Program at a Glance

  • Online, On Campus, and Blended
  • Part-Time Study
  • 16 Credits
  • 8–12 Months to Completion
  • 17 Core Faculty
  • No GRE/GMAT
  • Tuition & Fees Range—Part-Time Study*: $13,720–$15,400

*Based on 2023–2024 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.

U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs - Grad Information Technology 2024

#8, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs

MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #8 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2024.

Learn More
Charles River Campus

Request Information

Receive more details about your program of interest.

Learn More
What Do My Career Options Look Like with a Master’s in Computer Science from BU’s Metropolitan College?

Computer Science Career Outlook

Top computer science careers in data science, software development, and other popular areas of IT.

Learn more

“I gained lifelong mentors and friends at MET while attending a school with 30,000 students. BU MET made me feel at home while setting me up for my dream career.”Ian Hill (MET’19), Information Security & Privacy Cloud Analyst, Partners HealthCare

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. BU MET’s information security programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
  • 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.
  • 15:1 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, Center for Antiracist Research, 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.

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.

Our degree programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS)—the MS in Computer Information Systems has additional accreditation from the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 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.



(Four courses/16 credits)

Choose any four of the following:



(Four courses/16 credits)

Choose any four of the following:



Computer Science Faculty

Learn more about the Department of Computer Science

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.

Learn More

Comprehensive Financial Assistance

Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.

Learn More

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 credits) in a semester, and tuition is charged the part-time per-credit rate.

Information Security Graduate Certificate (Online and On Campus)

Enrollment Status Part Time
Courses per Semester 2 courses
(8 credits)
Time to Degree 2 semesters
(8 months)
Tuition* $535-$955
per credit**
Fees per Semester* $60
Total Degree Cost* $13,720–
$15,400

*Based on 2023–2024 Boston University tuition & fee rates.
**Cost per credit is determined by course number (100–599 = $535/credit, 600–999 = $955/credit).

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.

Apply Now

 

News & Events

Events

April 10th, 2024 at: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Jacques Pépin Lecture Series: The Taste of Water by Christy Spackman, Author and Researcher

Details
Events

April 17th, 2024 at: 1:30pm - 2:15pm

Graduate Admissions Webinar

Details
Events

May 1st, 2024 at: 10:00am - 10:30am

Financing your BU MET Graduate Education (for INTERNATIONAL students)

Details

Back to Programs