*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees.
Learn to Preserve and Protect Digital Information
Developing a strong cybersecurity program is critical—but remains challenging for most organizations. Cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems, networks, applications, and digital data from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access. It is essential because organizations—including government agencies, hospitals, financial institutions, and private businesses—rely heavily on interconnected technologies to store, process, and transmit sensitive information about employees and customers. If critical digital assets, such as customer payment information, intellectual property, or proprietary system data, are compromised, organizations may face financial losses, legal penalties, reputational damage, and even business failure. Additionally, organizations must comply with cybersecurity-related regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GLBA, which are designed to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data in an increasingly connected world.
BU MET’s Cybersecurity graduate certificate program explores IT security policies, network security, cryptography, software security, AI security, and system security. You will also learn about digital forensics to help in investigating a security breach, or obtain a good understanding of how information is stored in a database and what services are available to protect it. On completing the graduate certificate, you will have the skills needed to help develop and implement IT security in your organization.
The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
The online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity consists of four required courses (16 units).
Academic units earned toward the online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity may be transferred to the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems.
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.
BU 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 cybersecurity programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
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’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 industry leaders who have hands-on involvement in information security and fighting cybercrime for 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 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 Cybersecurity Expertise
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity will be able to demonstrate:
Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, governance, security measures, and systems security, as well as network security, cloud security, and cryptography.
Proficiency in risk management, such as asset assessments, incident response process, architectural solutions, modeling, and design.
Competence in security policies, processes, technology, and operations.
“BU MET’s Information Security graduate certificate 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.” 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 Cybersecurity graduate certificate 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:
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
Robert Schudy
Associate Professor Emeritus, Computer Science
Victor Shtern
Associate Professor Emeritus, Computer Science
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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