Boston University MET and Virginia Tech both offer flexible graduate technology programs that can work for employed students, but the delivery model and career framing are quite different.
| Factor | Boston University MET | Virginia Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | MS Computer Information Systems | Master of Information Technology |
| Length | 32 units; about 8–16 months | 33 credits / 11 courses; 15–18 months full-time |
| Format | Online, on campus or blended; full- or part-time | Fully online |
| STEM | Yes | Confirm current designation for your use case |
| AI Exposure | High | High |
| Published cost | Part-time total $26,140–$31,480 depending on course mix; full-time paths cost more | Estimated total $37,795.25 for 33 credits including published library-fee estimate |
| Testing | GMAT/GRE not required | GMAT/GRE not required |
| Career evidence | Publishes labor-market salary context rather than a current MSCIS cohort outcome | Reports 76% of recent cohorts earned a promotion or salary increase within one year |
Curriculum and audience
BU MET combines systems analysis, databases, analytics, cybersecurity, networking and application development with several concentration choices and AI-integrated coursework. Virginia Tech’s interdisciplinary program spans business analytics, AI/ML, cybersecurity, networking, software development and technology leadership.
Career evidence is measuring different things
BU’s published salary material is labor-market context tied to occupations rather than a graduating-cohort salary. Virginia Tech’s 76% metric measures career advancement for a working-professional population rather than first-job placement. Those distinctions matter when comparing outcomes.
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Boston University MET profile → | Virginia Tech profile →
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Comparison based on program data reviewed/verified by MSITM.com in September 2026.