a less traditional actuarial role, your Actuarial Science master’s degree from Boston University will be valuable to you and to your employer.
Preparation for Professional Examinations
Courses in BU MET’s Actuarial Science master’s degree program are designed to not only help you have a deep understanding of the subject matter but also to assist you in preparing for examinations offered by the SoA and CAS. These examinations are essential in an actuary’s career. Students who follow the SoA exam track will typically work in fields such as life insurance, health insurance, long-term care insurance, and pension plans, all of which use the probability of mortality. Those who follow the CAS exam track will typically work for companies that develop premiums for risks that are more quantifiable, such as automobile and homeowners insurance.
“The program provides a great opportunity to learn about the actuarial profession from real, working actuaries on top of the standard learning process for the degree and actuarial exams. Students should take full advantage of having experienced actuaries leading the courses and take any opportunities they can to learn and connect with them.”—Martin Chi (MET’12), Actuarial Analyst, Towers Watson
What Is My Career Outlook as a Graduate of This Program?
30,000
Total number of US Jobs
4,241
Annual job openings
+2.9%
Annual job openings
23%
Projected ten-year growth in jobs
(faster than average)
$120K
Median annual salary
Common job titles include:
Actuary
Actuarial Associate
Actuarial Student
Actuarial Consultant
Statistician
Forecast Analyst
Employers seek expertise in:
Financial mathematics
R
Excel
Statistical analysis
Statistical methods
Statistical modeling
Data science
SAS
Source: Lightcast, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s Actuarial Science graduate courses ensure that you gain practical skills solving real problems alongside actuaries who work in the industry. A selection of programming and computer courses bring real-world examples into lectures, ensuring that you gain a deep knowledge of data tools and their application.
Engaged Faculty: BU MET’s Actuarial Science master’s degree program is taught by SoA- and CAS-credentialed faculty who bring unique expertise and practical insight into the classroom, using actual actuarial problems as examples to supplement course material.
Capstone in Actuarial Science: This unique course immerses you in “real-world” challenges via the analysis of risk factors that are now relevant to actuarial work, including changes in mortality trends, new medical breakthroughs, and the impact of climate change.
Extensive Network: Graduates of the MS in Actuarial Science program benefit from faculty members’ connections to the industry and from a local pool of successful, practicing alumni who work for organizations such as Willis Towers Watson, Blue Cross Blue Shield, John Hancock, Liberty Mutual, and the Massachusetts Department of Insurance.
STEM Designated: Eligible graduates on student visas have access to an Optional Practical Training (OPT) of 12 months and an extension for up to 24 additional months.
15:1 Class Ratio: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to support.
Flexible Schedule: Study at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus or fully online. Complete the program in as little as one year or take one or two courses per semester and complete the degree over several years—ideal for students who are working full time. Courses begin fall, spring, and summer.
Track Record: Learn from the best. BU MET’s master’s degree program in Actuarial Science has been graduating successful actuarial students for over 25 years.
Merit Scholarships: US citizens and permanent residents are automatically considered during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Rankings & Accreditations
BU has Bronze Level recognition from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) University Recognition Program.
Society of Actuaries’ “UCAP-AC” designationBU is the only university in New England that offers a Master of Science degree in Actuarial Science. Learn more.
Master the Tools of the Actuarial Science Profession
Metropolitan College will help you acquire the skills you need to become a successful actuary in today’s competitive job market. With the MS in Actuarial Science and its concentrations in Finance and Insurance, along with the Graduate Certificate in Actuarial Foundations and Graduate Certificate in Actuarial Science, BU MET provides an excellent academic foundation and practical exposure to real-world business environments.
If you have an analytical mind and enjoy working with financial theory, a career as an actuary could be an excellent opportunity for you. Actuarial science uses a combination of statistics, mathematics, economics, finance, data science, and other fields to allow actuaries to make crucial policy decisions in an unpredictable business world. With this specialized knowledge comes enhanced compensation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for recent actuarial science graduates is higher than the average for other professions. And, the BLS predicts a 23 percent increase in opportunities through 2032.
