Academics

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.

The Department of Computer Science offers two terminal graduate degree options: the Master of Computer Science and the Master of Data Science. These degrees prepare students to build and lead in an AI-driven world, whether through a technical career in the computer industry or a data-focused career in industry. Each of our two programs offers an on-campus or online option. 

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

Housed and overseen by the Department of Computer Science, the Artificial Intelligence major focuses on creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and multi-modal understanding. Artificial intelligence is specifically concerned with developing algorithms and models that enable machines to mimic cognitive functions. Students develop proficiency in areas such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and intelligent systems.

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?