Available online, on campus, and in a blended format, the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems concentration in Health Informatics 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 the healthcare sector.
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Advance Your Career with a Master’s in Computer Information Systems
In 2020, research firm MarketsandMarkets projected that the North American healthcare IT market would be valued at almost $239.9 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of more than 16 percent for the period of 2019 to 2025. For those who have the combination of healthcare knowledge and IT skills, there are a multitude of opportunities. As reported in findings of the 2019 HIMSS Leadership and Workforce Survey, “The majority of providers (59 percent) and vendors (81 percent) expect there to be increased demands for information and technology resources the coming year.”
For those with a technology background and healthcare professionals who wish to specialize in health and biomedical IT, BU MET’s MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Health Informatics provides an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to the field, and draws on the expertise of Boston University faculty in computer science, medicine, and biomedical engineering. Access to BU MET’s Health Informatics Research Lab (HILab) allows you to tap into collaborative research and development in health informatics, bioinformatics, and clinical research. Graduates of the MSCIS Health Informatics concentration are prepared for roles such as clinical application developer, health informatics specialist, health information technician, health information manager/director, clinical data analyst, privacy officer, software developer/engineer working on health-related information systems, EHR system integration specialist, and many others.
BU MET’s Health Informatics Program by the Numbers
92.6% of students enrolled in Health Informatics courses spring 2019 to fall 2020 reported a satisfaction level of 3 or above on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being most satisfied).
90% of students graduating summer 2019 through spring 2020 were employed within 6 months.
83% of students starting summer 2019 through spring 2020 registered for a subsequent semester and 75% registered for the next academic year.
71% of students entering the program in 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 have graduated as of 2019–2020.
Accreditation Statement
The Health Informatics accreditor of Boston University’s Metropolitan College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Health Informatics concentration, has been reaffirmed through 2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
#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 2025.
BU's Health Informatics master’s degree is the first and only such program in New England accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
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).
What Is My Career Outlook as a Graduate of This Program?
897,028
Total number of US Jobs
104,215
Annual job openings
+3.9%
Annual job openings
16%
Projected ten-year growth in jobs
(faster than average)
$115.8K
Median annual salary
Common job titles include:
Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO)
Clinical Application Developer
EHR Application Specialist
Quality Officer
Safety/Privacy Officer
Health Informatics Data Manager
Employers seek expertise in:
Python
Software engineering
SQL
Data analytics
EHR knowledge
Cybersecurity
Source: Lightcast, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
“The knowledge and skills I have learned at BU MET have created more possibilities for me. The computer science skills I have learned, such as Python, Java, SQL etc., and the accumulated knowledge of healthcare information will help me pursue a career related to data analytics, such as a healthcare data analyst. In addition to seeking a job in the field of data analytics, I plan to be involved in some research related to healthcare systems.” Read more.
Zhidong Wu (MET’21) Senior Lead Generation Specialist II, Biocytogen MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Health Informatics
Why BU’s Computer Information Systems Degree Has Been Top 10 since 2014
Accreditation: BU’s master’s degree concentration in Health Informatics is the first such program in New England to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
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).
Exam Eligibility: Completion of the CAHIIM-accredited master’s program entitles you to sit for professional certification exams offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), such as the Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI™) and the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA®) exams. Along with demonstrating a high standard of proficiency and professionalism sought by employers, AHIMA certification ensures access to valuable networking resources, opens the door to higher earning potential, and paves the way for long-term leadership opportunities in the field.
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—and you have access to BU MET’s Health Informatics Research Lab (HILab), which focuses on collaborative research and development in health informatics, bioinformatics, and clinical research.
Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s Computer Information Systems master’s program, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified Boston University faculty and industry leaders in computer science, medicine, and biomedical engineering.
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.
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 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: US citizens and permanent residents are automatically considered during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Master the Tools to Excel in Computer Information Systems
The Health Informatics 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. The Health Informatics concentration provides advanced knowledge of the functionality, technical infrastructure, and best-practice deployment of healthcare IT, including medical algorithms, electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support, interoperability, data privacy and security, and regulations. You’ll also look at the American healthcare system, along with the fundamentals of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and disease processes, diagnostic modalities, and treatments.
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.
Advanced knowledge in the analysis and documentation of requirements for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
Proficiency in software and computing skills as they pertain to the design and implementation of database systems, data communications, systems analysis, and design.
An understanding of the American healthcare system, medical terminology, basic human anatomy and physiology, disease processes, diagnostic modalities, and treatments associated with common disease processes.
Advanced knowledge of the functionality, technical infrastructure, and best-practice deployment of healthcare IT, including medical algorithms, electronic health records, privacy and security, and regulations.
An understanding of fundamental characteristics of data, information, and knowledge in the healthcare domain and proficiency in managing, processing, and analyzing healthcare data.
