Frequently Asked Questions
- Programs
- Admissions
- Prerequisites
- Registration
- Program Requirements
- Program Completion
- International Students
- Other
Programs
What is the difference between the Master's Degree programs?
View our Degree Program Comparison chart.
You may also view our Analytics Program comparison chart
What is the difference between a Graduate Certificate and a Master's Degree program?
A graduate certificate program is made up of 16 credits (4 courses) in a specific subject area. The completion of the coursework typically indicates the mastering of this specific subject area. Certificates are generally meant for students who are looking to improve their knowledge within a chosen area.
A Master’s Degree program leads to an academic degree. Students are required to take a set of courses core courses that offer a solid advanced understanding of the discipline and then can choose to focus their study in one specific area by declaring a concentration.
Students may take a graduate certificate in conjunction with a related master’s degree program.
Can I tailor my study to one or more areas?
Our programs provide students opportunities to tailor their course of study to meet their particular goals through electives, predefined course alternatives, and concentrations. Students who are currently enrolled in a master’s degree program have the option to take a related certificate program in conjunction with their degree program, without reapplication. Please contact your designated program administrator for further details.
Is the online degree held to the same academic regard as the on campus degree?
Yes, the online and on campus degrees both have been created with strict attention to maintaining a high academic standard. The main differences are the way the courses are offered and that online courses are more intense, being seven weeks long instead of fourteen weeks. Students can take courses online, on campus or in a blended format, where students participate online and come to campus five times during the semester. All required MSCIS and MSSD courses are available online. A few of general elective courses may only be available on campus.
What are the program tuition and fees?
Please view current tuition rates for MET College online at http://www.bu.edu/met/admissions/tuition-and-fees/
The tuition and fees can vary in the following situations:
- Taking classes full time (3-4 classes per semester) or part time (1-2 classes per semester).
- Students registering for a full time course load during Fall or Spring will pay a flat rate for tuition while students registering for a part time course load will pay on a per credit basis. MET CS classes are all 4 credits, unless noted otherwise.
- All students are considered to be part time during summer term. Please view the summer term tuition rates here: http://www.bu.edu/summer/tuition-and-fees/
How do I change my program of study?
If you are in a MET CS master’s degree program and would like to change to a different MET CS master’s degree program or in a MET CS certificate program and would like to change to a different MET CS certificate program, you may submit the program change form. Students may not change across program type without reapplication (e.g. cannot change from a certificate to a master’s degree program).
Admissions
Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT?
The GRE or GMAT are not required for admission into our graduate programs.
Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
Scores from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) [Institution Code: 3087] or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required for applicants who do not have English as a native language and who did not graduate from an institution where English is the language of instruction. For 2020 admissions only, Duolingo will also be accepted as proof of English proficiency.
Minimum TOEFL requirements
- Listening: 18
- Reading: 21
- Speaking: 23
- Writing: 22
Minimum IELTS requirements
- 6.5
Minimum Duolingo requirements
- 110
Can I apply to more than one program offered by the MET Computer Science department?
We do not recommend that you apply for more than one Master’s degree program within our Department. Please apply to the program for which you have most interest. If you are admitted into one program and later decide that it is not a good fit, you can submit the program change form to request approval.
Do I need a bachelor degree in Computer Science in order to apply?
No. Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, but it does not have to be in Computer Science or a related field. For students who completed non-technical undergraduate degrees, we provide the needed background material for the degree in the form of prerequisites. This accelerated process allows you to begin the program after only a short period of time.
How do I apply?
Follow the appropriate link below to submit an online application:
- Apply to an undergraduate degree program
- Apply to a graduate degree program
- Apply to a certificate program
Can I register for classes before/while applying?
If you are not a degree candidate, you may register for two courses a semester. However, a maximum of two graduate-level courses (8 credits) taken at Metropolitan College before acceptance into the Master’s degree program may be applied toward the Master’s degree program requirements. Also, a maximum of two graduate-level courses (8 credits) taken at Metropolitan College before acceptance into a graduate certificate program may be applied toward the graduate certificate program requirements.
International students (non U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents) who register for classes on campus as a non-degree student will be required to report to the International Students and Scholars Office.
Can I transfer graduate level courses from another University or College?
