*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees.
Certificate Details
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.
Learn to Design and Deploy Software Applications
Software is everywhere nowadays and, as such, skilled and qualified software engineers are always in demand. The BU MET Software Engineering online 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 online courses (16 credits).
Academic credits earned toward the online Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering may be transferred to the Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems or Software Development.
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.
Enjoy an average 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio in courses that are 100% online, while tackling complex issues alongside peers with solid academic and practical experience.
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.
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.
#4
America’s Top Online Colleges
Graduate with Software Engineering Expertise
Students who complete the Software Engineering Graduate Certificate 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…
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
Philips
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.
Associate Professor of the Practice, Computer Science
Coordinator, Software Development
View All Faculty
Farshid Alizadeh-Shabdiz Professor of the Practice, Computer Science
Scott Arena Master Lecturer, Computer Science
Eric Braude Associate Professor Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science
John Day Master Lecturer, Computer Science
Andrew Gorlin Lecturer, Computer Science
Suresh Kalathur Assistant Professor, Computer Science Director, Analytics
Vijay Kanabar Associate Professor, Computer Science and Administrative Sciences Director, Project Management
Jae Young Lee Assistant Professor, Computer Science Coordinator, Databases
Avinash Mohan Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Reza Rawassizadeh Associate Professor, Computer Science
Anatoly Temkin Assistant Professor Emeritus, Computer Science
Ming Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Yuting Zhang Assistant Professor, Computer Science Director, Cybersecurity
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
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 […]
Boston University (BU) welcomes learners from around the world to join its growing community of online students. Through BU Virtual and the university’s top-ranked schools and colleges, international students can earn a world-class Boston University degree no matter where they live. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, change industries, or gain expertise in a […]
Understanding Opportunity Cost When comparing online and residential graduate programs, it’s important to look beyond tuition. The true cost of earning a degree includes opportunity cost – the income you forego and living expenses you incur while studying full-time on campus. By choosing an online degree, you can typically continue working, maintain your income, and […]
