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DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE
Rice's Top-Ranked Online Data Science Master's Program
Rice University's Online Master of Data Science program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s AI-driven tech landscape, blended with the flexibility and convenience of a 100% online format.
MORE THAN DISCUSSION BOARDS
Earn Your Master’s in Data
Science with ML or Analytics
on a Part-Time Basis
You’re busy with work, family commitments, and living your life. That’s why Rice University created the Online Master of Data Science degree program, with specializations in Machine Learning or Business Analytics: to provide a rich and immersive graduate education, 100% online and self-paced for busy working professionals.
EARN YOUR RICE MDS DEGREE PART-TIME, WHILE WORKING FULL-TIME
Complete all courses 100% online with no in-person requirements. Up to 9 credits can be taken on Rice’s campus for students desiring a hybrid MDS/ML/Analytics experience.
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SELF-PACED, HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO LECTURES
Rice faculty spend months ideating and developing effective courses for you, using rich multimedia, technology, and creativity to create a stimulating learning experience. Watch the course content on your own time, at your pace.
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A HUMAN APPROACH TO ONLINE LEARNING
Rice University will surround you with opportunities to connect face-to-face, including weekly live sessions with world-class Rice faculty, pairing you with a Student Success Advisor, and assigning collaborative, team-based projects.
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ACTIVE RICE MDS STUDENT COMMUNITIES AND EVENTS
You will be part of Rice University’s network of Rice MDS students and CS/Analytics faculty, with invitations to online communities like Canvas, Slack, Microsoft Teams, virtual events & webinars, career fairs, and more. Take advantage of Rice MDS’s reputation among employers and alumni as you advance your career.
The same degree, in person or online.
Your degree will say “Rice University Master of Data Science” with no mention of “online” on your diploma. Upon graduation, you will be part of Rice’s MDS community and alumni network.
This program is designed for professionals. I take 1 course at a time, so it’s very convenient for someone like me who works full-time at a company. It’s a very rich program…there’s a lot of interaction with your professors.
NOMMIE KASHANI, RICE MDS ONLINE, CURRENT STUDENT
How We’re Different: The Uniquely-Human Approach to an MS or Master’s in Data Science Online
While your graduate degree can be earned 100% online from anywhere, Rice University believes in offering ample opportunities to deepen learning through engagement with your instructors and peers.
Online Courses Made with Care
At the core of every data science online course is a library of video lectures, created with care and attention by your Rice instructor. Watch the lectures when it’s convenient for you and go back anytime to reinforce important concepts.
Courses also include supplementary readings, labs, assignments, and discussion forums to provide multiple ways of engaging with faculty and peers.
Small Class Sizes with 1:1 Interaction
Unlike in other master’s programs that enroll hundreds of students, most Rice MDS Online class sizes are smaller than 20 students. After watching the online course videos on your own time, connect 1:1 with your Rice instructor at office hours or in a scheduled appointment.
Weekly Live Sessions: 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. CST
Live weekly classroom sessions are a defining feature of Rice’s online master degree programs. These sessions provide valuable direct interaction with Rice faculty and peers, and many students say it’s one of their favorite aspects of the program.
Faculty are hands-on and interactive in classes and projects, holding weekly live classes that are typically scheduled to start around 6 or 8 p.m. central time.
Hands-On Projects, Community & Career Events
Throughout the program, graduate students will participate in hands-on, experiential learning team projects like Datathons, data analysis and visualization using real-world data sets, and more.
Past events have included:
- Rice MDS’s D2K Capstone Presentation
- Datathons and Hackathons
- Rice MDS & MCS Online Programs: Homecoming Event
A Student Success Advisor to Help You
Our Student Success Advisor will get to know you and your needs. We’ll work closely with you to develop a course schedule and connect you with Rice student services, including tutoring, mentoring, homework resources, and career services. Your Advisor will also keep you informed about program updates, share useful tips, and plan community events.
How Technology and User Experience Enables Your Learning
A great student experience also means ease of accessing your course content–and your community of instructors and students. Rice University supports our online master’s students in multiple ways.
LEARN ANYWHERE: CANVAS FOR MOBILE AND DESKTOP
ONLINE STUDENT COMMUNITIES & DISCUSSION BOARDS
DEDICATED TECH SUPPORT FOR RICE MDS ONLINE STUDENTS
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Proud to Be Among the Best: Our Rankings
Important Dates
We offer three intakes per year, so you can choose the best time to start for you. For more information on program prerequisites, view Admission requirements.
| SESSION | EARLY APPLICATION DEADLINE (Scholarship eligibility) | APPLICATION DEADLINE | CLASSES START |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL 2025 | May 1, 2025 | June 15, 2025 | August 25, 2025 |
| SPRING 2026 | October 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | January 12, 2026 |
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Request Info about Rice MDS Online
Send us your information and a Rice Enrollment Coach will follow up with you.
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