With a faculty made up of academic actuaries, practicing actuaries, and actuaries who have extensive real-world experience, BU MET’s programs in Actuarial Science help you develop the skills you need to become a credentialed actuary. You will gain a solid academic foundation through specialized courses in actuarial science, data science, finance, and related fields. You will also benefit from being exposed to current business and economic practices while examining the fiscal and ethical dilemmas encountered in the process of business decision-making.
Located in one of the nation’s top financial and insurance centers, Boston University is the only university in New England that offers an MS degree in Actuarial Science, providing an unmatched environment to learn and to find both internships and full-time employment. BU’s Actuarial Science program has the Society of Actuaries’ “UCAP-AC” designation and BU has Bronze Level recognition from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) University Recognition Program for demonstrated commitment to preparing future property and casualty actuaries through its educational offerings. You can take courses to receive “Validation by Educational Experience (VEE)” credit from the SoA and CAS. By taking VEE courses, which also count toward the master’s in Actuarial Science degree, you have an advantage when seeking employment.
Graduate with Expertise in Calculating Risk
Metropolitan College’s Actuarial Science master’s degree will equip you with:
Detailed knowledge of the mathematics and modeling techniques that form the core of actuarial calculations. This knowledge includes topics in probability, statistics, life contingencies, loss models, credibility theory, investment theory, and financial mathematics.
An accurate and deep understanding of these core actuarial topics and the ability to creatively solve increasingly complex business problems.
Proficiency in distinguishing and describing a wide range of actuarial practice areas in-depth and knowledgeably, and the ability to articulate an understanding of the principles that govern the development of both standard insurance products and new developments risk management models.
Competency in the computer skills required to analyze data using leading-edge software tools of the trade in insurance, risk management, and related industries.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
BU MET graduate certificate programs can serve as building blocks to a master’s degree. Both the Actuarial Foundations and Actuarial Science graduate certificates share courses with the master’s in Actuarial Science program, giving you the option to take one or two certificates on your path to a master’s degree. Students currently enrolled in a graduate certificate who are interested in transitioning into a master’s degree should contact their academic advisor to declare their interest in this pathway. A new master’s degree application is not required. Connect with a graduate admissions advisor at adsadmissions@bu.edu to learn more about this option.
Master’s in Actuarial Science Curriculum
A total of 34 units is required.
Students not choosing a concentration must complete the core courses and general electives. Students pursuing a concentration should review the requirements for Finance or Insurance.
Given the nature of the program, a solid foundation in calculus and multivariate calculus is recommended for applicants.
Core Courses
(Seven courses/26 units)
MET AT 505 Actuarial and Financial Data Analysis
Fall ‘25
This course covers how programming, spreadsheet usage, and database software can be used in an actuarial environment. The student will work on calculating premiums and analyzing loss metrics over the term while learning about the tools in R Studio, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access that help an actuary perform their analysis in a timely and accurate manner. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Noh
PHO 201
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET AT 521 Financial Mathematics
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET MA 225 or consent of instructor. - This course develops uses of interest as it relates to the theory of finance. Students will gain an understanding of interest calculations related to financial instruments including bonds, mortgages, annuities, and financial instruments with non-level payment schemes. The material covered in this course may help students prepare for SoA/CAS Exam FM [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Jylkka
PHO 201
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
Tepfer
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET AT 531 Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics
Fall ‘25
Prerequisites: MET MA 581 or CAS MA 581; MET AT 521; or consent of instructor. - This course will cover the fundamentals of both long-term insurance and short-term insurance. The long-term topics will include insurance, annuities, and premiums for from both a theoretical basis and the application of those models. The short-term portion of the course introduces modeling and will cover actuarial methods that are useful in modeling. Foundational principles of ratemaking and reserving for short-term coverages will also be covered. The material covered in this course may help students prepare for SoA Exam FAM. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Tepfer
FLR 121
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET AT 743 Regression and Time Series
