Develop Information Technology Leadership Expertise
Established in 2004, Boston University’s online master’s in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) immerses students in the fast-paced world of technological innovation—preparing them for IT leadership positions in all sectors. BU students learn from expert faculty who are also industry leaders with hands-on involvement in building networks, developing applications, and fighting cybercrime for the world’s top companies. Online programs at Boston University provide something you won’t get anywhere else: a cutting-edge technical education rooted in BU’s 150-year old tradition of academic excellence.
Designed for students who wish to combine technical competence in information systems with knowledge of managerial and organizational issues, the MSCIS offers a variety of optional degree concentrations that encompass some of the fastest growing and highest paid segments of the IT job market:
- Computer Networks
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Database Management & Business Intelligence
- Digital Forensics
- Health Informatics
- IT Project & Product Management
- Web Application Development
The MS in Computer Information Systems is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
A total of 32 units is required.
Students who are not choosing a concentration must complete recommended prerequisites and corequisites along with the core courses and four electives. Students pursuing a concentration should review the requirements for Computer Networks, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Digital Forensics, Health Informatics, IT Project & Product Management, or Web Application Development.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Core Courses
General Electives
Master’s Thesis Option
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.
- Learn from highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who have hands-on involvement in building networks, developing applications, and fighting cybercrime for the world’s top companies.
- Gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies through case studies and real-world projects. In addition, there are a variety of opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
- Many courses prepare you to leverage artificial intelligence for the analysis, development, and integration of modern information systems.
- Experience a supportive online network, with courses developed and taught by PhD-level full-time faculty and professionals with hands-on expertise in the industry.
- Learn from the best— 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.
A National Center of Academic Excellence
Boston University is a National Security Agency (NSA)-designated Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research for its MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Cybersecurity.
CAHIIM Accredited
BU MET’s MS in Health Informatics and MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Health Informatics are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.
PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management
BU MET’s MS in Project Management and MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in IT Project & Product Management are accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).
Graduate with Computer Information Systems Expertise
Students who complete the master’s degree in Computer Information Systems will be able to:
- Identify, evaluate, and manage the implementation of information technologies with strategic value for the enterprise.
- Apply AI to system and requirement analysis, architecture, design, and implementation.
- Demonstrate proficiency with current IT tools, database systems, and data communications.
“I believe this program has provided an excellent foundation for pursuing a wide range of careers, from data analyst to system manager or software engineer. With its diverse curriculum, individuals from various backgrounds can find a place where they fit and thrive. I don’t want to limit my career path because we live in a century characterized by rapid change, and I believe in continuously challenging and improving myself on a lifelong journey to stay competitive.” Read more.
Chen Han (MET’24)
Media Data Analyst
MS, Computer Information Systems;
Graduate Certificate, Data Analytics
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Computer Information Systems Master’s degree prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as Software Engineer, Data Engineer, Software Developer, Solutions Architect, Systems Analyst, and Business Analyst, among others, as well as those seeking to advance in their organizations. BU’s Computer Information Systems curriculum focuses on building up key skills in areas such as AI-augmented technologies, data analytics, cybersecurity, database management, IT project management, and other fast-growing fields within the tech industry.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
- Fidelity Investments
- IBM
- United States Army
- United States Air Force
- Boeing
- Oracle
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Accenture
- Bank of America
- Lockheed Martin
- Microsoft
- PwC
- United States Marine Corps
- United States Navy
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Apple
- AT&T
- Cisco
- Raytheon
- Dell EMC
- Infosys
- State Street
- General Motors
- Meditech
- Partners HealthCare
- Staples
- UnitedHealth Group
- Verizon
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.
Computer Science Faculty
Guanglan Zhang
Associate Professor, Computer Science
Coordinator, Health Informatics Programs
Chair, Computer Science
Shengzhi Zhang
Associate Professor
Associate Chair, Computer Science
Coordinator, Web Application Development
Eric Braude
Associate Professor
Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science
Coordinator, Computer Information Systems
