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Our Computer Science Alumni have gone on to lucrative careers across a wide variety of fields. For example, past graduates of our MCS program have gone on to careers at Amazon, Facebook, Google, Halliburton, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, Schlumberger, Two Sigma, Uber, and many other leading companies.
-Scott Rixner, Faculty Director
Tackle Bigger Problems in Your Career
When it comes to building a career in computer science, Rice on your resume means something. Our Master of Computer Science degree program teaches students rigorous, graduate-level thinking, and our graduates are well prepared for today's dynamic career marketplace. You’ll find Rice graduates at disruptive tech companies in Silicon Valley, leading the evolution of the petrochemical industry in Texas, and wherever computer science is making an impact on people’s lives.
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NEW PROGRAM LAUNCH: ONLINE MASTER OF DATA SCIENCE
Did you know we also offer a rigorous Master of Data Science program that’s fully online? Learn more about the online Data Science program and how to apply for the Spring 2022 cohort.
A Rigorous and Holistic Master of Computer Science Curriculum
- 10 set courses carefully selected to develop a well-rounded CS skillset so you can solve bigger challenges
- Designed for working professionals with engineering or related background
- Hands-on experience for real-world application and career advancement in the tech world
- Flexible self-paced lectures and weekly live sessions with professors to develop graduate-level skills and thinking
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EXPECT WHAT YOU WOULD FROM AN ON-CAMPUS PROGRAM
Student Experience
At Rice, we strive to deliver a personalized student experience that is collaborative and engaging. Student/faculty interaction is paramount. With the online learning experience, those interactions with professors and peers are no longer dependent on being on campus. The combination of self-paced lectures and weekly live sessions to engage with professors helps to keep students engaged while completing coursework on their own time. You no longer have to put your career on hold to build your computer science skillset.
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Our Rankings
Engineering Specialties in the Top 30 in US News
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Computer Science Programming Languages
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Most Innovative Schools
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Computer Science
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Computer Engineering
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Years of Innovation and Excellence in the Field of Computer Science
Information Sessions
- Tuesday, October 5, 2021
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Tuesday, October 5, 2021
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (CDT)Learn what career-advancing knowledge and skills you can expect to build within the MCS@RICE online program and what specialized tracks are available.
- 2022 Sessions Coming Soon
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2022 Information Sessions - Coming Soon (Expected Feb and March 2022)
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Important Dates
| SESSION | APPLICATION DUE | CLASSES START |
|---|---|---|
| SPRING 2022 | November 1, 2021 | January 10, 2022 |
| SUMMER 2022 | March 1, 2022 | May 10, 2022 |
| FALL 2022 | July 1, 2022 | August 22, 2022 |
WORLD-CLASS EDUCATORS
Faculty with Real-World Computer Science Experience
The faculty lead for our Master of Computer Science Online Program is Professor Scott Rixner, who has significant experience in creating coursework for online learning environments. He’s leveraging the expertise Rice has gained in teaching over a million online students to create this one-of-a-kind program.
WORLD-CLASS EDUCATORS
Faculty with Real-World Computer Science Experience
The faculty lead for our Master of Computer Science Online Program is Professor Scott Rixner, who has significant experience in creating coursework for online learning environments. He’s leveraging the expertise Rice has gained in teaching over a million online students to create this one-of-a-kind program.
MCS@RICE FAQs
- Is the degree the same as the Master of Computer Science program offered on campus at Rice University?
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The program is grounded in the same curriculum offered on-campus at Rice University. However, the program has been built from the ground up to utilize best-in-class online teaching methodology.
The mode of delivery for coursework is not included on student transcripts so there is no designation that courses were taken online. The same is true for the diploma earned, which does not reference this being an online program. - Is the online program designed for students to work at their own pace?
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Yes, but with some structure. Course lecture material and content, assignments, and other types of assessments are available for students to work through on their own schedules. But there are due dates for all graded work. There is also a content release schedule for each course so that all students move through the course experience together.
We consider the interaction between faculty and students and interactions among students to be crucial components to learning, and to student success. There will be many opportunities for students to engage with faculty and with each other throughout the course. - What prerequisites do I need to start the MCS@Rice program?
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The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field (not necessarily computer science) and programming experience. While all candidates must have a Bachelor's degree, it is not a strict requirement that it be in science or engineering. The Admissions Committee will review all applications individually and holistically, taking into account every element of the application, including an applicant's academic and professional background, letters of recommendation, GRE scores (if submitted), and statement of purpose.
The GRE test is optional, but recommended. If an applicant has relevant industry experience, the Admissions Committee will factor in work experience and the recommendation of your current supervisor in lieu of any missing GRE scores when evaluating the application. Applicants who do not have GRE scores are expected to have 3+ years of full-time work experience in a scientific/technical field. Furthermore, at least one of the recommendation letters must be from a supervisor and should speak to your technical and communication promise/ability and any relevant industrial experience should be highlighted in your resume. Have your scores sent directly to Rice University using code: 6609 (GRE subject tests are not required).
Read more about the MCS@Rice (Online) prerequisites and other Admissions requirements. - How long does it take to get a Master of Computer Science degree at Rice?
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The degree can be completed as quickly as 12 months, or as long as 3.5 years (10 semesters)
- What background do you need to be successful in the MCS@Rice program?
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The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in science or engineering (not necessarily computer science). Computer Science requires abstract thinking skills that come from mathematical sophistication and the ability to write programs in a conventional programming language. In order to succeed in any computer science program, you will need to have the ability to pick up both of these concepts.
- What is the cost of the MCS@Rice Program?
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For the 2020–2021 academic year, tuition is $1,666.67 per credit for the MCS@Rice program. Tuition is charged per credit, and MCS@Rice is a 30-credit program. Please note that fees are subject to change and may rise each year.
- Is financial aid available?
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Because the Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a non-thesis (non-research) degree, Rice University does not offer tuition waivers, stipends, fellowships, or assistantships for this program. Merit scholarships are occasionally offered on a case-by-case basis. Students are also encouraged to visit the Rice Office of Student Financial Services for more information about loans and outside sources of aid.