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASMA582 or METMA582 Mathematical Statistics, or consent of instructor - Part I of this course will cover simple and multiple regressions, serial correlation, and heteroscedasticity, analysis of residuals, and stepwise analysis techniques. Part II will cover time series analysis including smoothing and extrapolation of time series, linear time series models, model building procedure, and forecasting, as well as case studies. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Gangopadhyay
BRB 122
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET AT 799 Capstone in Actuarial Science
Fall ‘25
Restrictions: only for students in the final semester of the MS in Actuarial Science degree program. - The capstone is an opportunity to integrate what you have learned in your actuarial courses to help you better understand how these topics apply in today’s insurance and financial environment. You will use actuarial principles from the MS in Actuarial Science program to collaborate with classmates on a successful research project, which will review problems faced by insurance companies and other actuarial-relevant companies from an integrated perspective and develop solutions. Your final paper and presentation will be assessed by an audience including your instructor, peers, and professional actuaries. [ 2 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Tepfer
SHA 202
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Plus, one course selected from the following:
MET AT 541 Introduction to Individual Insurance
Fall ‘25
This course covers the application of basic actuarial principles to individual life and annuity financial security systems. Material covered will include the purpose of these systems, the development of financial security products, risk classification, actuarial pricing assumptions, the calculation of product cash flows, the purpose of reserves and different reserve methods. Taxation, required capital, profit measurement, and reinsurance considerations will also be studied. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Horwitz
CAS 116
T
12:30 pm – 3:15 pm
MET AT 542 Introduction to Group Insurance
Fall ‘25
This course covers the application of basic actuarial principles to group life and group health financial security systems. Material covered will include the purpose of these systems, financial security product design and development, underwriting and risk management, premium determination, and the funding and valuation of group life and group health financial security systems. Group systems in the United States will be emphasized, but the course will also review the Canadian health system. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Posnick
CAS B36
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET AT 543 Introduction to Property and Casualty Insurance
This course covers Property & Casualty Industry from an actuarial science perspective. Topics include the theory of insurance including insurable risks, calculation of premiums on those risks, payment of losses on the inevitable claims, the history of the insurance industry with a focus on court cases that shaped the current regulatory structure; and the basic policy structures of homeowners, automobile, and liability insurance; and reinsurance. [ 4 cr. ]
MET AT 544 Introduction to Pension Mathematics
Prerequisites: MET MA 581 or CAS MA 581; MET AT 521; or consent of instructor. - This course covers pension actuarial funding methods and the use of life contingencies. It discusses computations under each method and its use in pension plans worldwide. Actuarial commutation functions are described and applied to calculations. Alternative forms of pension payments are also discussed. [ 4 cr. ]
And one course selected from the following:
MET AT 771 Advanced Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics
Fall ‘25
Prerequisites: MET AT 531 or consent of instructor. - This course continues with the development of long-term financial models introduced in MET AT 531. Insurance Reserves are introduced, including methods for determining reserves, the impact of actuarial assumptions on the calculations, and the effect of real-world results that do not match those assumed. Multiple life and multiple decrement models are introduced, as are Multiple State/Markov Chains and pension mathematics. The material covered in this course may help students prepare for SoA Exam ALTAM. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Tepfer
FLR 123
W
2:30 pm – 5:15 pm
MET AT 781 Advanced Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
Prerequisites: MET AT 531 or consent of instructor. - This course continues with the development of short-term financial models introduced in AT531 (“Fundamentals of Actuarial Science”). This course addresses severity, frequency, and aggregate models, and evaluation of both complete and incomplete data. The course also covers mathematical models for specific types of insurance, such as medical, automobile, and disability insurance. Credibility models comprise the final topic for the course, and the Classical, Bühlmann-Straub, and Bayesian methods are discussed. The material covered in this course may help students prepare for SoA Exam ASTAM. [ 4 cr. ]
General Electives
(Two courses/8 units)
Students not choosing a concentration must complete two general electives.* Students pursuing a concentration should review the requirements for Finance or Insurance.
