Boston university computer science masters acceptance rate

Ready to Excel in High-Growth Technology Roles?

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to help you compete for positions in high-growth technology areas. The MSCS provides the skills necessary for challenging jobs as software developers, information security analysts, network administrators, database developers, data analysts, IT project managers, and health informatics professionals.

The MSCS degree program offers optional concentrations in:

• Computer Networks
• Data Analytics
• Security

Program at a Glance

• On Campus
• Part-Time or Full-Time Study
• 40 Credits
• 12–20 Months to Completion
• 17 Core Faculty
• No GRE/GMAT
• Tuition & Fees Range—Part-Time Study*: $31,540–$33,280

*Based on 2022–2023 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.

Develop In-Demand Computer Science Skills for Your Career

Amid growing demand for—and reliance upon—big data, cloud computing, machine learning information security, and networking, jobs in the computer science and information technology sector continue to grow at a faster rate than other occupations, with overall projected growth of 13 percent through 2030 and a median annual wage of more than $91K in 2020 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook). Because of the specialized nature of the work, competition for talent is fierce.

To help you to master emerging software technologies, applications, and approaches, BU MET’s master’s in Computer Science curriculum develops advanced understanding and command of software design, and ensures that you become proficient in programming, algorithms, operating systems, databases, software development, and the management of data, networks, or security.

A National Center of Academic Excellence

Boston University has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Our information security programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).

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“One of the main reasons I have enjoyed and have been so impressed with the MET CS program so far is the practicality of the classes. The professors have a good mix of both academic and industry experience, making it a very well-rounded program.”—Tara Adams (MET’19), Product Manager, Paytronix Systems, Inc.

Explore Careers in Computer Science

Use the Career Insights tool to explore jobs that are the right fit for you. Filter by career area and job title or by industry sector to explore employment demand and average salaries. Select “Learn More” for a downloadable career report, or “Explore Other Options” to find the BU MET degree or certificate program that will prepare you for the job you want.

Why Choose BU MET’s Computer Science Master’s Program

• Recognized & Certified: Boston University 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 information security programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
• Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s computer science 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.
• Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s Computer Science master’s program, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and 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.
• Extensive Network: Study computer science alongside peers with solid IT and business experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
• Student Support: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty mentors and access to support.
• Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Center for Antiracist Research, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and many others.
• Flexible Options: Study at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus with courses that begin fall, spring, and summer.
• Track Record: 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 its four decades, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
• Merit Scholarships: All applicants are automatically considered, and admitted students are nominated based on eligibility.

Master the Tools to Excel in Computer Science

Offered through BU MET’s Department of Computer Science, the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is intended for computer professionals and for people who wish to move into the computer field from other areas of study. Our faculty consists of academic leaders who are engaged in innovative research and skilled industry experts with firsthand experience in data analytics, machine learning, AI, computer networks, cybersecurity, IT project management, and software development.

Computer Science Concentration Options

BU MET’s MS in Computer Science degree program offers concentrations in:

• Computer Networks
• Data Analytics
• Security

Graduate with Expertise

Metropolitan College’s Computer Science master’s degree will equip you with:

• Advanced knowledge of computer language theory and software design, as well as databases, networks, and security.
• Proficiency in algorithms, operating systems, computer language usage, software development, and the management of data, networks, or security.
• Competence sufficient to investigate continually emerging new software technologies, applications, and approaches.
• An understanding of, and ability to apply, the values and principles of professional ethics.
• The ability to apply the principles of information security and assurance in a variety of contexts.
• Effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Certificate-to-Degree Pathway

BU MET graduate certificate programs can serve as building blocks to a master’s degree. To be eligible for the degree, you must apply for admission and be accepted into the degree program. Connect with a graduate admissions advisor at to learn more about this option.

The following graduate certificate programs have courses that may be applied to the master’s degree:

• Advanced Information Technology
• Computer Networks
• Data Analytics
• Database Management & Business Intelligence
• Digital Forensics
• Health Informatics
• Information Security
• IT Project Management
• Medical Information Security & Privacy
• Software Engineering
• Web Application Development

Master’s in Computer Science Curriculum

A total of 40 credits is required.

A minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is a C (2.0) but an average grade of B (3.0) must be maintained to be in good academic standing and to be eligible to graduate.

Core Curriculum

(Five courses/20 credits)

MET CS 566 Analysis of Algorithms

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 575 Operating Systems

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 662 Computer Language Theory

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 673 Software Engineering

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

And one of the following*:

MET CS 535 Computer Networks

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 579 Database Management

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

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 science electives. Please refer to the MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.

General Electives

(Five courses/20 credits)

Students who are not choosing a concentration must select five General Electives. At least three courses must be at the 600 level or above. When choosing electives, students should make sure that they have all prerequisites required by the selected course.

MET CS 532 Computer Graphics

MET CS 544 Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 550 Computational Mathematics for Machine Learning

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 555 Foundations of Machine Learning

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 561 Financial Informatics

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 570 Biomedical Sciences and Health IT

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 580 Health Informatics

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 581 Health Information Systems

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 599 Biometrics

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 601 Web Application Development

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 602 Server-Side Web Development

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 622 Advanced Programming Techniques

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 632 Information Technology Project Management

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 633 Software Quality, Testing, and Security Management

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 635 Network Media Technologies

MET CS 664 Artificial Intelligence

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 665 Software Design and Patterns

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 674 Database Security

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 677 Data Science with Python

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 683 Mobile Application Development with Android

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 685 Network Design and Management

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 688 Web Mining and Graph Analytics

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 690 Network Security

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 695 Cybersecurity

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 699 Data Mining

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 701 Rich Internet Application Development

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 703 Network Forensics

MET CS 763 Secure Software Development

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 767 Advanced Machine Learning and Neural Networks

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 775 Advanced Networking

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 777 Big Data Analytics

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 781 Advanced Health Informatics

Fall ‘22

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 783 Enterprise Architecture

Sprg ‘23

MET CS 789 Cryptography

Fall ‘22

MET CS 793 Special Topics in Computer Science

MET CS 799 Advanced Cryptography

Sprg ‘23

Thesis Option

(8 credits)
The thesis option is to be completed within 12 months. This option is available to Master of Science in Computer Science candidates who have completed at least seven 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 department).

• Master’s Thesis Proposal Form
• Master’s Thesis Defense Authorization Form

Computer Science Faculty

• 
  Anatoly Temkin

  Assistant Professor Chair, Computer Science

• 
  Scott Arena

  Senior Lecturer, Computer Science

• 
  Eric Braude

  Associate Professor Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science

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Tuition & Financial Assistance

Competitive Tuition

Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.

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Comprehensive Financial Assistance

Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.

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Get Started

Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.

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