The two-year on-campus Accelerated Degree Completion Program (ADCP) at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science or Management Studies from BU.
The accelerated degree program gives motivated adults with previous undergraduate collegiate experience, but who have yet to achieve their degree, an expedited opportunity to earn their bachelor’s while enjoying a cohesive, traditional college experience. Students from all walks enter the program as part of a cohort and graduate together as a class—meanwhile benefiting from strong personal and professional connections, career networking opportunities, and the University’s recreational resources.
The degree completion program’s concentrated, structured course of study makes it possible for students who have already earned 52-64 credits elsewhere to complete a BU undergraduate degree in just two years—four semesters and two summers. To meet the needs of busy adults and reduce commuting time, this campus-based program includes a combination of traditional classroom and blended formats.
Additionally, students who achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the program are guaranteed admission—with advanced standing—to MET graduate degree programs in the departments of Computer Science or Administrative Sciences (business and management).
Typically, application to the accelerated degree completion program requires a minimum of 64 transferable college semester credits, though students with as few as 52 transferable credits will be considered for admission. In the event a student is admitted with fewer than 64 credits, academic advisors are available for consultation regarding how to successfully complete the credit difference.
Workplace Leverage
A bachelor’s degree can give you leverage within your current profession, provide depth to your workplace knowledge, and put you on an even playing field with your colleagues. According to 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, a bachelor’s degree:
Boosts median annual salary by as much as 105 percent—compared to earnings of those with some college but no degree.
Lays the foundation for advanced studies—pursue a professional master’s degree and the earnings projection grows to a 107 percent increase.
Increases job security—the unemployment rate for bachelor’s holders is 6.9 percent, as opposed to 10 percent or higher for those without a degree.
Why Complete Your Bachelor’s at BU?
A College Experience—for Adults: In BU MET’s Accelerated Degree Program you enter the program as part of a cohort and graduate together as a class, which means an opportunity to build close connections with your fellow students.
Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s ADCP bachelor’s program, an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio ensures close interaction with highly qualified faculty who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements across industry.
Extensive Network: Study alongside peers with professional experience, learn from faculty who have valuable professional contacts, and benefit from a global alumni community with strong connections.
Student Support: Benefit from access to personalized professional academic advice from the team of academic counselors in MET Enrollment & Student Success.
Structured Schedule: Those who have earned 52–64 college credits elsewhere can complete a BU undergraduate degree in just two years—four semesters and two summers—through a structured combination of traditional classroom and blended formats.
Affordable Tuition: Complete your bachelor’s part-time at BU at a substantial savings compared to full-time study.
Financial Assistance: Undergraduate students at BU MET are eligible for a range of financial aid and community-minded scholarship opportunities designed to support those investing in their education part-time who still need to navigate full-time responsibilities.
Hub Requirements
All BU undergraduate students, including transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. Students in the ADCP cohort will, through the set program curriculum, satisfy all BU Hub requirements.
Computer Science Major
The part-time Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science degree program at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) prepares students for rewarding, cutting-edge careers in software engineering, system administration and management, and research and development in industrial and governmental laboratories. Graduates also use their undergraduate computer science background (and analytical skills) to prepare for careers in medicine, law, education, physical and life sciences, and social sciences.
A Foundation for Success in Computer Science
Students who complete the bachelor’s degree in Computer Science will be able to demonstrate:
Advanced knowledge of programming languages (C++ or Java), database management or computer networks, operating systems, and computer architecture, as well as web languages and software engineering.
Proficiency in programming and web development.
Competence sufficient to work on small and large programming projects.
An understanding and ability to apply the values and principles of professional ethics.
The ability to apply the principles of information security and assurance in a variety of contexts.
Demonstrated skills in effective communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Pathway
BU MET’s Accelerated Degree Completion Program can serve as a building block to a master’s degree. Students who achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the program are guaranteed admission to the following MET graduate programs with two courses of advanced standing:
Students must complete the following 16 courses* (64 credits) to earn the BS in Computer Science degree.