If you are enrolled in the MSCS, MSCIS or MSTC program, you can apply to transfer up to two graduate level courses (8 credits maximum) from a regionally accredited college or university towards the program requirements. No more than one graduate course (4 credits maximum) can be transferred toward a graduate certificate program. The transfer courses may not have been used to satisfy a previous degree requirement and they must have been taken at the graduate level at an accredited college or university. In order to apply, complete a Transfer Credit form and submit the completed form along with the course transcript and description (preferably a syllabus) within the first six months after acceptance to the degree or certificate program.
What type of financial aid and scholarships are available?
Information on financial aid and scholarships, eligibility requirements and application deadlines can be found at http://www.bu.edu/met/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/. The Department also has research and graduate assistantship opportunities available for application online.
Will my diploma say that I graduated from Boston University or MET College?
Your diploma will say Boston University Metropolitan College. Boston University is made up of 17 schools and colleges, one of which is Metropolitan College. Further information about Metropolitan College is available online at: http://www.bu.edu/met/about-met/met-college-boston-university/.
Program Prerequisites
I do not have a background in computer science, may I still apply?
Yes, you may apply. If you are accepted into the program, it may be on a conditional basis where the Admissions Committee will identify the prerequisite courses you need to successfully complete in order to be fully matriculated into the program.
I am required to take a prerequisite but I already took a similar course, do I still have to take it?
If you took the course at another university that sounds similar, please provide the Department with the syllabus of the course you already took. The Admissions Committee may reconsider their decision given the new information. However, it is not guaranteed that the decision will change.
Are the prerequisite courses counted toward the degree program course requirements?
Program prerequisites are not counted towards the graduate degree program requirements.
Registration
How do I register for classes?
Once you set up your BU login and Kerberos password, please view our short registration video:
Do I need advisor permission to register for classes?
If you have been accepted as a Master’s Degree candidate, are in good standing with the university, and if you are going to register for four courses or less, you do not need an advisor signature to register.
If you are not a degree candidate, you may register for two courses a semester. However, do not take more than two graduate level courses before being admitted into a program.
Do I have to take the course prerequisite before registering for a course?
Students who are fully admitted to a degree program are generally considered to have the knowledge equivalent to the program prerequisites only. If you are planning to register for a course which has a graduate level course (500 or above) as a prerequisite, please first take the prerequisite course or obtain instructor permission to register without having taken the required prerequisite.
Can I take courses in formats outside of that for which I was accepted?
U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents may register for online, on campus or blended courses that meet their program requirements. It is recommended that you primarily take classes in the format for which you applied. If you decide that you will be primarily taking classes in a different format, please notify the Department so that your program registration status may be updated.
International students (non U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents) who are enrolled in an online program must notify the Department prior to registering for on campus or blended courses to receive guidance on the necessary requirements from the International Students and Scholars Office.
International students (non U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents) who are enrolled in an on campus program must notify the Department prior to registering for online or blended courses to receive guidance on the necessary requirements from the International Students and Scholars Office. In general, the ISSO requires that F1 visa holders who register for an online or blended course in any given semester must also be registered for eight credits of on-campus course registration. The international student who takes an online or blended course must otherwise maintain full-time registration. Twelve credits (3 classes) is considered to be a full time course load for graduate students.
What if I took a class in my undergraduate program that is similar to one of the graduate program requirements?
You may submit a petition for a course waiver. If your waiver is approved, you may substitute the requirement with an elective at the same numerical level or higher. A course waiver does not reduce the amount of courses that you will need to take towards your program requirements.
How can I drop classes from my schedule?
If you are registered for more than one course in a given semester and are dropping one course only, you may adjust your registration through the registration tab in Student Portal.
If you need to drop to zero credits for the entire semester, please submit the Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form.
Please also review the important course dates to determine any tuition or grade implications:
- On Campus /Blended Course: Withdrawal & Tuition Refund Schedule
- Online Course: Important Dates
Can I register for a graduate course offered through another college or school at BU?
Yes, you may take classes outside of MET for your own enrichment but, you must obtain permission from that particular college or school to register. If you would like for the course to be counted toward your degree program requirements, you must also obtain permission from your Academic Advisor prior to registration. Please email the course description and syllabus to your designated program coordinator to determine whether it can count towards your degree program or not.
Program Requirements
The program requirements have changed since I was accepted, which requirements should I follow?