Competence sufficient to lead health IT initiatives, to conduct biomedical research, and to design, implement, and manage advanced solutions.
A thorough understanding of the importance of ethical behavior in the profession.
Effective communication skills.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
You can also earn the master’s in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Health Informatics by completing the BU MET Graduate Certificate in Information Technology and Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics, plus two additional courses: Enterprise Cyber Security (MET CS 695) 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.
Master’s in Computer Information Systems Curriculum
A total of 40 credits is required.
Students who are declaring an MSCIS concentration in Health Informatics must complete the core and required concentration courses.
Core Courses*
(Five courses/20 credits)
MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: On Campus Prerequisites: MET CS 200 Fundamentals of Information Techno logy. Or instructor^s consent. ; Undergraduate Corequisites: Restrictions: MS CIS only. This course may not be taken in conjunction with CS 425 (undergraduate) or CS 535. Only CS 535 or CS 625 can be c ounted towards degree requirements. - This course presents the foundations of data communications and takes a bottom-up approach to computer networks. The course concludes with an overview of basic network security and management concepts. Prereq: MET CS 200, or instructor's consent. This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 425 (undergraduate) or MET CS 535. Only one of these courses can be counted towards degree requirements. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Arena
SOC B63
T
12:30 pm – 3:15 pm
A2
IND
Arena
PSY B33
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
Rizinski
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
O2
IND
Rizinski
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
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
Russo
CAS 225
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
A3
IND
Maiewski
STH B20
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
E1
IND
Maiewski
STH B20
T
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 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
A2
IND
Guadagno
MUG 205
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
E1
IND
Guadagno
MUG 205
R
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 782 IT Strategy and Management
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Restrictions: Only for MS CIS students. - This course describes and compares contemporary and emerging information technology and its management. Students learn how to identify information technologies of strategic value to their organizations and how to manage their implementation. The course highlights the application of I.T. to business needs. CS 782 is at the advanced Masters (700) level, and it assumes that students understand IT systems at the level of CS 682 Systems Analysis and Design. Students who haven't completed CS 682 should contact their instructor to determine if they are adequately prepared. Prereq: MET CS 682, or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Arakelian
HAR 326
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O2
IND
Williams
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
And one of the following:
MET CS 520 Information Structures with Java
Fall ‘25
Prerequisites: METCS 200 or 300 or Instructor's Consent. Not recommended for students without a programming background. - This course covers the concepts of object-oriented approach to software design and development using the Java programming language. It includes a detailed discussion of programming concepts starting with the fundamentals of data types, control structures methods, classes, applets, arrays and strings, and proceeding to advanced topics such as inheritance and polymorphism, interfaces, creating user interfaces, exceptions, and streams. Upon completion of this course the students will be able to apply software engineering criteria to design and implement Java applications that are secure, robust, and scalable [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Donald
PSY B53
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
E1
IND
Donald
PSY B53
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
O1
IND
Pham
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
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. ]
This course is designed for IT professionals, and those training to be IT professionals, who are preparing for careers in healthcare-related IT (Health Informatics). This course provides a high-level introduction into basic concepts of biomedicine and familiarizes students with the structure and organization of American healthcare system and the roles played by IT in that system. The course introduces medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, disease processes, diagnostic modalities, and treatments associated with common disease processes. IT case studies demonstrate the key roles of health informatics and how IT tools and resources help medical professionals integrate multiple sources of information to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
O1
IND
Keskin
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET CS 580 Health Informatics
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCS570) - This course presents the fundamental principles, concepts, and technological elements that make up the building blocks of Health Informatics. It introduces the characteristics of data, information, and knowledge in the domain, the common algorithms for health applications, and IT components in representative clinical processes. It presents the conceptual framework for handling biomedical data collection, storage, and optimal use. It covers the concepts of population health and precision medicine and the information systems that support them. It introduces basic principles of knowledge management systems in biomedicine, various aspects of Health Information Technology standards, and IT aspects of clinical process modeling. Students design a simple Health Informatics solution as a term project. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
O2
IND
Zhang
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET CS 581 Health Information Systems
Fall ‘25
Health Information Systems are comprehensive application systems that automate the activities of healthcare delivery including clinical care using electronic health records (EHRs), coordination of care across providers, telehealth, management of the business of healthcare such as revenue cycle management, and population health management. The course covers the functionality of these systems, the underlying information technology they require and their successful operations. It addresses challenges in this rapidly changing field such as complex data, security, interoperability, mobile technology and distributed users. The course emphasizes applied use of health information systems through case studies, current articles, and exercises. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Levinger
