*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Develop the Ability to Produce Cutting-Edge Computer Networking Solutions
The MS in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) concentration in Computer Networks provides a broad foundation in information technology and an in-depth understanding of computer data communication and modern networking. The Computer Networks concentration courses offer a comprehensive understanding of network design and implementation, network performance analysis and management, network security, and the latest networking technology. The program is designed to empower students with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to analyze, design, procure, manage and implement cutting-edge computer networking solutions and technologies—preparing graduates for IT leadership and artificial intelligence-integrated positions in all sectors.
The MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Computer Networks is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
A total of 32 units is required.
Students must complete the core courses and Computer Networks 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 or have relevant work-related experience 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.
Courses introduce case studies and real-world projects that ensure you gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies.
Work closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who have extensive hands-on involvement in building secure networks, developing applications, and fighting cybercrime for the world’s top companies.
Many courses prepare you to leverage artificial intelligence for the analysis, development, and integration of modern information systems.
Study information systems alongside peers with solid business experience, learn from faculty who have valuable IT contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
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.
Graduate with Computer Information Systems Concentration in Computer Networks Expertise
Students who complete the MSCIS degree concentration in Computer Networks will be:
Knowledgeable about protocols and the processing of user data as it passes through the layers of each device connected to the internet.
Able to specify requirements and analyze, design, and evaluate networking across LAN, MAN, WAN, and CDN architectures.
Proficient in security, network management, and design principles necessary for inter-process communications.
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Computer Information Systems master’s with a concentration in Computer Networks prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as network engineer, network architect, computer systems analyst, webmaster, network administrator, computer systems administrator, and many other integral positions in an organization.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
Abacus Technology
BHP
CACI International
Dell EMC
Infosys
Kala Pharmaceuticals
Lowe’s Companies
Mass General Brigham
MITRE Corporation
NRTC
PwC
Rapid7
Rockwell Automation
United States Army
VCU Health
Verizon
World Wide Technology
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
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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