*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Learn the Keys of System Security and Cybercrime Prevention
The MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Cybersecurity provides in-depth knowledge of emerging security threats and solutions to prepare technical leaders to identify, develop, and implement highly secure systems and networks that support organizational goals. Graduates are prepared for careers as information security analysts, system analysts, or information system leaders, among others.
The MS in Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity Concentration is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
A total of 32 units is required.
Students must complete the core courses and Cybersecurity concentration requirements.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution. Students with limited academic background in information technology or computer science may be required to enroll in the following complimentary lab. Recommendations will be provided upon admission.
Prerequisite:
MET LB 102 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
All students are required to enroll in the following complimentary labs, regardless of their background. These labs can be taken simultaneously while enrolled in the MSCIS program.
Corequisites:
MET LB 103 Core Mathematical Concepts
MET LB 104 Foundations of Probability
Core Courses
(Four courses/16 units)
One of the following:
And these three courses:
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 the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.
Concentration Requirements
(Four courses/16 units)
And one course selected from the following (some courses may not be available in the online format):
Master’s Thesis Option
(8 units)
Students have the option to complete a master’s thesis in addition to the program’s eight course (32 unit) requirements. The thesis option is to be completed within twelve months and is available to Master of Science in Computer Information Systems candidates who have completed at least four 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).
Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.
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.
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 also certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
Courses are designed to provide personalized attention while incorporating case studies and real-world projects that give students practical experience with the latest technologies. BU’s Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS) offers opportunities to collaborate and participate in cutting-edge research on system reliability and information security.
Many courses prepare you to leverage artificial intelligence for the analysis, development, and integration of modern information systems.
Students benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who are actively engaged in information security and combatting cybercrime at some of the world’s top companies.
BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over the course of its existence, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
All graduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Rankings & Accreditations
#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.
A National Center of Academic Excellence
Boston University is a National Security Agency (NSA)-designated Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research for its MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Cybersecurity.
Graduate with Cybersecurity Expertise
Students who complete the MSCIS degree concentration in Cybersecurity will be equipped with:
Advanced knowledge of network and cloud security, including relevant threats/attacks, their root causes, IAM, and best security practices.
Proficiency in security policies, processes, technology, operations, and risk management (e.g., asset assessments, architectural solutions, modeling, and design).
Competence in information security concepts, cryptography, cyberattacks, and cyber defense tools/protocols.
“I was not only able to gain more knowledge, but my security insight matured to a level that I thought unachievable prior to entering my master’s program. All of the topics covered in my program I used in my job interviews, and in my job. Best choice I made.” Read more.
Ian Hill (MET ’19) Sr. Information Security Engineer, The Baupost Group MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Security; Graduate Certificate, Information Security
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Computer Information Systems master’s with a concentration in Cybersecurity prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Engineer, Business Information Security Officer, Security Engineer, Chief Data Protection Officer, Cloud Security Analyst, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and many others.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
Citi
Cisco
Microsoft
Northrop Grumman
IBM
Symantec
Datto Inc.
U.S. Military
Fidelity Investments
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Salesforce
Bank of America
CSC
PwC
Google
Verizon
AT&T
Apple
Amazon
Dell
Deloitte
iRobot
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.
Anatoly Temkin Assistant Professor Emeritus, Computer Science
Ming Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science Coordinator, BSCS Programs
Tanya Zlateva Dean, Metropolitan College & Extended Education Professor of the Practice, Computer Science and Education Education Director, Information Security, Center for Reliable Information Systems & Cyber Security
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