Develop Data-Driven Business Insights
Available online, on campus, and in a blended format, the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence 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 and artificial intelligence-integrated positions in all sectors, with roles including database and knowledge modelers, designers, developers, and business intelligence analysts.
Program at a Glance
- Top 10 Online Program since 2014
- Online, On Campus, and Blended
- Part-Time or Full-Time Study
- STEM Designated
- 32 units
- 8–16 Months to Completion
- 19 Core Faculty
- No GRE/GMAT
- Tuition & Fees—Part-Time Study*: $30,708
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Advance Your Career with a Master’s in Computer Information Systems
In organizations across all industries, database management systems are essential to successful operations. That’s because database systems are the “nerve center” of an enterprise, and the ability to mine and analyze data from these systems is essential to producing business insights that enhance management of the enterprise and improve the results of routine business operations such as intelligent supply chain management.
The BU MS in Computer Information Systems concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence develops skill and experience in the design and implementation of operational databases—as well as the data warehousing, data mining, and related business intelligence technologies for managing the enterprise—preparing you for a variety of rewarding career tracks, including several that are predicted to have faster-than-average job growth by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: management analysts, operations research analysts, and database administrators.
“Throughout the entire program and most classes I found that I learned skills that I could immediately apply at my job in a variety of ways.” Read more.
Dan McKinnon (MET’20)
Senior Information Systems Engineer, MITRE Corporation
MS, Computer Information Systems; Concentration, Database Management & Business Intelligence
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, databases, and data security.
- AI-Integrated: Many courses prepare you to leverage artificial intelligence for the analysis, development, and integration of modern information systems.
- 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.
- 24:1 Average 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, 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, fully online, or in the blended format that combines on-campus and online learning. 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 the course of its existence, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
- Merit Scholarships: 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 ProgramsMET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.
Master the Tools to Excel in Computer Information Systems
The Database Management & Business Intelligence concentration is part of BU MET’s MS in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) degree program. BU’s industry-leading MSCIS curriculum combines in-depth technical skills and emerging technology management. In this concentration, you will gain extensive hands-on experience with SQL using Oracle and other leading DBMS and data mining tools.
With eight concentrations, the Computer Information Systems master’s encompasses a number of fast-growing and well-paid segments of the IT job market, providing the foundation for work as an application analyst, computer and information systems manager, 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
In addition to the learning outcomes derived from Metropolitan College’s Computer Information Systems master’s degree program, the concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence will equip you with:
- Advanced knowledge of database modeling and design, implementation, distributed databases, object-oriented and object-relational databases, databases for web applications, and typical data-mining methods.
- Proficiency in designing, implementing, and performance-tuning different types of databases, as well as performing data-mining tasks on various data types.
- Competence sufficient to participate in the design and implementation of business intelligence systems.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
You can also earn the master’s in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence by completing the BU MET Graduate Certificate in Information Technology and Graduate Certificate in Database Management & Business Intelligence, plus either Information Structures with Java (MET CS 520) or Information Structures with Python (MET CS 521), and the Database Management & Business Intelligence degree concentration requirements. 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.
Master’s in Computer Information Systems Curriculum
Database Management & Business Intelligence Concentration
A total of 32 units is required.
Students must complete the core courses and Database Management & Business Intelligence concentration requirements.
For students who matriculated before Fall 2025 and wish to continue with the previous curriculum, check the following link for the degree requirements: 2024–2025 MSCIS Degree 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:
MET CS 520 Information Structures with Java
MET CS 521 Information Structures with Python
And these three courses:
MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program 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.
Concentration Requirements
(Four courses/16 units)
MET CS 674 Database Security
MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
MET CS 699 Data Mining
MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
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).
Computer Science Faculty
View All 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.Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.How Much Does This Program Cost?
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 units) in a semester, you are charged the part-time per-unit rate. If you enroll in 3–4 courses (12–16 units) in a semester, you are charged the full-time semester rate.
MS in Computer Information Systems, Database Management & Business Intelligence Concentration (Online and On Campus)
| Enrollment Status | Part Time | Full Time | |
| Courses per Semester | 2 courses (8 units) |
4 courses (16 units) |
3 courses (12 units) |
| Time to Degree | 4 semesters (16 months) |
2 semesters (8–12 months)*** |
3 semesters (12–16 months)*** |
| Tuition* | $567–$1,005 per unit** |
$34,935 per semester |
$34,935 per semester |
| Fees per Semester* | $75 | $501 | $501 |
| Total Degree Cost* | $30,708 | $70,872 | $78,987 |
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fee rates.
**Cost per unit is determined by course number (100–599 = $567/unit, 600–999 = $1,005/unit).
***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.
What to Read Next: MET Computer Science & IT Knowledge Center
- Computer Science & IT Student Stories
- How Long Does a Master’s in Computer Science Take to Complete—and What is the Cost?
- Why Get a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at BU MET?
- What Do My Career Options Look Like with a Master’s in Computer Science from BU’s Metropolitan College?
- Are There Different Computer Science Graduate Programs or Specializations at BU?
