*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Build Expertise in Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics
The MS in Applied Data Analytics concentration in Data Engineering prepares you to design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines, manage large datasets, and ensure data quality and security—skills essential for today’s data-driven organizations.
Through BU MET’s Data Engineering concentration, you will gain expertise in data ingestion, transformation, and processing using cutting-edge tools and techniques. The curriculum covers databases, applied machine learning, large-scale data processing, and data visualization within a rigorous academic framework. This comprehensive training equips you to support data analytics workflows that drive informed business decisions.
As a graduate of the Applied Data Analytics master’s concentration in Data Engineering, you will be prepared for advanced roles such as data engineer, analytics engineer, and data architect. Additionally, you will build strong predictive modeling and analytical skills sought after by employers in diverse industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and telecom.
The MS in Applied Data Analytics, Data Engineering concentration is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
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 (unless exempted), core courses, and Data Engineering concentration requirements.
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.
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.
Core Courses
(Four courses/16 units)
Plus one course from the following:
And one course from the following*:
*If choosing to take both MET CS 688 and MET CS 699, one will be counted as a core course and the other as a concentration requirement.
Concentration Requirements
(Four courses/16 units)
Choose four courses from the following:
Master’s Thesis Option
(Two courses/8 units)
Students have the option to complete a master’s thesis by taking two Master Thesis courses (8 units) in addition to the program’s ten course (40 units) requirement. The thesis must be completed within 12 months and is available to MS in Applied Data Analytics candidates who have completed at least four courses toward their degree (not including foundation courses) and have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher. Students are responsible for finding a thesis advisor and principal readers within the department. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member; the principal readers may be part-time faculty. Department approval is required.
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.
Learn from highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who have substantial backgrounds and achievements in data analytics, data science, data storage technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, software development, and many other areas.
Gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies through case studies and real-world projects.
Experience a supportive online network, with courses developed and taught by PhD-level full-time faculty and professionals with hands-on expertise in the industry.
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 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
#12, Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs
MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #12 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
#2 Best Online Master’s in Data Analytics of 2026
BU MET’s MS in Applied Data Analytics is ranked #2 Best Online Master’s in Data Analytics Degree Programs for 2026 by TechGuide.
The know-how of database modeling and design, implementation, distributed databases, object-oriented and object-relational databases, databases for web applications, and typical data-mining methods.
Proficiency in designing, implementing, and performance-tuning different types of databases, as well as performing data-mining tasks on various data types.
The comprehension of computing concepts and applications requirements involving massive computing needs and data storage.
“This program led me to my current position as a data scientist at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital, where I implement machine learning models to improve the hospital’s operational efficiency and support physicians with clinical research. I am immensely happy with my investment in graduate school, as it led me to many amazing opportunities!” Read more.
Melissa Viator (MET’23) Data Scientist, Massachusetts General Hospital MS, Applied Data Analytics
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Applied Data Analytics master’s concentration in data engineering prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as data engineer, analytics engineer, data architect, big data engineer, ETL (extract, transform, load) developer, data pipeline engineer, database administrator (DBA), cloud data engineer, machine learning engineer (with a focus on data infrastructure), business intelligence engineer, data operations specialist, and data platform engineer, among others.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
Fidelity Investments
Akamai Technologies
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Chi Alpha Campus Ministries
Deloitte Consulting
Drew University
McKesson
Olympus Americas
Travelers
Turiyatree Technologies
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.
Eric Braude Associate Professor Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science Coordinator, Computer Information Systems
Lou Chitkushev Professor, Computer Science
Senior Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Director, Health Informatics & Health Sciences
Head, Digital Forensics Research Laboratory
Maryan Rizinski Associate Professor of the Practice, Computer Science
Anatoly Temkin Assistant Professor Emeritus, Computer Science
Ming Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science Coordinator, BSCS Programs
Yuting Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science Director, Cybersecurity Coordinator, Computer Systems & Digital Forensics
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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