Find Big Opportunities in Big Data
The Master of Science in Computer Science concentration in Data Analytics at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) explores the intricacies of data analytics and exposes you to various topics and tools related to data processing, analysis, and visualization.
Program at a Glance
- On Campus
- Part-Time or Full-Time Study
- STEM Designated
- 32–40 Units
- 8–20 Months to Completion
- 18 Core Faculty
- No GRE/GMAT
- Tuition & Fees Range—Part-Time Study*: $22,580–$29,115
*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
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Get essential information and guidance for applying.
Develop In-Demand Data Analytics Skills for Your Career
Our ability to collect, mine, and utilize massive amounts of data continues to transform every aspect of our lives. With adoption of big data analytics widespread within every major industry—including healthcare, tech, finance, communication, entertainment, energy, transportation, government, and manufacturing, to name a few—the skill to create advanced techniques to harness the power of data, and tell its story, is critical. The World Economic Forum “Jobs of Tomorrow” report of 2020 suggests an annual growth rate of 41 percent for data and AI professions, with job titles such as artificial intelligence specialist, data scientist, data engineer, big data developer, and many others. Yet, there remains a significant skills gap as employers are faced with a shortage of qualified talent for a range of emerging analytics roles.
BU MET’s Computer Science master’s concentration in Data Analytics is far more career-centric than traditional data analytics graduate programs, and offers extensive exposure to database systems, data mining tools, data visualization tools, and cloud services. Students will learn probability theory, statistical analysis methods and tools, how to generate relevant visual presentations of data, and concepts and techniques for data mining, text mining, and web mining.
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
Speak with our Admissions Team
Schedule a 1:1 call to speak with an advisor directly or attend an admissions event alongside other future students.
“After finishing my undergrad, I began working immediately. I never thought I would go back to school. But during my nine years of experience in IT, my passion for further broadening my knowledge in the data field encouraged me to pursue a master’s in computer science with a focus on data analytics. It was bold, but the decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made.” Read more.
Priti Agrawal (MET'19)
Senior Data Engineer, McKinsey & Company
MS, Computer Science; Concentration, Data Analytics
Why Earn a Master’s in Computer Science Degree from BU?
- 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.
- 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 Science master’s program, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who have hands-on involvement in data analytics, data science, data storage technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, software development, and many other areas.
- Extensive Network: Study computer science alongside peers with solid IT and business experience, learn from faculty who have valuable 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.
- Student Support: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty mentors 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 with courses that begin fall, spring, and summer.
- 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 graduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Master the Tools to Excel in Computer Science
The Data Analytics concentration is part of BU MET’s MS in Computer Science (MSCS) degree program. Those who complete the Data Analytics curriculum will graduate with a solid knowledge of concepts and techniques in data analytics, exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery, and a broad background in the theory of the practice of computer science.
BU MET’s Computer Science master’s degree prepares you for jobs that are seeing faster-than-average growth and excellent salaries. Amid growing demand for—and reliance upon—big data, cloud computing, machine learning, information security, and networking, the computer science and information technology sector is projected to grow at a rate much faster than the average for all other occupations through 2033, with a median annual wage of nearly $106K in 2024 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Outlook Handbook). Because of the specialized nature of the work, competition for talent is fierce.
Graduate with Expertise
In addition to the learning outcomes derived from Metropolitan College’s Computer Science master’s degree program, the concentration in Data Analytics will equip you with:
- A foundation in applied probability and statistics, especially their relevance to day-to-day data analysis.
- The ability to apply the various data visualization techniques and their applications to real-world data sets.
- The ability to understand web analytics and metrics, procure and process unstructured text, and uncover hidden patterns.
- Knowledge-discovery skills using data-mining techniques over vast amounts of data.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
BU MET graduate certificate programs can serve as building blocks to a master’s degree. The Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics shares specific courses with the master’s in Computer Science concentration in Data Analytics. 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 metadmissions@bu.edu to learn more about this option.
Master’s in Computer Science Curriculum
Data Analytics Concentration
A total of ten courses (40 units) is required. Students exempted from the foundation courses will complete a total of eight courses (32 units).
Students must complete the foundation courses, core courses, and Data Analytics concentration requirements.
A minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is a C (2.0) but an average grade of B (3.0) must be maintained to be in good academic standing and to be eligible to graduate.
Preparatory Labs
All students are enrolled in the following free, online, non-unit preparatory labs designed to strengthen their academic foundation and serve as a key resource for the degree program. Requirements for completion are assessed during the application process.
Foundation Courses
(Two courses/8 units)
Qualified students may be exempt from one or both foundation courses based on previous academic background in information technology, computer science, and mathematics. Applicants will be notified of their curriculum requirements upon admission. If foundation courses are assigned, they must be completed within the first semester of study.
MET CS 542 Data Structures
MET CS 572 Computer Architecture
Core Courses
(Four courses/16 units)
MET CS 566 Analysis of Algorithms
MET CS 575 Operating Systems
MET CS 662 Computer Language Theory
And one of the following*:
MET CS 535 Computer Networks
MET CS 579 Database Management
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 science electives. Please refer to the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.
Concentration Requirements
(Four courses/16 units)
MET CS 555 Foundations of Machine Learning
And one of the following:
MET CS 544 Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization
MET CS 550 Computational Mathematics for Machine Learning
Plus two courses selected from the following list:
MET CS 577 Data Science with Python
MET CS 688 Web Mining and Graph Analytics
MET CS 699 Data Mining
MET CS 767 Advanced Machine Learning and Neural Networks
MET CS 777 Big Data Analytics
Computer Science Faculty
View All Faculty
How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET Programs offer the flexibility of part-time or full-time study. 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 Science, Data Analytics Concentration (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 | 4–5 semesters (16–20 months) |
2–3 semesters (8–16 months)*** |
3–4 semesters (12–20 months)*** |
| Tuition* | $585-$1,030 per unit** |
$36,512 per semester |
$36,512 per semester |
| Fees per Semester* | $75 | $524 | $524 |
| Total Degree Cost* | $22,580– $29,115 |
$74,072– $82,387 |
$82,387– $115,303 |
*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fee rates.
**Cost per unit is determined by course number (100–599 = $585/unit, 600–999 = $1,030/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.
What to Read Next: MET Computer Science & IT Knowledge Center
- Computer Science & IT Student Stories
- How Long Does a Master’s in Computer Science Take to Complete—and What is the Cost?
- Why Get a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at BU MET?
- What Do My Career Options Look Like with a Master’s in Computer Science from BU’s Metropolitan College?
- Are There Different Computer Science Graduate Programs or Specializations at BU?
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