MET CS 232 Programming with Java
Sprg ‘23
This course covers the elements of object-oriented programming and the Java Programming Language. Primitive data types, control structures, methods, classes, arrays and strings, inheritance and polymorphism, interfaces, creating user interfaces, applets, exceptions and streams. Laboratory course. Pre-req: METCS201 or instructor's consent. For undergraduate students: This course may not be taken in conjunction with METCS520. Only one of these courses can be counted towards degree requirements. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Tizio
CGS 113
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 248 Discrete Mathematics
Sprg ‘23
Fundamentals of logic (the laws of logic, rules of inferences, quantifiers, proofs of theorems), Fundamental principles of counting (permutations, combinations), set theory, relations and functions, graphs, trees and sorting. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Naidjate
CAS 225
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java
Sprg ‘23
This course covers data structures using the Java Programming Language. Topics include data abstraction, encapsulation, information hiding, and the use of recursion, creation and manipulation of various data structures: lists, queues, tables, trees, heaps, and graphs, and searching and sorting algorithms. Laboratory course. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking. Prerequisite: MET CS232 or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
MET CS 401 Introduction to Web Application Development
Sprg ‘23
This course focuses on building core competencies in web design and development. It begins with a complete immersion into HTML essentially XHTML and Dynamic HTML (DHTML). Students are exposed to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), as well as Dynamic CSS. The fundamentals of JavaScript language including object-oriented JavaScript is covered comprehensively. AJAX with XML and JSON are covered, as they are the primary means to transfer data from client and server. Prereq: METCS231 OR METCS232 or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Sheehan
CAS 216
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 422 Advanced Programming Concepts
Sprg ‘23
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. Prerequisite: MET CS 341 or MET CS 342. Or instructor's consent. For undergraduates only. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
This course provides comprehensive overview of IT Project Management and the key processes associated with planning, organizing and controlling of software Projects. The course will focus on various knowledge areas such as: project scope management, risk management, quality management, communications management and integration management. Students will be required to submit a term paper. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Teamwork/Collaboration. [ 4 cr. ]
Computer organization with emphasis on processors, memory, and input/output. Includes pipelining, ALUs, caches, virtual memory, parallelism, measuring performance, and basic operating systems concepts. Discussion of assembly language instruction sets and programming as well as internal representation of instructions. Prereq: MET CS 231 or MET CS 232; or instructor's consent [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Hendrickson
STH B22
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 473 Introduction to Software Engineering
Sprg ‘23
Techniques for the construction of reliable, efficient, and cost-effective software. Requirement analysis, software design, programming methodologies, testing procedures, software development tools, and management issues. Students plan, design, implement, and test a system in a group project. Laboratory course. Prereq: MET CS 342 and instructor's consent to verify programming coursework. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Teamwork/Collaboration. [ 4 cr. ]
This course provides a robust understanding of networking. It teaches the fundamentals of networking systems, their architecture, function and operation and how those fundamentals are reflected in current network technologies. Students will learn the principles that underlie all networks and the application of those principles (or not) to current network protocols and systems. The course explains how layers of different scope are combined to create a network. There will be a basic introduction to Physical Media, the functions that make up protocols, such as error detection, delimiting, lost and duplicate detection; and the synchronization required for the feedback mechanisms: flow and retransmission control, etc. Students will be introduced to how these functions are used in current protocols, such as Ethernet, WiFi, VLANs, TCP/IP, wireless communication, routing, congestion management, QoS, network management, security, and the common network applications as well as some past applications with unique design solutions. Prereq: MET CS 575 and MET CS 201 or MET CS 231 or MET CS 232. Or instructor's consent. Restrictions: This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 625 or MET CS 425 (undergraduate). Only one of these courses can be counted towards degree requirements. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Day
BRB 122
T
12:30 pm – 3:15 pm
O2
IND
Day
ROOM