PSY B55
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
E1
IND
Levinger
PSY B55
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 695 Cybersecurity
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCS625) or instructor's consent - This course introduces fundamental concepts, principles of cybersecurity and their use in the development of security mechanisms and policies. Topics include basic risk assessment and management; basic legal and ethics issues, various cyber attacks, defense methods and tools; security principles, models and components; different crypto protocols, techniques and tools, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, hashing, public key infrastructure, and how they can be used; security threats and defense to hardware, operating systems, networks and applications in modern computing environments. Hands-on labs using current tools are provided and required. Prerequisite: METCS535 or METCS625 or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Arena
PSY B51
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
E1
IND
Arena
PSY B51
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 781 Advanced Health Informatics
Fall ‘25
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCS570) - This course presents the details of information processing in hospitals, hospital information systems (HIS), and more broadly health information systems. It presents the architecture, design, and user requirements of information systems in health care environment. It focuses on Information Technology aspects of Health Informatics specifically addressing the design, development, operation, and management of HIS. The first part of this course covers the introductory concepts including information processing needs, and information management in health care environment. The second part covers detailed description of HIS including hospital process modeling, architecture, quality assessment, and applicable tools. The final part of the course covers management of HIS and related issues and extension of this topic to other health care organizations. The course will have a term project providing students a hands-on experience in design and research of HIS. Prereq: MET CS 580; or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
D'Amore
CAS 233
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
E1
IND
D'Amore
CAS 233
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
*Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program may request permission from the Department of Computer Science to replace the corresponding core courses with graduate-level computer information systems electives, or with courses from the following list. Please refer to the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details:
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 course explores modern project management by providing an enterprise- level, experiential view of the discipline focused on connecting projects to the organization's mission, vision, and values. The theme of the course is applying key project management tools and techniques, through case-based group work, which will help students identify, analyze, and develop practical proposals to real-world issues. Groups select, plan, report, and then present on their project's scope, schedule, cost, risk, quality, and communications elements using tools such as the WBS, network diagram, PERT estimate, Gantt chart (including the use of MS Project), risk register, and heat map. Students also gain familiarity with important new concepts in project management: Agile frameworks, actionable sustainability thinking, and Benefits Realization Management, all of which will be important for their success not only in other graduate courses, but as they lead projects for their organizations so as to provide lasting, triple-bottom-line value. The course is aligned with the latest PMBOK' Guide from the Project Management Institute. [ 4 cr. ]
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Mucic
MET 101
M
9:05 am – 11:50 am
A2
IND
Cipriano
EPC 208
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
A3
IND
Maltzman
KCB 107
W
2:30 pm – 5:15 pm
A4
IND
MCS B37
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
A5
IND
Keegan
EPC 208
F
11:15 am – 2:00 pm
O1
IND
Maltzman
ARR
12:00 am – 12:00 am
MET HC 751 Introduction to Epidemiology for Health Communicators
This course is recommended for students who are not Epidemiology concentrators. The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and demonstrate their applicability in the field of public health. A further objective is to provide an introduction to the basic skills needed to critically interpret the epidemiologic literature relevant to public health professionals. Please note: This 4-credit course meets over a 7-week period. Students should expect about twice the weekly workload of a 14-week course. [ 4 cr. ]
MET HC 754 Ethical Issues in Medicine and Public Health Communication
This course applies the core principles of bioethics to ethical dilemmas that arise in the context of public health, individualized medicine, and the provision of health care services in order to provide students with the tools necessary (i) to identify the stakeholders and their respective interests; (ii) to analyze those dilemmas from the perspectives of the various stakeholders; (iii) to think critically about the way public policy and public perceptions about the issues are shaped and thus (iv) to become effective agents of information concerning these kinds of controversies. [ 4 cr. ]
Thesis Option
The thesis option is to be completed within twelve months. This option is available to Master of Science in Computer Information Systems candidates who have completed at least seven courses toward their degree and have a GPA of 3.7 or higher. Students are responsible for finding a thesis advisor and a principal reader within the department. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member; the principal reader may be part-time faculty with a PhD (unless waived by the department).
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, either on campus or online. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. If you enroll in 1–2 courses (4–8 credits) in a semester, you are charged the part-time per-credit rate. If you enroll in 3–4 courses (12–16 credits) in a semester, you are charged the full-time semester rate.
MS in Computer Information Systems, Health Informatics Concentration (Online and On Campus)
Enrollment Status
Part Time
Full Time
Courses per Semester
2 courses (8 credits)
4 courses (16 credits)
3 courses (12 credits)
Time to Degree
5 semesters (20 months)
3 semesters (12-16 months)***
4 semesters (16-20 months)***
Tuition*
$567-$1,005 per credit**
$34,935 per semester
$34,935 per semester
Fees per Semester*
$75
$501
$501
Total Degree Cost*
$33,567
$78,987
$110,403
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition & fee rates. **Cost per credit is determined by course number (100–599 = $567/credit, 600–999 = $1,005/credit). ***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.
