Academics

Computer Science has revolutionized almost every field of study and impacted societies in unprecedented ways. The Department of Computer Science at Rice is preparing the computer scientists of the future. Rice’s small size encourages seamless collaboration between students, faculty, the local community and other disciplines, providing students with solid training in the foundations of computer science.

Rice CS Professor

PhD Program

The Department of Computer Science offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science. Ph.D. students work closely with one or more faculty members who serve as research directors and mentors. Our government and industry supported research programs continue to grow and provide numerous opportunities for our current and future students, while our past students occupy positions at many top universities, industrial research labs, and high-tech start-up companies.  Details on the Ph.D. degree program in Computer Science are available in our Computer Science graduate student handbook.

Professional Masters

Professional Masters Programs

The Department of Computer Science offers two terminal graduate degree options, including a Professional Master of Computer Science and a Professional Master of Data Science. These degrees are intended for students who plan to pursue a technical career in the computer industry or in data science. Each of our two programs offers an option of an on-campus program or an in-person program. 

Past graduates occupy positions at many top technology companies, including Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Cisco, and IBM. Professional masters students join a lively and invigorating community of scholars in the largest academic department at Rice University.

Rice Student Studying

Undergraduate Program

Our undergraduate curricula introduce students to the emerging fields of computer science and at the same time provide them with solid training in its foundations. Our Computer Science alumni are recruited by global giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta and Microsoft as well as smaller companies and government agencies. They also create dynamic startups and non-profit endeavors. Rice CS alumni who discovered a passion for research and teaching push the frontiers of science at leading universities. Where will you go with your CS degree?