ARR
–
MET CS 575 Operating Systems
Sprg ‘23
Overview of operating system characteristics, design objectives, and structures. Topics include concurrent processes, coordination of asynchronous events, file systems, resource sharing, memory management, security, scheduling and deadlock problems. Prereq: MET CS472, and MET CS231 or MET CS232, or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Nourai
KCB 104
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 579 Database Management
Sprg ‘23
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
MET 122
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET HU 400 Great Works of the Modern Era
Sprg ‘23
The 20th century presented the most accelerated period of social evolution in human history: two World Wars were fought; technology developed at a dazzling pace; psychological exploration and scientific discovery assailed traditional conceptions of religion and the nature of reality; the relation of the individual to society fluctuated as new social and political models originated. Our main focus will be the literature and film within this time frame, but parallel developments in art and music will also be discussed. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Social Inquiry I. [ 4 cr. ]
Exploration of the question "What is philosophy?' and its self-reflective nature is the foundation of this introductory course. Together we will examine the works of both classical Western philosophers and contemporary authors whose ideas have influenced the development of contemporary Western thought. As sound philosophical inquiry requires questioning the assumptions of every system of thought (including one's own) students will be expected to think critically when reflecting on the social and ethical implications of these ideas in the 21st century. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
This undergraduate communication course incorporates writing skills with academic research. Both business and academic writing expectations are covered. This skills- oriented course focuses on the development of oral and written communication techniques, small and large group dynamics, presentations, and negotiations. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Research and Information Literacy; Writing, Research & Inquiry. [ 4 cr. ]
MET IS 403 Natural Science in Contemporary Society
This course will focus on controversial and critical social, environmental, business, and political issues in the various disciplines of science. The natural sciences will be explored in the context of public policy. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Scientific Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
Students may receive credit for either MET MA 121 or MA 123 or CAS MA 121 or MA 123, but not both. Limits; derivatives; differentiation of algebraic functions. Applications to maxima, minima, and convexity of functions. The definite integral; the fundamental theorem of integral calculus; applications of integration. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
*Two 500-level courses may be applied towards the MS in Computer Science or MS in Computer Information Systems (with an earned grade of B or higher)
Management Studies Major
A foundation in management provides skills that can be applied in a variety of arenas—while paving the way to jobs that have the highest median annual wages of all the major occupational groups (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Management Studies part-time degree program at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) offers a solid introduction to the operations of business and the business environment. Along with a broad overview of the liberal arts and the concepts, theories, and applications of management, you’ll gain skills that facilitate critical and creative thinking, flexibility, and preparedness to lead and manage in a wide range of employment scenarios. You’ll also develop analytical and non-analytical tools necessary to address a wide range of general management problems and compete in a complex, evolving global environment.
A Foundation for Success in Management Studies
Students who complete the bachelor’s degree in Management Studies degree will be able to demonstrate:
A broad overview of the concepts, theories, and applications of management and liberal arts.
The insights to be creative and flexible so as to generate and apply critical thinking.
Preparedness to lead and manage in a wide range of employment scenarios.
The analytical and non-analytical tools necessary to address a wide range of general management problems.
The business skills and tools necessary to compete in a complicated, quickly changing global environment.
Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Pathway
BU MET’s ADCP program can serve as a building block to a master’s degree. Students who achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the program are guaranteed admission to the following master’s degree programs (offered either on campus or online) with two courses of advanced standing:
To be eligible for the degree, you must apply for admission and be accepted into the degree program. Consult with an admissions advisor to learn more about this option.
Students must complete the following 16 courses* (64 credits) to earn the BS in Management Studies degree.
