Online Medical Information Security Graduate Certificate

At a Glance

Completion Time

Months

Credits Required

Tuition

$11,290

Part-Time*

*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees.

Gain Skills to Navigate HIPAA, Health IT Compliance, and Cybersecurity Risks

Students gain exposure to the complex and varied factors that must be taken into account when addressing information security issues within health care systems. The Medical Information Security & Privacy graduate certificate program presents the methods and skills needed for designing and building secure and reliable systems by developing an understanding of the special requirements of health care systems, where privacy of personal data must be balanced with access to patient records.

Academic units earned toward the online Graduate Certificate in Medical Information Security & Privacy may be transferred to a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, concentration in Health Informatics.

The Online Medical Information Security & Privacy Graduate Certificate is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.

Curriculum

Boston University’s Graduate Certificate in Medical Information Security & Privacy consists of four required online courses (16 units).

Academic units earned toward the certificate may be transferred to the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, concentration in Health Informatics.

Courses

(Four courses/16 units)

MET CS 580 Health Informatics

4 credits. Fall and Spring

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.

Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Diwania	Independent	M	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	MCS B37

MET CS 581 Health Information Systems

4 credits. Fall and Spring

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.

Section O1, SPRG 2026 Jan 13th to Mar 2nd
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Levinger	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

And one selected from the following:

MET CS 674 Database Security

4 credits. Fall and Spring

The course provides a strong foundation in database security and auditing by utilizing Oracle scenarios and step-by-step examples. The following topics are covered: security, profiles, password policies, privileges, roles, Virtual Private Databases, and auditing. The course also covers advanced topics such as SQL injection, database management, and security issues, such as securing the DBMS, enforcing access controls, and related issues.

Section O2, SPRG 2026 Mar 10th to Apr 27th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Zhang	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management

4 credits. Fall and Spring

This course covers important topics that students need to understand in order to effectively manage a successful cybersecurity and privacy program, including governance, risk management, asset classification and incidence response. Students are first introduced to cybersecurity & privacy policy frameworks, governance, standards, and strategy. Risk tolerance is critical when building a cybersecurity and privacy program that supports business goals and strategies. Risk management fundamentals and assessment processes will be reviewed in depth including the methodology for identifying, quantifying, mitigating and controlling risks. Asset classification and the importance of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) will prepare students to understand and identify protection mechanisms needed to defend against malicious actors, including industry competitors and nation states. Incident Response programs will cover preparation and responses necessary to triage incidents and respond quickly to limit damage from malicious actors.

Section O2, SPRG 2026 Mar 10th to Apr 27th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Mukavetz	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

Dates & Deadlines

View BU MET’s academic calendar for online programs, including important dates and deadlines.

Application Requirements

Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.

Image of two hands typing into a laptop with a large security padlock on the screen

How You Benefit from a
Boston University Education

A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.

Benefit from an average 24:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
Work closely with highly qualified faculty and seasoned industry leaders in a wide range of technology fields who are committed to teaching the latest technologies within the framework of ideas, concepts, and methods that drive innovation.
BU 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). The Medical Information Security & Privacy graduate certificate also shares courses with the MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Health Informatics, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
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. In addition, you have access to MET’s Health Informatics Research Lab (HILab), which focuses on collaborative research and development in health informatics, bioinformatics, and clinical research, and BU’s Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS), which offers opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
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.
Study alongside peers and professionals with solid IT experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.

Rankings & Accreditations

U.S. News & World Report - Best Online Programs - Grad Information Technology - 2026

#12, Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs

MET’s computer science & IT graduate certificates share curriculum with MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology, which are ranked #12 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

America’s Top Online Colleges

Graduate with Medical Information Security & Privacy Expertise

Students who complete the Medical Information Security & Privacy Graduate Certificate will be able to demonstrate:

Advanced knowledge of the functionality, technical infrastructure, and best-practice deployment of health care IT, including medical algorithms, electronic health records, privacy and security, and regulations.
Proficiency in security issues in computer systems, networks, and applications, and an understanding of the unique set of privacy and security needs in a health care environment.
Competence sufficient to lead health IT initiatives, to design and implement advanced healthcare software solutions, and to manage the data privacy and system security challenges in a health care environment.

Advance Your Career

BU MET’s Medical Information Security & Privacy graduate certificate prepares you for a wealth of different roles.

Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET

You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.

Computer Science Faculty

Guanglan Zhang

Associate Professor, Computer Science

Coordinator, Health Informatics Programs

Chair, Computer Science

Shengzhi Zhang

Associate Professor

Associate Chair, Computer Science

Coordinator, Web Application Development

Lou Chitkushev

Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Associate Professor, Computer Science

Director, Health Informatics & Health Sciences

View All Faculty

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Online Medical Information Security & Privacy Graduate Certificate

At a Glance

Gain Skills to Navigate HIPAA, Health IT Compliance, and Cybersecurity Risks