Changes in courses or requirements occur because our department is continuously updating and improving graduate degree programs to maintain our high standards and to keep up to date with the latest technologies and trends. Our department will honor the original requirements that were in effect at the time of your matriculation into the program. Or, you may choose to follow the new requirements.
I want to complete two certificate programs and noticed courses overlap between the two certificates. Can the courses be counted towards both certificate program requirements?
In the case of some courses overlapping, only one course will be counted toward both certificates. If two courses overlap, then the second course counts toward only one certificate and will be replaced by some other course (that has to be authorized by the Department) for the second certificate.
If I am interested in a graduate course that is not listed as an elective option, can I apply it towards my degree?
Please contact your designated program coordinator by email or phone to determine if this graduate course will meet the requirements for your master’s program.
Program Completion
What is the minimum GPA requirement to graduate?
To graduate, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. No grade lower than a ‘C’ will be counted towards degree program requirements.
Is there a maximum time to complete my program?
Yes, students are required to complete their degree program within six years. If you believe you will need longer than six years to complete your requirements, please contact the Department.
Degree requirements have changed since I was accepted into the program. Will the courses I took still be considered for graduation?
Courses and program requirements are subject to change as curriculum updates are made. Courses completed before the change will count towards graduation requirements as long as you were fully admitted to the degree program under the old requirements. The Master of Science degree must be completed in six years; courses that are over six years old have expired. Please contact your designated program coordinator if this applies to you.
I am ready to graduate, what do I need to do?
Once you have registered for your final class in the program, fill out the Application for Graduation.
I have completed my certificate program requirements, how do I get my certificate?
Once you have completed your final course towards the requirements and received a grade, fill out the Certificate Program Completion form. Please be aware that students must apply and be accepted into a certificate program in order to be issued the certificate. Students should take no more than two courses towards the certificate program prior to applying. Once the application form is received and it has been determined that you have met the certificate requirements, the certificate will be annotated on your transcript and you will receive the certificate by mail within two to four weeks.
International Students
How do I apply for CPT/OPT?
You may apply for CPT through the internship course, MET CS 506 Internship in Computer Science. Further details are available at: http://www.bu.edu/csmet/careers/internships/
Further details regarding OPT are available on the ISSO web site at: https://www.bu.edu/isso/employment-internships/student-off-campus-work-and-training/optional/
Do international students have to maintain full time status?
Immigration regulations require F-1 and J-1 students to register for, and complete, a full course of study each Fall and Spring Semester. Further details are available on the ISSO web site.
Can I change from a full-time to part-time student in the last semester of my program?
Degree-seeking students in F-1 or J-1 status may be authorized to drop below full-time enrollment in their final semester, if they will complete all program requirements by the end of that semester. Proof of expected graduation is required in order for the ISSO to authorize this. Before requesting authorization from the ISSO for reduced enrollment during your final semester, you should apply to graduate.
Is there any writing assistance provided to students who do not have English as a native language?
Yes, the COM Writing Center and the Educational Resource Center are open to help BU students with academic writing.
Other
Are there any internship/work opportunities or resources provided by the department?
Yes, visit our careers page.
Who is my advisor?
Students with academic advising questions are encouraged to reach out to their designated Faculty Advisors. Relevant contact information can be found on Student Link. Students can attend their faculty advisors’ scheduled office hours.
Who do I contact?
Applicants should contact our Computer Science Admissions Advising team at csadmissions@bu.edu or 617-353-6004.
For IT related services and support you should contact the BU MET IT department at metit@bu.edu or 617-358-5401.
Current students may contact one of the following department administrators for assistance:
Online program administrative inquiries may be directed to Annie Imperato at metcsol@bu.edu.
On Campus/Blended program administrative inquiries may be directed to Ronette Lyle at metcs@bu.edu.
Students with academic advising questions are encouraged to reach out to their designated Faculty Advisors. Relevant contact information can be found on Student Link.
How do I cite my sources?
The Boston University Library website has several guides on how to properly cite sources at: http://library.bu.edu/citeys. Writing assistance is also available at the Educational Resource Center: https://www.bu.edu/erc/about/.
Are there any student organizations for Computer Science at BU?
Yes, here are a few organizations that you may be interested in:
BUILDS
Student-run organization for collaborative tech projects
BU Women in Computer Science
Organization for female computer scientists.
Open Web
Student-run organization to help non-profit companies develop websites.