Program at a Glance
- Online, On Campus, and Blended
- Part-Time Study
- 16 Units
- 8 Months to Completion
- 17 Core Faculty
- No GRE/GMAT
- Tuition & Fees Range—Part-Time Study*: $14,478–$16,230
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees.
Learn Cybersecurity Skills to Guard Valuable Digital Information
Available on campus, online, and in a blended format, the Graduate Certificate in Information Security at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) provides the skills to develop and implement a strong IT security program within the organization. According to a recent report from Cybersecurity Ventures, it is predicted that there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs in 2021, and not enough talent to fill them. MIT Technology Review asserts that fewer than one in four candidates for such jobs are qualified for the work.
BU MET’s graduate certificate program in Information Security can provide the specific skills you need to protect organizational information from cyber attacks that include unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction—and help avoid loss of business, lawsuits, and even bankruptcy.
From government agencies and hospitals to insurance companies and private businesses, organizations rely upon technology systems and smart devices to operate. With that much digital presence, the risk of a cybersecurity breach is significant—and the amount of critical or confidential information that is vulnerable to hackers, thieves, and other malicious players continues to increase. BU MET’s Information Security certificate introduces various aspects of cybersecurity, including IT security policies and system security. You will learn about digital forensics to help in investigating a security breach, and obtain a good understanding of how information is stored in a database and what services are available to protect it. We will also cover standards and laws, such as HIPPA, PCI, and GLBA, which help protect confidentiality and privacy of customer data.

“BU MET made me feel at home while setting me up for my dream career.” Read more.
Ian Hill (MET'19)
Sr. Information Security Engineer, The Baupost Group
MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Security; Graduate Certificate, Information Security
Why BU Should Be Your Top Choice for Computer Science Graduate Study
- Recognized & Certified: Boston University is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research.
- Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s computer science courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that emphasize technical and theoretical knowledge—combining in-depth, practical experience with the critical skills needed to remain on the forefront of the information technology field. In addition, BU’s Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS) offers opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s computer science graduate programs, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and seasoned industry leaders in a wide range of technology fields who are committed to teaching the latest technologies within the framework of ideas, concepts, and methods that drive innovation.
- Extensive Network: Study alongside peers and professionals with solid IT experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
- 24:1 Average Class Ratio: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to support.
- Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and many others.
- Flexible Options: Study at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus, fully online, or in the blended format that combines on-campus and online learning. Courses begin fall, spring, and summer; online courses have two starts per term.
- Track Record: Learn from the best—BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over its four decades, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
Rankings & Accreditations
Prepare for the Future of Technology with BU MET
The four-course Information Security graduate certificate is part of BU MET’s portfolio of computer science and IT graduate programs. For over forty years, the Department of Computer Science at Metropolitan College has prepared students to tackle contemporary challenges in the field. Our programs are uniquely flexible—we offer courses evenings on campus, fully online, or in a blended format that combines online study with occasional campus visits—so you can balance graduate school with your career, family, and other obligations. We take pride in providing training in critical specialization areas and emphasizing practical, insightful, and adaptable knowledge that can be immediately applied on the job while informing your career growth for years to come. We also offer extensive advising to help you identify the subjects you’ll need to achieve your career goals.
The MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in IT Project Management is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC); the MSCIS concentration in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Through the MSCIS concentration in Security, Boston University is designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Gain Expertise in Information Security
Metropolitan College’s Graduate Certificate in Information Security will equip you with:
- Advanced knowledge of information security concepts, governance, biometric systems, and database systems security, as well as network security and cryptography.
- Proficiency in risk management, such as asset assessments, architectural solutions, modeling, and design.
- Competence in security policies, processes, technology, and operations.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
You can earn the master’s in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Security by completing the Graduate Certificate in Information Security and the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, plus two additional courses: Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MET CS 546) and either Information Structures with Java (MET CS 520) or Information Structures with Python (MET CS 521). 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 csadmissions@bu.edu to learn more about this option.
Information Security Graduate Certificate Curriculum—On Campus
A total of four courses (16 units) is required, chosen from the following list. Please note that not all courses are available in the online/blended format.
MET CS 595 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
MET CS 599 Biometrics
MET CS 674 Database Security
MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
MET CS 690 Network and Cloud Security
MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security
MET CS 763 Secure Software Development
MET CS 787 AI and Cybersecurity
MET CS 789 Cryptography
Computer Science Faculty
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Tuition & Financial Assistance
Competitive Tuition
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.Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET programs offer the flexibility of part-time study, either on campus or online. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. Course enrollment in this certificate program is 1–2 courses (4–8 units) in a semester, and tuition is charged the part-time per-unit rate.
Information Security Graduate Certificate (Online and On Campus)
Enrollment Status | Part Time |
Courses per Semester | 2 courses (8 units) |
Time to Degree | 2 semesters (8 months) |
Tuition* | $567–$1,005 per unit** |
Fees per Semester* | $75 |
Total Certificate Cost* | $14,478– $16,230 |
*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).
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.
What to Read Next: MET Computer Science & IT Knowledge Center
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