MET AD 632 Financial Concepts
Fall ‘25
HUB
Introduction to the concepts, methods and problems of accounting and financial analysis. Includes accounting principles, measurement and disclosure issues, financial statement analysis, time value of money, cash flow projection and analysis, capital budgeting and project evaluation, bond and equity valuation, cost of capital and capital structure. 4 cr. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
The aim of the course is to present decision problems and the economic analysis needed to guide these decisions. Microeconomic tools are used to structure complicated decision problems about production, pricing, investment, and other strategic issues and address uncertainty through probabilistic forecasts and sequential decisions. An important part of the course is to develop an understanding of the external environment in which firms operate by analyzing the implications of market structure, macroeconomic developments and policy, and other forms of public policy toward business. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Ritt
CAS 201
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET AT 541 Introduction to Individual Insurance
Fall ‘25
This course covers the application of basic actuarial principles to individual life and annuity financial security systems. Material covered will include the purpose of these systems, the development of financial security products, risk classification, actuarial pricing assumptions, the calculation of product cash flows, the purpose of reserves and different reserve methods. Taxation, required capital, profit measurement, and reinsurance considerations will also be studied. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Horwitz
CAS 116
T
12:30 pm – 3:15 pm
MET AT 542 Introduction to Group Insurance
Fall ‘25
This course covers the application of basic actuarial principles to group life and group health financial security systems. Material covered will include the purpose of these systems, financial security product design and development, underwriting and risk management, premium determination, and the funding and valuation of group life and group health financial security systems. Group insurance systems in the United States will be emphasized, but the course will also review the Canadian health system. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Posnick
CAS B36
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET AT 543 Introduction to Property and Casualty Insurance
This course covers Property & Casualty Industry from an actuarial science perspective. Topics include the theory of insurance including insurable risks, calculation of premiums on those risks, payment of losses on the inevitable claims, the history of the insurance industry with a focus on court cases that shaped the current regulatory structure; and the basic policy structures of homeowners, automobile, and liability insurance; and reinsurance. [ 4 cr. ]
MET AT 544 Introduction to Pension Mathematics
Prerequisites: MET MA 581 or CAS MA 581; MET AT 521; or consent of instructor. This course covers the basics of pension plans, including design and funding. The course addresses pension actuarial funding methods and the use of life contingencies. It discusses computations under each method and its use in pension plans worldwide. Alternative forms of pension payments are also discussed. [ 4 cr. ]
MET AT 722 Finance for Actuaries
Prerequisites: MET AT 521 - This course builds off of the topics covered in MET AT 521 Financial Mathematics by developing both basic and advanced models of corporate finance. Topics covered include net present value valuation, internal rate of return and profitability index models, capital budgeting models, and efficient market hypotheses. These tools will be used to understand and apply basic principles of option pricing theory, including the Black-Scholes formula with application to binomial lattice valuation. This course helps a student qualify for VEE credit in the “Finance” part of the “Finance and Accounting” VEE from the SoA and CAS. [ 4 cr. ]
MET AT 761 Mathematics for Investment and Portfolio Theory
Prerequisites: MET MA 581 or CAS MA581 and AT 521
This course covers the risk and return characteristics of primary financial products, fundamental principles of modern portfolio theory, term structures, and yield curves, Markowitz Portfolio Selection Model, CAPM and its applications to portfolio management, derivative securities, duration, immunization, and interest rate risk management. [ 4 cr. ]
MET AT 762 Mathematical Finance for Actuarial Science
Prerequisites: MET MA 581 and MET AT 521 or consent of instructor. Analyze derivative products and their use in insurance and risk management strategies. You will also learn selected aspects of rational valuation of derivative products like put-call parity, binomial option, and Black Scholes option pricing model. [ 4 cr. ]
MET MA 581 Probability
Fall ‘25
Prerequisites: MET MA 225 OR CAS MA 225 OR CAS MA 230 - Basic probability, conditional probability, independence. Discrete and continuous random variables, mean and variance, functions of random variables, moment generating function. Jointly distributed random variables, conditional distributions, independent random variables. Methods of transformations, law of large numbers, central limit theorem. The material covered in this course may help you prepare for SoA/CAS Exam P. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Weiner
KCB 107
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
Weiner
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET MA 582 Mathematical Statistics
Prerequisites: MET MA 581 OR CAS MA 581 - Topics covered include interval estimation. Point estimation including sufficiency, Rao-Blackwell theorem, completeness, uniqueness, Rao-Cramer inequality, and maximum likelihood estimation. Tests of hypothesis: uniformly most powerful tests, uniformly most powerful unbiased tests, likelihood ratio test, chi-squared test, comparison of means and variances, ANOVA, regression, and some nonparametric tests. The material covered in this course may help you obtain VEE credit for the “Actuarial Statistic” VEE from the SoA/CAS. [ 4 cr. ]
MET MA 603 SAS with Statistical Applications
Fall ‘25
A unified and in-depth coverage of the statistical computer package SAS and its statistical applications. Topics include the language of SAS, data formatting, creating and storing SAS data sets, file manipulations, macro procedure, and graphics. Also included are procedures for statistical techniques selected from analysis of variance, regression, factor analysis, scoring, and categorical data analysis. Several large data sets will be used as case studies emphasizing hands-on experience with SAS for Windows. Laboratory course. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Govonlu
EPC 206
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
*Selections cannot be identical to courses taken as part of the core.
