To meet the significant and growing demand for C++ and Java software development specialists, the Certificate in Computer Science at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) provides the skills necessary to become part of a C++ or Java development team. Graduates of the part-time program also acquire the background required to enter the software engineering certificate program and the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program.
Metropolitan College’s Computer Science Certificate will equip you with:
Knowledge of discrete mathematics, computer architecture, and the programming languages C++ or Java.
Proficiency in introductory discrete mathematics and algorithms, computer architecture, and the use of common constructs in C++ or Java, including common data structures.
Competence sufficient to be able to learn more advanced algorithms, system architecture, and C++ or Java features.
Why Complete Your Certificate in Computer Science at BU?
Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s Computer Science Certificate program provides practical, hands-on education that you can apply on the job.
Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s Computer Science Certificate program, an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio ensures close interaction with highly qualified faculty who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements in areas such as data science, web programming, databases, and security and privacy.
Extensive Network: Study principles of computer science alongside peers with professional experience, learn from faculty who have valuable information technology contacts, and benefit from a global alumni community with strong connections.
Student Support:Benefit from access to personalized professional academic advice from the team of academic counselors in MET Enrollment & Student Success.
Flexible Schedule: Pursue your studies part-time, at the pace that works for you.
Affordable Tuition: Complete your certificate part-time at BU at a substantial savings compared to full-time study.
Financial Assistance: Undergraduate students at BU MET are eligible for a range of financial aid and community-minded scholarship opportunities designed to support those investing in their education part-time who still need to navigate full-time responsibilities.
Flexible, Part-Time Program Completion—at Boston University
Boston University’s Metropolitan College offers a wide range of undergraduate certificate and bachelor’s degree completion programs in convenient, part-time evening formats—ideal for busy professionals who seek to earn a Boston University degree without turning their personal lives upside down or putting their careers on hold. Along with self-paced programs in a variety of majors on campus, MET also offers the Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program, leading to a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies.
A variety of undergraduate certificate programs provide the opportunity for focused study in a specific subject. Certificates can work into select degree programs at MET, offer breadth to current studies, or build professional skills and knowledge.
Certificate in Computer Science Program Curriculum
Prerequisites
MET CS 201 Introduction to Programming or equivalent experience.
A total of four courses (16 units) is required, choosing one of the following tracks:
Java Programming Track
MET CS 232 Programming with Java
Sprg ‘26
Fall ‘26
Learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming and the Java programming language, including primitive data types, control structures, methods, classes, arrays, and strings. You will also explore key concepts and tools such as inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces, exceptions, the Java collections framework, basic data structures, and recursion. [ 4 cr. ]
Spring 2026
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Shahossini
CGS 421
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Fall 2026
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Liang
T
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 248 Discrete Mathematics
Sprg ‘26
Fall ‘26
Prerequisite: high school algebra. Fundamentals of logic (the laws of logic, rules of inferences, quantifiers, proofs of theorems), Fundamental principles of counting (permutations, combinations), set theory, relations and functions, graphs, trees, and sorting. [ 4 cr. ]
Spring 2026
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Shahossini
CGS 113
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Fall 2026
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Shahossini
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java
Sprg ‘26
Fall ‘26
HUB
Prerequisites: MET CS 232 or consent of instructor. Learn data structures using the Java programming language. Topics include data abstraction, encapsulation, information hiding, and the use of recursion, creation, and manipulation of various data structures: lists, queues, tables, trees, heaps, graphs, and searching and sorting algorithms. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking. [ 4 cr. ]
Prerequisites: MET CS 232 or consent of instructor. Computer organization with emphasis on processors, memory, and input/output. Includes pipelining, ALUs, caches, virtual memory, parallelism, measuring performance, and basic operating systems concepts. Discussion of assembly language instruction sets and programming, as well as internal representation of instructions. [ 4 cr. ]
Spring 2026
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Hendrickson
BRB 122
M
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Fall 2026
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Hendrickson
W
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
C++ Programming Track
MET CS 231 Programming with C++
Prerequisite: MET CS 201 or consent of the instructor. Cover the elements of object-oriented programming and the C++ language, including data types, control structures, functions, library functions, classes, inheritance, and multiple inheritance. You will also study constructors, destructors, function and operator overloading, reference parameters and default values, friend functions, input and output streams, templates, and exceptions. [ 4 cr. ]
MET CS 248 Discrete Mathematics
Sprg ‘26
Fall ‘26
Prerequisite: high school algebra. Fundamentals of logic (the laws of logic, rules of inferences, quantifiers, proofs of theorems), Fundamental principles of counting (permutations, combinations), set theory, relations and functions, graphs, trees, and sorting. [ 4 cr. ]
Spring 2026
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Shahossini
CGS 113
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Fall 2026
Section
Type
Instructor
Location
Days
Times
A1
IND
Shahossini
R
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
MET CS 341 Data Structures with C++
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCS 231) or instructor's consent. - Covers data structures, using the C++ language. Topics include data abstraction, encapsulation, the use of recursion, creation and manipulation of various data structures; bags, lists, queues, tables, trees, heaps and graphs, and searching and sorting algorithms. Laboratory course. Prereq: METCS 231 or instructor's consent. [ 4 cr. ]
MET CS 472 Computer Architecture
Sprg ‘26
Fall ‘26
Prerequisites: MET CS 232 or consent of instructor. Computer organization with emphasis on processors, memory, and input/output. Includes pipelining, ALUs, caches, virtual memory, parallelism, measuring performance, and basic operating systems concepts. Discussion of assembly language instruction sets and programming, as well as internal representation of instructions. [ 4 cr. ]
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.
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
