*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Gain Expertise in Predictive Modeling, Data Mining, and Visualization
The MS in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) concentration in Data Analytics will provide professionals with the skills required to compete for jobs as data scientists, analysts, architects, and engineers amid rising global demand. The concentration will explore the intricacies of data analytics and expose students to various topics related to data processing, analysis, and visualization. Along with probability theory and statistical analysis methods and tools, students will learn how to generate relevant visual presentations of data and will examine concepts and techniques for data mining, text mining, and web mining. In addition to the broad background in the theory of practice of information technology gained from the Computer Information Systems core courses, individuals who complete this program will have a solid knowledge of data analytics practices accompanied by exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery—preparing them for IT leadership and artificial intelligence-integrated positions in a variety of sectors seeking data analysts.
The MS in Computer Information Systems, Data Analytics Concentration is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
A total of 32 units is required.
Students must complete the core courses and Data Analytics concentration requirements.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution. Students with limited academic background in information technology or computer science may be required to enroll in the following complimentary lab. Recommendations will be provided upon admission.
Prerequisite:
MET LB 102 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
All students are required to enroll in the following complimentary labs, regardless of their background. These labs can be taken simultaneously while enrolled in the MSCIS program.
Corequisites:
MET LB 103 Core Mathematical Concepts
MET LB 104 Foundations of Probability
Core Courses
(Four courses/16 units)
One of the following:
And these three courses:
Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program or have relevant work-related experience may request permission from the Department of Computer Science to replace the corresponding core courses with graduate-level computer information systems electives. Please refer to the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.
Concentration Requirements
(Four courses/16 units)
One of the following:
And:
Plus two courses selected from the following (some courses may not be available in the online format):
Master's Thesis Option
(8 units)
Students have the option to complete a master’s thesis in addition to the program’s eight course (32 unit) requirements. The thesis option is to be completed within twelve months and is available to Master of Science in Computer Information Systems candidates who have completed at least four courses toward their degree and have a GPA of 3.7 or higher. Students are responsible for finding a thesis advisor and a principal reader within the department. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member; the principal reader may be part-time faculty with a PhD (unless waived by the department).
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 with substantial backgrounds and achievements in data analysis.
Courses introduce case studies and real-world projects that ensure you gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies.
Many courses prepare you to leverage artificial intelligence for the analysis, development, and integration of modern information systems.
Study information systems alongside peers with solid business experience, learn from faculty who have valuable IT contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
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.
Graduate with Analytics Expertise
Students who complete the MSCIS degree concentration in Data Analytics will be able to demonstrate:
A foundation in applied probability and statistics, especially their relevance to day-to-day data analysis.
The ability to apply various data visualization techniques and their applications to real-world data sets.
An understanding of web analytics and metrics, procuring and processing unstructured text, and how to uncover hidden patterns.
Knowledge discovery skills using data mining techniques over vast amounts of data.
“Three important skills students can learn from this program are programming, which is a way to communicate with the machines; analytical thinking, which yields valuable insights from the data; and data management, which is important in efficiently storing, processing, and retrieving the data.” Read more.
Sambasiva Rao Gangineni (MET’19) Senior Software Engineer, Availity Clinical Solutions MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Data Analytics
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Computer Information Systems master’s with a concentration in Data Analytics prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as artificial intelligence specialist, data scientist, data engineer, big data developer, software developer, IT managers, database specialists, and many others.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths in organizations such as:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
IBM
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Oracle
Quest Software
SAP
State Street Bank
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.
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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