Develop Data-Driven Business Insights

Available online, on campus, and in a blended format, the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to immerse you in the fast-paced world of technological innovation—preparing you for IT leadership positions in all sectors, with roles including database and knowledge modelers, designers, developers, and business intelligence analysts.

Program at a Glance

  • Top 10 Online Program since 2014
  • Online, On Campus, and Blended
  • Part-Time or Full-Time Study
  • 40 Credits
  • 12–20 Months to Completion
  • 17 Core Faculty
  • No GRE/GMAT
  • Tuition & Fees Range—Part-Time Study*: $33,460–$35,140

*Based on 2023–2024 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.

Advance Your Career with a Master’s in Computer Information Systems

In organizations across all industries, database management systems are essential to successful operations. That’s because database systems are the “nerve center” of an enterprise, and the ability to mine and analyze data from these systems is essential to producing business insights that enhance management of the enterprise and improve the results of routine business operations such as intelligent supply chain management.

The BU MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence develops skill and experience in the design and implementation of operational databases—as well as the data warehousing, data mining, and related business intelligence technologies for managing the enterprise—preparing you for a variety of rewarding career tracks, including several that are predicted to have faster-than-average job growth by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: management analysts, operations research analysts, and database administrators.

U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs - Graduate Computer Information Technology 2023

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

MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2023.

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CNSS

A National Center of Academic Excellence

Boston University has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Our information security programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).

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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.

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“Of all the teachers in the program, I found that Professor Jack Polnar went above and beyond my wildest expectations. . . . Quick to respond to questions and feedback, always there for his students, and an exceptional teacher—when I later learned he was a previous recipient of the Roger Deveau Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, I wasn’t shocked one bit. Professor Polnar made me strive to be a better student and he was an incredible example as I tried to help fellow students during my time in the program, paying forward what I learned through the process.”Dan McKinnon (MET’20), Senior Information Systems Engineer, MITRE Corporation

Why BU’s Computer Information Systems Degree Has Been Top 10 since 2014

  • Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s Computer Information Systems courses introduce case studies and real-world projects that ensure you gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies.
  • Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s Computer Information Systems master’s program, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders with substantial backgrounds and achievements in data analysis, databases, and data security.
  • Extensive Network: Study information systems alongside peers with solid business experience, learn from faculty who have valuable IT 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.
  • Merit Scholarships: All applicants are automatically considered, and admitted students are nominated based on eligibility.

Master the Tools to Excel in Computer Information Systems

The Database Management & Business Intelligence concentration is part of BU MET’s Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS). BU’s industry-leading MSCIS curriculum combines in-depth technical skills and emerging technology management. In this concentration, you will gain extensive hands-on experience with SQL using Oracle and other leading DBMS and data mining tools.

BU MET’s Computer Information Systems master’s degree prepares you for jobs that are seeing faster-than-average growth and excellent salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers (for instance) is more than $146,000. And with seven concentrations, the Computer Information Systems master’s encompasses several other fast-growing and well-paid segments of the IT job market, providing the foundation for work as an application analyst, data analyst, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, IT consultant, network and computer systems administrator, computer systems analyst, database administrator, and many other integral positions in an organization.

Graduate with Expertise

In addition to the learning outcomes derived from Metropolitan College’s Computer Information Systems master’s degree program, the concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence will equip you with:

  • Advanced knowledge of database modeling and design, database implementation, distributed databases, object-oriented and object-relational databases, databases for web applications and big data databases as well as typical data mining methods.
  • Proficiency in the design, implementation, performance tuning of different types of databases, and performing data mining tasks on various types of data.
  • Competence sufficient to participate in the design and implementation of large, distributed database systems and business intelligence systems.
  • Proficiency in identifying and appropriately responding to professional, ethical, and legal issues in data management.

Certificate-to-Degree Pathway

You can also earn the master’s in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Data Analytics by completing the BU MET Graduate Certificate in Information Technology and Graduate Certificate in Database Management & Business Intelligence, 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). To be eligible for the degree, you must apply for admission and be accepted into the degree program. Connect with a graduate admissions advisor at csadmissions@bu.edu to learn more about this option.


A total of 40 credits is required.

Students who are declaring an MSCIS concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence must complete the core and required concentration courses.

Core Courses

(Five courses/20 credits)

And one of the following*:

*If a student chooses to take both MET CS 520 and MET CS 521, the first course completed will fulfill the core requirement and the second course completed will count as an elective.

Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program or have relevant work-related experience may request permission from the Department of Computer Science to replace the corresponding core courses with graduate-level computer information systems electives. Please refer to the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.

Database Management & Business Intelligence Concentration Requirements

(Five courses/20 credits)

Plus one course from the following:

And one additional course selected from the list of Computer Information Systems general electives (some electives may not be available in the blended or online formats):

Students interested in taking electives outside of the stated requirements should contact the Department of Computer Science for approval.


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.

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Comprehensive Financial Assistance

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

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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.

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