Students may take up to one related elective course from other departments at Boston University, with the permission of the director of the Actuarial Science program.
Students who have completed any of the above coursework in undergraduate or graduate studies, or who have successfully passed the corresponding professional examinations, may substitute these courses with courses available through other departments at BU MET—most notably the Administrative Sciences and Computer Science departments—as well as BU’s College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) or Questrom School of Business. The Actuarial Science department must approve any such course. Approval must also be obtained from CAS or Questrom. Typically, students are allowed to take two courses from outside of the Actuarial Science department as part of their degree.
Among courses that students have received approval for include:
MET AD 571 Business Analytics Foundations
Fall ‘25
Prerequisite: AD100 Pre-Analytics Laboratory
This course presents fundamental knowledge and skills for applying business analytics to managerial decision-making in corporate environments. Topics include descriptive analytics (techniques for categorizing, characterizing, consolidating, and classifying data for conversion into useful information for the purposes of understanding and analyzing business performance), predictive analytics (techniques for detection of hidden patterns in large quantities of data to segment and group data into coherent sets in order to predict behavior and trends), prescriptive analytics (techniques for identification of best alternatives for maximizing or minimizing business objectives). Students will learn how to use data effectively to drive rapid, precise, and profitable analytics-based decisions. The framework of using interlinked data inputs, analytics models, and decision-support tools will be applied within a proprietary business analytics shell and demonstrated with examples from different functional areas of the enterprise. R, SQL, and Power BI software are used in this course. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A2
IND
Padalkar
CAS 324
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
A5
IND
Parzen
CDS 262
W
2:30 pm – 5:15 pm
A6
IND
Ritt
MET 101
W
2:30 pm – 5:15 pm
A7
IND
Page
PSY B53
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
Rabinovich
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET AD 630 Financial and Managerial Accounting
Introduction to the concepts, methods, and problems of financial and managerial accounting. Includes data accumulation, accounting principles, financial statement analysis, measurement and disclosure issues, cost analysis, budgeting and control, production costs, and standard costs. [ 4 cr. ]
MET AD 712 Financial Markets and Institutions
Fall ‘25
Prereq: MET AD630, MET AD731 Investigation and analysis of organization, structure, and performance of U.S. money and capital markets, and institutions. Examines regulation of the financial industry and the role of financial instruments. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Carvalho
EPC 208
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O2
IND
Chee
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET AD 713 Derivative Securities and Markets
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET AD 630, MET AD 731 - Prereq: MET AD630, MET AD731 Provides an overview of operation, mechanics, and structure of the derivative markets and covers in-depth quantitative valuation of derivative instruments, such as options, futures, and swaps. The course involves risk analysis including risk arbitrage, and risk management. Emphasizes the theory and practice of derivatives-based trading strategies including hedging opportunities for risk mitigation. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Holmes
STH 113
W
2:30 pm – 5:15 pm
MET AD 717 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: MET AD 731 - Prereq AD 630, AD731 This course develops a framework for understanding the various types of financial decision making faced by financial managers and provides students with analytical tools for evaluating portfolio construction and management problems in a systematic manner. Includes analysis and determination of securities values. Problems of investment policy are approached through studies of portfolio selection methods and the valuation of special classes of securities. It offers quantitative strategies for portfolio diversification and risk management. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
KCB 106
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures
Fall ‘25
Graduate Prerequisites: MET AD741 - Includes opportunity assessment and feasibility analysis, concept development, budgeting and financial operations, financial and human resource management, legal and organizational issues analysis, and comprehension and determination of the roles of boards and external advisors, all leading into the planning and operating of new ventures. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Park
COM 217
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 521 Information Structures with Python
Fall ‘25
HUB
This course covers the concepts of the object-oriented approach to software design and development using Python. It includes a detailed discussion of programming concepts starting with the fundamentals of data types, control structures methods, classes, arrays and strings, and proceeding to advanced topics such as inheritance and polymorphism, creating user interfaces, exceptions and streams. Upon completion of this course students will be able to apply software engineering principles to design and implement Python applications that can be used in with analytics and big data. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking.
