Rice Computer Science faculty are advancing research in artificial intelligence, robotics, security, computational biology and other areas shaping the future of computing. Their work gives MCS students a window into where the field is headed and opportunities to explore emerging areas of computer science.
Your MCS experience extends beyond the department. Rice's interdisciplinary culture creates opportunities to connect computer science with engineering, medicine, business and the natural sciences, opening new ways to apply what you know.
Rice puts you in the middle of one of the country's most dynamic and diverse economies, where computing intersects with energy, health care, aerospace, space exploration and a growing technology and startup community.
Our graduates launch impactful careers at some of the world's most innovative companies.
Recent employers include:
Study the algorithms, models and systems behind modern artificial intelligence and its applications.
Apply computational methods and computer science to problems in biology, medicine and biomedical research.
Develop skills in data analysis, statistical modeling and machine learning for data-driven applications.
Combine technical expertise with the communication, management and leadership skills needed to guide technology teams and initiatives.
Explore the design, operation and security of computing systems, networks and infrastructure.
The Rice Master of Computer Science is a 30-semester-hour, non-thesis degree that typically takes three semesters to complete.
The curriculum combines advanced computer science coursework with specialized study in your area of interest. Every specialization also includes COMP 608: Workplace Communications, which helps students develop the communication skills needed to work effectively on technical teams.
Discover the intersection of computer science, artificial intelligence and linguistics that focuses on the interaction between computers and human language.
Study foundational machine learning algorithms and their applications in areas such as robotics, medicine and autonomous systems.
Learn to communicate technical decisions to nontechnical audiences, present and defend architectural choices, and write clear documentation for technical teams.
Applicants should prepare:
No university or departmental financial aid is available for MCS students. Students may explore outside loans and other financial resources through the Rice Office of Student Financial Services.
Explore Tuition & Financial ResourcesThe Rice MCS is a non-thesis master's degree designed for students pursuing technical careers in the computer industry.
Students typically complete the MCS in three semesters. The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, subject to residence requirements.
Yes. Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. At least one fall or spring semester must be completed in residence at Rice.
Yes. After two semesters of full-time study, international students may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which makes them eligible for summer internships.
Rice offers five MCS specialization tracks: Artificial Intelligence; Bioinformatics and Computational Biology; Data Science and Machine Learning; Management and Leadership; and Systems and Security.
Up to six transfer credit hours may be approved by the department's graduate committee.
Both are Rice master's degrees in computer science with the same curriculum. The on-campus MCS is delivered in person at Rice's Houston campus, while the Online MCS is delivered entirely online.
The MCS requires 30 semester hours of approved coursework. COMP 608: Workplace Communications is required across all specialization tracks.
Review the application requirements and deadlines for the Rice MCS through the Rice graduate application process.
All required application materials must be submitted online by the following deadlines in order for an application to be considered.
October 1, 2026: Early application deadline for scholarship consideration
On-Campus MCS , Online MCS and Online MDS
November 1, 2026: Final application deadline for On-Campus MCS, Online MCS and Online MDS.
March 1, 2027: Application deadline
Online MCS and Online MDS
January 1, 2027: Ph.D. Program
February 10, 2027: Early application deadline for scholarship consideration for On-Campus MCS and On-Campus MDS .
May 1, 2027: International deadline for On-Campus MCS and On-Campus MDS; early application deadline for scholarship consideration for Online MCS and Online MDS .
June 15, 2027: Final application deadline for Online MCS and Online MDS.
July 1, 2027: Domestic application deadline for On-Campus MCS and On-Campus MDS.
Ph.D. applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after January 1, with preference to those who submit by January 1, 2027. Applications for the On-Campus MCS and On-Campus MDS programs will also continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Decisions are released on a rolling basis for the three annual intakes. You can expect to hear about an admission decision within 2–4 weeks of your intake's final application deadline.
December: MCS and MDS programs
Mid-March: Ph.D. and MCS programs
Late March / Early April: MDS Program
MCS and MDS decisions are released on a rolling basis starting in early February.
Explore the Rice Master of Computer Science and discover how advanced computer science education can prepare you for what's next.
Questions about the program? Contact us at mcs@rice.edu.
