Find Big Opportunities in Big Data

The Master of Science in Computer Science concentration in Data Analytics at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) explores the intricacies of data analytics and exposes you to various topics and tools related to data processing, analysis, and visualization.

Program at a Glance

  • On Campus
  • Part-Time or Full-Time Study
  • STEM Designated
  • 40 Credits
  • 12–20 Months to Completion
  • 17 Core Faculty
  • No GRE/GMAT
  • Tuition & Fees Range—Part-Time Study*: $28,420-$30,100

*Based on 2023–2024 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.

Develop In-Demand Data Analytics Skills for Your Career

Our ability to collect, mine, and utilize massive amounts of data continues to transform every aspect of our lives. With adoption of big data analytics widespread within every major industry—including healthcare, tech, finance, communication, entertainment, energy, transportation, government, and manufacturing, to name a few—the skill to create advanced techniques to harness the power of data, and tell its story, is critical. The World Economic Forum “Jobs of Tomorrow” report of 2020 suggests an annual growth rate of 41 percent for data and AI professions, with job titles such as artificial intelligence specialist, data scientist, data engineer, big data developer, and many others. Yet, there remains a significant skills gap as employers are faced with a shortage of qualified talent for a range of emerging analytics roles.

BU MET’s Computer Science master’s concentration in Data Analytics is far more career-centric than traditional data analytics graduate programs, and offers extensive exposure to database systems, data mining tools, data visualization tools, and cloud services. Students will learn probability theory, statistical analysis methods and tools, how to generate relevant visual presentations of data, and concepts and techniques for data mining, text mining, and web mining.

Charles River Campus

Request Information

Receive more details about your program of interest.

Learn More
What Do My Career Options Look Like with a Master’s in Computer Science from BU’s Metropolitan College?

Computer Science Career Outlook

Top computer science careers in data science, software development, and other popular areas of IT.

Learn more

“My personal motivation is to quickly find a better job after I graduate from school. I have noticed that BU MET has lots of fantastic programs that are career-oriented, which perfectly matches my concerns and future plans. I have also considered other programs such as operational research or business analytics. However, BU MET’s courses in the Computer Science department were more appealing to me . . . if you wish to become a data scientist. BU MET has the most diverse courses among all the programs that I considered, so it became my first choice.”Yiting Zhang (MET’20), Research Assistant, Health Informatics Research Lab (HILab)

Why Earn a Master’s in Computer Science Degree from BU?

  • 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.
  • Career Counseling: MET’s Career Development office and BU’s Center for Career Development offer a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for both online and on-campus students.
  • Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s Computer Science master’s program, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who have hands-on involvement in data analytics, data science, data storage technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, software development, and many other areas.
  • 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.
  • STEM Designated: Eligible graduates on student visas have access to an Optional Practical Training (OPT) of 12 months and an extension for up to 24 additional months.
  • 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: US citizens and permanent residents are automatically considered during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.

Master the Tools to Excel in Computer Science

The Data Analytics concentration is part of BU MET’s Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree program. Those who complete the Data Analytics curriculum will graduate with a solid knowledge of concepts and techniques in data analytics, exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery, and a broad background in the theory of the practice of computer science

BU MET’s Computer Science master’s degree prepares you for jobs that are seeing faster-than-average growth and excellent salaries. 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 11 percent through 2029 and a median annual wage of more than $88K in 2019 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Outlook Handbook). Because of the specialized nature of the work, competition for talent is fierce.

Graduate with Expertise

In addition to the learning outcomes derived from Metropolitan College’s Computer Science master’s degree program, the concentration in Data Analytics will equip you with:

  • Familiarity with applied probability and statistics, and their relevance in day-to-day data analysis.
  • The ability to explore the various data visualization techniques and their applications using real-world data sets.
  • An understanding of web analytics and metrics; how to procure and process unstructured text; and hidden patterns.
  • Skills in facilitating knowledge discovery using data mining techniques over vast amounts of data.

Certificate-to-Degree Pathway

BU MET graduate certificate programs can serve as building blocks to a master’s degree. The Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics shares specific courses with the master’s in Computer Science concentration in Data Analytics. Students currently enrolled in a graduate certificate who are interested in transitioning into a master’s degree should contact their academic advisor to declare their interest in this pathway. A new master’s degree application is not required. Connect with a graduate admissions advisor at csadmissions@bu.edu to learn more about this option.


A total of 40 credits is required.

Students who are declaring an MSCS concentration in Data Analytics must complete the core and required concentration courses.

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)

And one of the following*:

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.

Concentration Requirements

(Five courses/20 credits)

Plus one additional course from the following general electives:

Computer Science Faculty

Learn more about the Department of Computer Science

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.

Learn More

Comprehensive Financial Assistance

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

Learn More

BU MET Programs offer the flexibility of part-time or full-time study. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. If you enroll in 1–2 courses (4–8 credits) in a semester, you are charged the part-time per-credit rate. If you enroll in 3–4 courses (12–16 credits) in a semester, you are charged the full-time semester rate.

MS in Computer Science, Data Analytics Concentration (On Campus)

Enrollment Status Part Time Full Time
Courses per Semester 2 courses
(8 credits)
4 courses
(16 credits)
3 courses
(12 credits)
Time to Degree 5 semesters
(20 months)
3 semesters
(12-16 months)***
4 semesters
(16-20 months)***
Tuition* $535-$955
per credit**
$31,899
per semester
$31,899
per semester
Fees per Semester* $60 $457 $457
Total Degree Cost* $28,420–
$30,100
$72,412 $100,948

*Based on 2023–2024 Boston University tuition & fee rates.
**Cost per credit is determined by course number (100–599 = $535/credit, 600–999 = $955/credit).
***Summer semester enrollment is not required for international students to maintain F-1 visa status. Enrollment in summer semester coursework will expedite completion of program and reduce total program cost.

International students seeking an F-1 visa for on-campus study must enroll full time and demonstrate availability of funds to cover the Estimated Cost of Graduate Study; those who wish to study online may enroll part-time but are not eligible for a visa. Learn more about International Student Tuition & Fees.

Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit BU MET’s Financial Aid page.

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.

Apply Now

 

News & Events

Events

April 10th, 2024 at: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Jacques Pépin Lecture Series: The Taste of Water by Christy Spackman, Author and Researcher

Details
Events

April 17th, 2024 at: 1:30pm - 2:15pm

Graduate Admissions Webinar

Details
Events

May 1st, 2024 at: 10:00am - 10:30am

Financing your BU MET Graduate Education (for INTERNATIONAL students)

Details

Back to Programs