Prerequisite: Programming experience in any language. Or Instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
MET CS 544 Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization
Fall ‘25
Formerly titled CS 544 Foundations of Analytics with R. The goal of this course is to provide students with the mathematical and practical background required in the field of data analytics. Probability and statistics concepts will be reviewed as well as the R tool for statistical computing and graphics. Different types of data are investigated along with data summarization techniques and plotting. Data populations using discrete, continuous, and multivariate distributions are explored. Errors during measurements and computations are analyzed in the course. Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing topics are also examined. The concepts covered in the course are demonstrated using R. Laboratory Course. Prereq: MET CS546 and (MET CS520 or MET CS521), or equivalent knowledge, or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Kalathur
CAS 203
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
A2
IND
Diwania
CAS 233
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
Kalathur
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
O2
IND
Kalathur
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET CS 555 Foundations of Machine Learning
Fall ‘25
Formerly titled CS 555 Data Analysis and Visualization with R. This course provides an overview of the statistical tools most commonly used to process, analyze, and visualize data. Topics include simple linear regression, multiple regression, logistic regression, analysis of variance, and survival analysis. These topics are explored using the statistical package R, with a focus on understanding how to use and interpret output from this software as well as how to visualize results. In each topic area, the methodology, including underlying assumptions and the mechanics of how it all works along with appropriate interpretation of the results, are discussed. Concepts are presented in context of real world examples. Recommended Prerequisite: MET CS 544 or equivalent knowledge, or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A3
IND
Alizadeh-Shabdiz
SOC B63
M
2:30 pm – 5:15 pm
A4
IND
Alizadeh-Shabdiz
KCB 104
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O2
IND
Alizadeh-Shabdiz
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET CS 565 Advanced Java Programming
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCS342) or equivalent knowledge of Java or instructor's consent. - Comprehensive coverage of object-oriented programming with cooperating classes. Implementation of polymorphism with inheritance and interfaces and in Java library containers. Programming with exceptions, stream input/output and graphical AWT and Swing components. Threads, sockets, datagrams and database connectivity are also covered in this course. Laboratory course. [ 4 cr. ]
MET CS 579 Database Management
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCS231 OR METCS232) or consent of instructor. ; Undergraduate Corequisites: Restrictions: This course may not be taken in conjunction with CS 669 or CS 469 (undergraduate). Only one of these courses can be counted to wards degree requirements. - This course provides a theoretical yet modern presentation of database topics ranging from Data and Object Modeling, relational algebra and normalization to advanced topics such as how to develop Web-based database applications. Other topics covered - relational data model, SQL and manipulating relational data; applications programming for relational databases; physical characteristics of databases; achieving performance and reliability with database systems; object- oriented database systems. Prereq: MET CS 231 or MET CS 232; or instructor's consent. Restrictions: This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 469 (undergraduate) or MET CS 669. Refer to your Department for further details. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Lee
CAS 426
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Restrictions: Only for MS CIS. This course may not be taken in conjunc tion with MET CS 469 (undergraduate) or MET CS 579. Only one of these courses can be counted towards degree requirements. - Students learn the latest relational and object-relational tools and techniques for persistent data and object modeling and management. Students gain extensive hands- on experience using Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server as they learn the Structured Query Language (SQL) and design and implement databases. Students design and implement a database system as a term project. Restrictions: This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 469 (undergraduate) or MET CS 579. Only one of these courses can be counted towards degree requirements. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Saunders
HAR 211
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
A2
IND
Lee
CAS 225
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
E1
IND
Saunders
HAR 211
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
Lee
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
O2
IND
Mansur
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET CS 677 Data Science with Python
Fall ‘25
Students will learn major Python tools and techniques for data analysis. There are weekly assignments and mini projects on topics covered in class. These assignments will help build necessary statistical, visualization and other data science skills for effective use of data science in a variety of applications including finance, text processing, time series analysis and recommendation systems. In addition, students will choose a topic for a final project and present it on the last day of class. Prerequisite: MET CS 521 or equivalent. Or, instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Pinsky
CAS 226
