At a Glance

Completion Time
8–16
Months
Credits Required
32
Tuition
$27,204–$28,956
Part-Time*

*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.

Advance Your Career with Software Architecture and DevOps Expertise

The MS in Software Development constitutes preparation for one of the largest and fastest-growing professions: software developer. It recognizes the ubiquitous and growing need for new and evolving software. The degree program is founded on the principle that developers must be thoroughly practiced in understanding new requirements in diverse fields and, acting as team members or leaders, fully competent to deliver secure, reliable software.

The MS in Software Development is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.

Curriculum

Boston University’s online Master of Science in Software Development consists of eight courses (32 units).

Students interested in taking electives outside of the stated requirements should contact the Department of Computer Science for approval.

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.

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 industry leaders who are involved in research projects in areas such as novel internet architectures, smartphone applications, information assurance, biomedical informatics, and many other areas.
  • Study software development alongside fellow professionals from all backgrounds, learn from faculty who have valuable IT contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
  • Courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that ensure you gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies.
  • BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department BU. Over its four decades, 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

U.S. News & World Report - Best Online Programs - Grad Information Technology 2025

#10

Ranked #10 in the nation

Graduate with Software Development Expertise

Students who complete the online master’s degree in Software Development will be able to demonstrate:

  • Advanced knowledge of computer language theory, software design, as well as databases, networks, or security.
  • Proficiency in algorithms, operating systems, computer language usage, software development, and the management of data, networks, or security.
  • Competence sufficient to investigate continually emerging new software technologies, applications, and approaches.
Nikki Tebaldi headshot

“I found that I was really drawn to the software development field on an intellectual level, and I started the program because I wanted to learn more. I also felt that my career would benefit from obtaining a degree in software development, and I hoped to transition from working as a systems administrator to a software developer—which I was able to do.” Read more.

Nikki Tebaldi (MET’21)
Cloud Adoption Engineer, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
MS, Software Development

Advance Your Career

BU MET’s Software Development master’s prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as…

Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:

  • Tesla
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Bank of America
  • Microsoft
  • US Navy
  • Amazon
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Liberty Mutual Insurance
  • Uber
  • United States Air Force
  • Wayfair
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
  • BMC Software
  • BNY Mellon
  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital
  • Cigna
  • Dell
  • iRobot
  • PayPal
  • PhilipsCompany

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.


Interested in Learning More?

Recent News

Online Master’s in Enterprise AI

Boston University’s online Master’s in Enterprise AI prepares working professionals to design, deploy, and govern AI systems at organizational scale. Delivered 100% online and designed to be completed in about 16 months, the program covers enterprise AI fundamentals, machine learning, data engineering, LLM applications, MLOps, governance, and AI strategy—so you can move from experimentation to […]
Read More

Staying Motivated in Online Learning

Succeeding as an online student requires structure, motivation, and intentional planning. Whether you are balancing coursework with work, family, or other responsibilities, these strategies can help you stay focused, productive, and on track throughout your program. Strategy 1: Establish a Routine If you’re a creature of habit, you’ve already discovered that routines help you thrive. […]
Read More

Can You Work Full-Time While Earning a BU Online Degree?

Can I Work Full-Time and Pursue an Online Degree? Yes! Balancing full-time work with an online degree is absolutely possible, and almost all (95%+) of our students are working full-time alongside their studies. With that in mind, programs have been designed to meet our students’ needs and busy lives. Keep reading to understand how Boston […]
Read More
Area of Study