MET HU 400 Great Works of the Modern Era
Sprg ‘23
The 20th century presented the most accelerated period of social evolution in human history: two World Wars were fought; technology developed at a dazzling pace; psychological exploration and scientific discovery assailed traditional conceptions of religion and the nature of reality; the relation of the individual to society fluctuated as new social and political models originated. Our main focus will be the literature and film within this time frame, but parallel developments in art and music will also be discussed. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Social Inquiry I. [ 4 cr. ]
Exploration of the question "What is philosophy?' and its self-reflective nature is the foundation of this introductory course. Together we will examine the works of both classical Western philosophers and contemporary authors whose ideas have influenced the development of contemporary Western thought. As sound philosophical inquiry requires questioning the assumptions of every system of thought (including one's own) students will be expected to think critically when reflecting on the social and ethical implications of these ideas in the 21st century. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
This undergraduate communication course incorporates writing skills with academic research. Both business and academic writing expectations are covered. This skills- oriented course focuses on the development of oral and written communication techniques, small and large group dynamics, presentations, and negotiations. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Research and Information Literacy; Writing, Research & Inquiry. [ 4 cr. ]
MET IS 403 Natural Science in Contemporary Society
This course will focus on controversial and critical social, environmental, business, and political issues in the various disciplines of science. The natural sciences will be explored in the context of public policy. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Scientific Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
MET MG 410 Entrepreneurial Management: Starting, Innovating, and Managing Small-, Medium-, and Large-Sized Ventures
Sprg ‘23
Covers the four key elements of successful entrepreneurial management: choosing a business, organizing, financing, and marketing. Includes preparing a business plan, becoming an entrepreneur, raising venture capital, selling, negotiating, and building an effective organization. Topics given special consideration are the practice of innovation, the art of leadership, and how to relate talents to succeeding in an innovative managed venture and technology management. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Lopez
CAS 218
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET MG 415 Project Management
Sprg ‘23
An examination of project management concepts, including organizational forms, planning and control techniques, and the role of the project manager. Develops the skills vital to effective management of multidisciplinary tasks through lectures, case studies, and business simulations. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Teamwork/Collaboration. [ 4 cr. ]
MET MG 448 Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
Sprg ‘23
The first course in a two course sequence. This course combines (1) the practical aspect of Web design through the use of application software such as Dreamweaver to construct a commercial Web site with (2) a general overview of the marketing, supporting services, systems, security and business strategy issues facing commercial enterprises. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Appeltans
CAS B20
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET MG 460 Senior Project I
The first course of two for completion of the senior project for the degree completion program. [ 4 cr. ]
MET MG 472 Financial Concepts
Sprg ‘23
Emphasizes issues of accounting, finance, and economics that are important in most management contexts. Introduction to tools of financial analysis and the problems of financial management including cash, profitability, and capital budgeting. Various sources of corporate funds are considered - short-, intermediate-, and long-term arrangements . Stresses understanding financial statements, planning and control, cost and benefit evaluation, cash flow analysis, and capital budgeting. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
MET MG 473 Quantitative and Qualitative Decision Making
Sprg ‘23
This is a basic level course combining the elements of quantitative and qualitative decision making for business. The course exposes the student to practical quantitative approaches to mathematical decision making as well as a wind variety of qualitative approaches for both the services and product industries. Emphasis is placed on the definition of the problem, analysis of the approaches available to solve the problem, an understanding of the limitations and strengths of these approaches as well as the resources necessary. The course additionally prepares the student with design and presentation skills necessary to organize the communications of stating the problem and its different solution or outcome possibilities when the rational for taking a particular course of action needs to be presented to others or the material is being prepared for others who will make business decisions based on the information. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Cleary
CGS 527
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET MG 503 Business in a Changing Society
Sprg ‘23
An examination of the management process and the social environment in which organizations operate, including a discussion of the manager's responsibilities to employees, customers, stockholders, and society. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Appeltans
STH B22
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET MG 515 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution
Sprg ‘23
A communications skills course designed to better understand the nature of conflict and its resolution through persuasion, collaboration, and negotiation. Students will learn theories of interpersonal and organizational conflict and its resolution as applied to personal, corporate, historical, and political contexts. Students will assess their own styles, skills, and values, and develop techniques to better resolve disputes, achieve objectives, and exert influence. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Marya
CAS 201
W
2:30 pm – 5:15 pm
MET MG 520 International Business Management
Sprg ‘23
Environmental, economic, political, and social constraints on doing business abroad. Examines the effects of overseas business investments on domestic and foreign economics; foreign market analysis and operational strategy of a firm; and development potential of international operations. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Papagelis
CAS 235
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET MG 541 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services
Sprg ‘23
Addresses the specifics of new product and service development and factors such as market research and partnering that add value and bring innovation to commercial reality. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Creativity/Innovation. [ 4 cr. ]
MET MG 550 International Business Law and Regulation
Sprg ‘23
This course examines the international business, legal and regulatory environment. Topics include international legal comparisons, the international sale of goods, imports, and exports, technology transfer, intellectual property protection and forms, and regulations of foreign direct investment. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Barry
CAS B36
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Plus one Humanities (HU) elective.
*Two 500-level courses may be applied towards a master’s degree within the Administrative Sciences department (with an earned grade of B or higher)
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.
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