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
A2
IND
Mohan
CAS 222
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
A4
IND
Pinsky
SHA 202
T
9:00 am – 11:45 am
O2
IND
Mohan
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge or instructor's consent. - Object-oriented methods of information systems analysis and design for organizations with data- processing needs. System feasibility; requirements analysis; database utilization; Unified Modeling Language; software system architecture, design, and implementation, management; project control; and systems-level testing. Prerequisite: Basic programming knowledge or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Guadagno
PSY B55
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
Williams
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
O2
IND
Polnar
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET CS 699 Data Mining
Fall ‘25
Prerequisites: MET CS 521 & MET CS 546; MET CS 579 or MET CS 669; or consent of instructor. - Study basic concepts and techniques of data mining. Topics include data preparation, classification, performance evaluation, association rule mining, regression and clustering. Students learn underlying theories of data mining algorithms in the class and they practice those algorithms through assignments and a semester-long class project using R. After finishing this course, students will be able to independently perform data mining tasks to solve real-world problems. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Lee
SCI 115
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O2
IND
Joner
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
Directed Studies
Courses in directed studies are offered to students who plan to engage in specialized research topics under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
MET AT 991 Directed Studies 1
Fall ‘25
The course is offered to students who plan to engage in special research topics under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Application is made through the Department of Actuarial Science. [ Var cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
DRS
Tepfer
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET AT 992 Directed Studies 2
The course is offered to students who plan to engage in special research topics under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Application is made through the Department of Actuarial Science. [ Var cr. ]
Actuarial Internships
Internship courses are also offered to students who seek practical applications of actuarial principles in insurance companies, financial institutions, pension consulting firms, and other related fields. While these courses are not intended to create internship opportunities for students, students find value in the regular meetings of the courses in which they discuss the work they are doing outside of the classroom.
MET AT 981 Internship in Actuarial Science 1
Fall ‘25
Prerequisites: MET AT 722, MET AT 531, cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, and consent of instructor. The course is offered to students who seek practical applications of actuarial principles in insurance companies, financial institutions, pension consulting firms, and other related fields. Participation in an internship program within the industry is required. [ Var cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
DRS
Tepfer
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET AT 982 Internship in Actuarial Science 2
Prerequisites: MET AT 531, MET AT 722, cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, and consent of instructor. The course is offered to students who seek practical applications of actuarial principles in insurance companies, financial institutions, pension consulting firms, and other related fields. Participation in an internship program within the industry is required. [ Var cr. ]
To take these internship courses, students should have successfully completed MET AT 521 and MET AT 531 (or the associated professional examination) and maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. In addition, to enroll in these courses, international students must meet the rules of Boston University’s International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) regarding internships.
Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.
BU MET Programs offer the flexibility of part-time or full-time study. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. If you enroll in 1–2 courses (4–8 units) in a semester, you are charged the part-time per-unit rate. If you enroll in 3–4 courses (12–16 units) in a semester, you are charged the full-time semester rate.
MS in Actuarial Science (Online and On Campus)
Enrollment Status
Part Time
Full Time
Courses per Semester
2 courses (8 units)
4 courses (16 units)
3 courses (12 units)
Time to Degree
4 semesters (16 months)
2 semesters (8–12 months)***
3 semesters (12-16 months)***
Tuition*
$567–$1,005 per unit**
$34,935 per semester
$34,935 per semester
Fees per Semester*
$75
$501
$501
Total Degree Cost*
$23,958– $27,462
$70,872
$80,997
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fee rates. **Cost per unit is determined by course number (100–599 = $567/unit, 600–999 = $1,005/unit). ***Summer semester enrollment is not required for international students to maintain F-1 visa status. Enrollment in summer semester coursework will expedite completion of program and reduce total program cost.
International students seeking an F-1 visa for on-campus study must enroll full time and demonstrate availability of funds to cover the Estimated Cost of Graduate Study; those who wish to study online may enroll part-time but are not eligible for a visa. Learn more about International Student Tuition & Fees.
Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit BU MET’s Financial Aid page.
Get Started
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
