Learn to Process and Visualize Data
Available online and on campus, the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems concentration in Data Analytics 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 a variety of sectors seeking data analysts.
Program at a Glance
- Online and On Campus
- Part-Time or Full-Time Study
- STEM Designated
- 40 Units
- 12–20 Months to Completion
- 17 Core Faculty
- No GRE/GMAT
- Tuition & Fees—Part-Time Study*: $33,567
*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
The ability to harness and interpret vast amounts of data is essential to effective, evidence-based management decision-making. From routine daily purchasing decisions to major investment strategies, the ability to successfully distill data and present it in an intuitive way is critical to an organization’s bottom line. IT professionals who are skilled in data analytics are highly valued and sought after.
By earning BU’s Master of Science in Computer Information Systems program with a concentration in Data Analytics, you will develop the skills required to compete for data analysis jobs amid rising global demand, while exploring the intricacies of data analytics and various topics related to data processing, analysis, and visualization.
What Is My Career Outlook as a Graduate of This Program?
404,587
Total number of US Jobs
53,424
Annual job openings
+3%
Annual job openings
35%
Projected ten-year growth in jobs
(faster than average)
$100.4K
Median annual salary
Common job titles include:
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Program Analyst
- Statistical Programmer
- Programmer Analyst
Employers seek expertise in:
- Data analysis
- Python
- SQL
- R
“Three important skills students can learn from this program are programming, which is a way to communicate with the machines; analytical thinking, which yields valuable insights from the data; and data management, which is important in efficiently storing, processing, and retrieving the data.” Read more.
Sambasiva Rao Gangineni (MET'19)
Senior Software Engineer, Availity Clinical Solutions
MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Data Analytics
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.
- Career Counseling: MET’s Career Development office and BU’s Center for Career Development offer a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for both online and on-campus students.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 or fully online. 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.
Rankings & Accreditations
#10, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology ProgramsMET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.
Master the Tools to Excel in Computer Information Systems
The Data Analytics concentration is part of BU MET’s MS in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) degree program. BU’s industry-leading MSCIS curriculum combines in-depth technical skills and emerging technology management. Learn the foundations of applied probability and statistics, and their relevance in day-to-day data analysis. Explore various data visualization techniques and their applications using real-world data sets. Facilitate knowledge discovery using data mining techniques with vast amounts of data. Gain hands-on experience with web analytics, data procuring and processing unstructured text.
Along with probability theory and statistical analysis methods and tools, you will learn how to generate relevant visual presentations of data and will examine concepts and techniques for data mining, text mining, and web mining. In addition to the broad background in the theory and practice of information technology gained from the Computer Information Systems core courses, those who complete this program will have a solid knowledge of data analytics practices accompanied by exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery.
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
Metropolitan College’s Computer Information Systems master’s degree concentration in Data Analytics will equip you with:
- Familiarity with applied probability and statistics, and their relevance in day-to-day data analysis.
- The ability to explore the various data visualization techniques and their applications using real-world data sets.
- An understanding of web analytics and metrics; how to procure and process unstructured text; and hidden patterns.
- Skills in facilitating knowledge discovery using data mining techniques over vast amounts of data.
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 Data Analytics, 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.
Master’s in Computer Information Systems Curriculum
Data Analytics Concentration
A total of 40 units is required.
Students must complete the core courses and Data Analytics concentration requirements.
Core Courses
(Five courses/20 units)
MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
MET CS 782 IT Strategy and Management
And one of the following:
MET CS 520 Information Structures with Java
MET CS 521 Information Structures with Python
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. Please refer to MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.
Concentration Requirements
(Five courses/20 units)
MET CS 544 Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization
MET CS 546 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
MET CS 555 Foundations of Machine Learning
MET CS 688 Web Mining and Graph Analytics
MET CS 699 Data Mining
Computer Science Faculty
View all Faculty
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 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 units) in a semester, you are charged the part-time per-unit rate. If you enroll in 3–4 courses (12–16 units) in a semester, you are charged the full-time semester rate.
MS in Computer Information Systems, Data Analytics Concentration (Online and On Campus)
| Enrollment Status | Part Time | Full Time | |
| Courses per Semester | 2 courses (8 units) |
4 courses (16 units) |
3 courses (12 units) |
| Time to Degree | 5 semesters (20 months) |
3 semesters (12–16 months)*** |
4 semesters (16–20 months)*** |
| Tuition* | $567–$1,005 per unit** |
$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 and fee rates.
**Cost per unit is determined by course number (100–599 = $567/unit, 600–999 = $1,005/unit).
***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.
What to Read Next: MET Computer Science & IT Knowledge Center
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