Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science
The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science program is intended for computer professionals and for people who intend to move into the computer field from other areas of study.
DUAL DEGREE OPTION
Appreciating the converging nature of management skills and technology, the Computer Science Department has a special relationship with Metropolitan College’s Administrative Sciences and Actuarial Science Departments. Students in either program are able to use 8 credit hours from one degree to be credited toward a second degree, thereby reducing their work on the second degree by two courses. Students must be accepted independently by both departments, but they may request that application materials such as references and transcripts be forwarded from the first program to the second.
CONCENTRATIONS
Students in the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science may choose a Concentration in Security. The Concentration in Security provides in-depth knowledge of emerging security threats and solutions to prepare technical leaders to identify, develop, and implement highly secure systems and networks that support organizational goals.
PREREQUISITES
Students who complete the program’s prerequisites at Boston University can earn a Certificate in Software Development. Contact the Department of Computer Science for more information.
Applicants to the program are required to have a baccalaureate degree and proficiency in the following areas:
1. Programming
For students without programming experience:
MET CS 201 Introduction to Computer Science with C++
MET CS 331 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with C++
MET CS 341 Data Structures with C++
For students who have prior programming experience, choose either one of the following tracks:
a) C++ TRACK
MET CS 231 Introduction to Computer Science for Programmers with C++
MET CS 341 Data Structures with C++
b) JAVA TRACK
MET CS 232 Introduction to Computer Science with Java
MET CS 342 Data Structures with Java
2. Discrete Mathematics
MET CS 248 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
3. Computer Systems
MET CS 272 Introduction to Computer Systems
Students are advised to discuss their background in this area with the graduate student advisor in order to determine the best sequence of courses.
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
Prerequisite courses or evidence of proficiency in these areas must accompany the application to the program. If college-level credit courses are not in evidence, the department will determine what prerequisite courses must be completed in addition to the graduate degree requirements. Students claiming equivalent proficiency in prerequisite courses from non-academic sources must take an examination to demonstrate such proficiency.
Official transcripts of previous academic work and three letters of recommendation are required as part of the application.
A maximum of two graduate-level courses (8 credits) taken at Metropolitan College before acceptance into the program may be applied toward the degree.
Minimum passing grade for a course in the graduate program is C (2.0), but an average grade of B (3.0) must be maintained to be in good academic standing and satisfy the degree requirements.
To apply, click here.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
A total of ten courses (40 credits) is required, as follows:
Core Curriculum
(Five courses/20 credits)
MET CS 535 Data Communications and Computer Networks
or
MET CS 579 Database Management
MET CS 566 Analysis of Algorithms
MET CS 572 Computer Organization
or
MET CS 575 Operating Systems
MET CS 662 Computer Language Theory
MET CS 673 Software Engineering
Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their undergraduate degree program must replace the corresponding core courses with electives. It is recommended that each replacement course be in the same technical area. Students who have work-related experience in any of the core curriculum courses may apply for a waiver by submitting appropriate documentation.
When a course waiver is granted the student must substitute a graduate-level computer science course for the core course.
General Electives
Select five courses from the following with at least three courses at the 600-level or above (total 20 credits):
MET CS 503 Windows .NET Application Programming with C#
MET CS 532 Computer Graphics
MET CS 534 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems
MET CS 560 Organization of Programming Languages
MET CS 564 Advanced C++ Programming
MET CS 565 Advanced Java Programming
MET CS 568 Language Theory and Compilers
MET CS 599 Biometrics
MET CS 601 Web Application Development
MET CS 605 Human-Computer Interface Design with VB.NET
MET CS 632 IT Project Management
MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
MET CS 635 Computer Networks: Design and Implementation
MET CS 651 Web Development with .NET
MET CS 654 Network and Software Security
MET CS 660 Wireless Networks
MET CS 665 Design Patterns and Components
MET CS 667 Enterprise Java
MET CS 671 Systems Programming Using UNIX
MET CS 674 Database Security
MET CS 675 Operating Systems Design and Implementation
MET CS 679 Architecture and Design of Multi-tiered Systems
MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
MET CS 685 Network Management
MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
MET CS 690 Network Security
MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
MET CS 703 Network Forensics
MET CS 713 Advanced Digital Forensics
MET CS 732 Advanced Game Graphics
MET CS 733 Real-Time Multimedia Simulation
MET CS 734 Artificial Intelligence for Video Games
MET CS 751 Web Services
MET CS 763 Speech and Natural Language Processing
MET CS 767 Fuzzy, Expert, Genetic, and Neural Systems
MET CS 770 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
MET CS 773 Software Testing and Quality Assurance
MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
MET CS 789 Cryptography
Electives other than those listed must be approved by an advisor and often include:
MET CS 594 Special Topics
MET CS 810/811 Master’s Thesis
MET CS 893 Agile and Advanced Software Engineering Methods
MET CS 894 Special Topics
Master’s Thesis Option in Computer Science
(total 8 credits)
This option is to be completed within twelve months. Students majoring in Computer Science may elect a thesis option. 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).
CONCENTRATION IN SECURITY
In addition to the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science Core Curriculum, students pursuing a Concentration in Security must take three Security Requirements, one or two Security Electives, and no more than one General Elective, as follows:
Security Concentration Requirements
(Three courses/12 credits)
MET CS 654 Network and Software Security
MET CS 690 Network Security
MET CS 789 Cryptography
ELECTIVES
(Two courses/8 credits)
Security Electives
One or two courses from the following:
MET CS 599 Biometrics
MET CS 674 Database Security
MET CS 684 IT Security Policies and Procedures
MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations
MET CS 703 Network Forensics
MET CS 713 Advanced Digital Forensics
General Electives
No more than one course from the following:
MET CS 503 Windows .NET Application Programming with C#
MET CS 532 Computer Graphics
MET CS 534 Quantitative Methods for Information Systems
MET CS 560 Organization of Programming Languages
MET CS 565 Advanced Java Programming
MET CS 568 Language Theory and Compilers
MET CS 601 Web Application Development
MET CS 632 Information Technology Project Management
MET CS 633 Distributed Software Development and Management
MET CS 635 Computer Networks: Design and Implementation
MET CS 651 Web Development with .NET
MET CS 660 Wireless Networks
MET CS 665 Design Patterns and Components
MET CS 667 Enterprise Java
MET CS 671 Systems Programming Using UNIX
MET CS 675 Operating Systems Design and Implementation
MET CS 679 Architecture and Design of Multi-tiered Systems
MET CS 689 Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
MET CS 732 Advanced Game Graphics
MET CS 733 Real-Time Multimedia Simulation
MET CS 734 Artificial Intelligence for Video Games
MET CS 751 Web Services
MET CS 763 Speech and Natural Language Processing
MET CS 767 Fuzzy, Expert, Genetic, and Neural Systems
MET CS 770 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
MET CS 773 Software Testing and Quality Assurance
MET CS 779 Advanced Database Management
MET CS 794 Grid Computing
MET CS 893 Agile and Advanced Software Engineering Methods
