Master of Artificial Intelligence Program
The Rice Master of Artificial Intelligence helps recent computer science graduates and working professionals (engineers, scientists and technologists) with technical backgrounds who want to master in-depth AI engineering skills to design, implement and deploy advanced AI systems.
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Why Rice for your MCS?
Build the engineering skills that every company needs
Master AI foundations to design, deploy and maintain systems at scale. Work with industries building the future, with direct access to internship and career opportunities in healthcare, energy, aerospace, finance and across sectors reshaping their operations with AI.
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Deliver a team capstone
Learn from Rice Computer Science faculty who are advancing research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and robotics. Collaborate on a team capstone of a working AI application built from concept to completion.
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Engineer at Houston scale
Rice puts you in the middle of one of the country's most dynamic and diverse economies, in a growing technology and startup community. Connect with companies actively building AI systems in healthcare, energy, aerospace and finance.
Program Overview
MAI Curriculum
The Rice Master of Artificial Intelligence is a 30-credit-hour, non-thesis degree that typically takes three semesters to complete.
The curriculum combines advanced AI and computer science coursework with a team-based capstone project. Design, build and evaluate a real-world AI system from concept to completion, giving you a working portfolio piece alongside your degree teams.
Representative courses
COMP 557: Artificial Intelligence - Master the principles and algorithms for AI systems that perceive, reason and act in complex environments.
COMP 592: Deep Machine Learning - Study the mathematical foundations of modern machine learning, transformers and large model training.systems.
COMP 593: Large-Scale Systems for AI - Learn systems and infrastructure for deploying AI at scale: data processing, GPU acceleration and distributed training.
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Admissions, Tuition and Financial Aid
Program Details
Degree: Master of Artificial Intelligence
Format: On campus in Houston
Degree type: Non-thesis (with team capstone project)
Program length: Typically three semesters (12 to 16 months of full-time enrollment)
Enrollment: Full-time or part-time
Residence: At least one fall or spring semester of study in residence at Rice
What are the admission requirements for the Rice MAI?
Applicants should prepare:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
- Undergraduate transcripts
- 3.0+ GPA
- CV or resume
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- $85 application fee
- GRE recommended, but not required
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Tuition and Financial Aid
Merit-based scholarships are available from the university to top applicants, who are automatically considered for them upon application submissionStudents may explore outside loans and other financial resources through the Rice Office of Student Financial Services.
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Ready to take the next step?
Start your application today and join the next cohort of AI engineers building the systems that shape the field.
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REQUEST INFORMATION
Questions about the program? Contact us at mai@rice.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rice Master of Artificial Intelligence a thesis or non-thesis degree?
The Rice MAI is a non-thesis master's degree. The capstone project is a real, working AI system you build and deploy as part of a team, serving as your degree capstone experience
How long does the Master of Artificial Intelligence take to complete?
Students typically complete the MCS in three semesters, which usually totals 12-to-16-months of full-time enrollment. The program may be also be completed on a part-time basis, subject to residence requirements.
How is the Rice MAI different from the Rice MCS?
The Rice Master of Computer Science provides breadth across computing subfields. The Rice Master of Artificial Intelligence provides specialized depth in AI architectures, training, deployment and responsible AI practice.
How is the Rice MAI different from the Rice MDS?
The Rice Master of Data Science targets analytics and business-oriented careers. The Rice Master of Artificial Intelligence provides specialized depth in AI architectures, training, deployment and responsible AI practice.
Can I transfer graduate credits?
Up to six transfer credit hours may be approved by the department's program director on a case-by-case basis.
Is financial aid available for the Rice MAI?
Merit-based scholarships are available from the university to top applicants, who are automatically considered for them upon application submission. Additionally, outside loan and aid sources are available through the Office of Financial Aid.
How do I apply to the Rice Master of Computer Science?
Review the application requirements and deadlines for the Rice MAI through the Rice graduate application process. Application Requirements & Deadlines
What other non-thesis master's programs does the Department of Computer Science offer?