Learn to Process and Visualize Data

Available online and on campus, the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems concentration in Data Analytics at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to immerse you in the fast-paced world of technological innovation—preparing you for IT leadership positions in a variety of sectors seeking data analysts.

Program at a Glance

  • Online and 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—Part-Time Study*: $32,500

*Based on 2024–2025 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.

Advance Your Career with a Master’s in Computer Information Systems

The ability to harness and interpret vast amounts of data is essential to effective, evidence-based management decision-making. From routine daily purchasing decisions to major investment strategies, the ability to successfully distill data and present it in an intuitive way is critical to an organization’s bottom line. IT professionals who are skilled in data analytics are highly valued and sought after.

By earning BU’s Master of Science in Computer Information Systems program with a concentration in Data Analytics, you will develop the skills required to compete for data analysis jobs amid rising global demand, while exploring the intricacies of data analytics and various topics related to data processing, analysis, and visualization.

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#8, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs

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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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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.

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“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.”Sambasiva Rao Gangineni (MET’19), Software Engineer at Diameter Health


What Is My Career Outlook as a Graduate of This Program?

404,587

Total number of US Jobs

53,424

Annual job openings

+3%

Annual job openings

35%

Projected ten-year growth in jobs
(faster than average)

$100.4K

Median annual salary

Common job titles include:

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Program Analyst
  • Statistical Programmer
  • Programmer Analyst

Employers seek expertise in:

  • Data analysis
  • Python
  • SQL
  • R

Source: Lightcast, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Meet An Advisor


Why BU’s Computer Information Systems Degree Has Been Top 10 since 2014

  • Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s Computer Information Systems courses introduce case studies and real-world projects that ensure you gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies.
  • 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 Information Systems master’s program, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders with substantial backgrounds and achievements in data analysis.
  • Extensive Network: 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.
  • 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.
  • 15:1 Class Ratio: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty 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 or fully online. Courses begin fall, spring, and summer; online courses have two starts per term.
  • 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 Information Systems

The Data Analytics concentration is part of BU MET’s Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS). BU’s industry-leading MSCIS curriculum combines in-depth technical skills and emerging technology management. Learn the foundations of applied probability and statistics, and their relevance in day-to-day data analysis. Explore various data visualization techniques and their applications using real-world data sets. Facilitate knowledge discovery using data mining techniques with vast amounts of data. Gain hands-on experience with web analytics, data procuring and processing unstructured text.

Along with probability theory and statistical analysis methods and tools, you 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 and practice of information technology gained from the Computer Information Systems core courses, those 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.

BU MET’s Computer Information Systems master’s degree prepares you for jobs that are seeing faster-than-average growth and excellent salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers (for instance) is more than $146,000. And with seven concentrations, the Computer Information Systems master’s encompasses several other fast-growing and well-paid segments of the IT job market, providing the foundation for work as an application analyst, data analyst, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, IT consultant, network and computer systems administrator, computer systems analyst, database administrator, and many other integral positions in an organization.

Graduate with Expertise

Metropolitan College’s Computer Information Systems master’s degree 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

You can also earn the master’s in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Data Analytics by completing the BU MET Graduate Certificate in Information Technology and Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics, plus two additional courses: Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MET CS 546 ) and either Information Structures with Java (MET CS 520) or Information Structures with Python (MET CS 521). 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 MSCIS concentration in Data Analytics must complete the core and required concentration courses.

Core Courses

(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 information systems electives. Please refer to MET CS Academic Policies Manual for further details.

Data Analytics Concentration Requirements

(Five courses/20 credits)

Computer Science Faculty

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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BU MET programs offer the flexibility of part-time or full-time study, either on campus or online. 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 Information Systems, Data Analytics Concentration (Online and 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* $550-$975
per credit**
$33,335
per semester
$33,335
per semester
Fees per Semester* $60 $478 $478
Total Degree Cost* $32,500 $75,486 $105,399

*Based on 2024–2025 Boston University tuition & fee rates.
**Cost per credit is determined by course number (100–599 = $550/credit, 600–999 = $975/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 on your MS in Computer Information Systems, Data Analytics Concentration program today at BU MET.

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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