*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees.
Learn to Design and Deploy Software Applications
The online Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to produce skilled software engineers who will be able to participate in, and lead, development projects.
BU MET’s Software Engineering online graduate certificate provides you with in-depth understanding and hands-on practice in how to plan, understand and analyze the requirements, design, implement, test, and deploy high-quality software applications. The program emphasizes important concepts and principles in software design as well as best practices used in the software industry. As a student in BU MET’s Software Engineering program, you will develop technical prowess along with valuable management and soft skills. The program can help current programmers or software engineers seek professional growth in the software industry.
The Software Engineering Graduate Certificate is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
Boston University’s Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering consists of four required courses (16 units).
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 certificate program. Requirements for completion are assessed during the application process.
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 a 24:1 average student-to-instructor ratio.
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, BU’s Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS) offers opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
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 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.
Rankings & Accreditations
#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.
Graduate with Software Engineering Expertise
Students who complete the Online Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering will be able to demonstrate:
Advanced knowledge of software projects, including requirements analysis, object-oriented methods, design patterns, testing, and maintenance.
Proficiency in software project management, software design, Unified Modeling Language usage, and computer-aided software engineering.
Competence sufficient to participate in and lead the planning, requirements analysis, design, and timely implementation of quality software applications within budget.
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Software Engineering graduate certificate prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as software engineer, systems engineer, data engineer, software developer, solution architect, and many others.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
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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