ON-CAMPUS MASTER'S PROGRAM

Master of Data Science

Turn data into decisions that lead. 

Master of Data Science Program

The Rice Master of Data Science (MDS) prepares you to lead where data and AI are headed. Three consecutive semesters of intensive, on-campus study in Houston allow you to work with faculty on real industry problems, from research and raw data to actionable insights for teams and executives.
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Why Rice for your MDS?

Learn from faculty on active research
Rice's interdisciplinary approach combines statistics, computer science and domain expertise. You'll work directly with faculty on real industry problems, translating raw data into actionable insights for teams and executives. Small cohorts mean real faculty access and peer collaboration that accelerates skill development.
Lead through a capstone experience
Your final project addresses an actual organizational challenge with real industry partners. Work on capstones from NASA, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, AWS, Chevron and the Houston Fire Department. This is how you build a portfolio that moves beyond hypothetical problems.
Build expertise on your timeline
Three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, second fall) with one intake per year keeps cohorts intentionally small. Master computational and statistical foundations, gain depth in your specialization, and gain professional experience through internships typically taken during the summer.

Where can a Master of Data Science take you?
The Rice MDS prepares graduates for leadership roles in data science across industries. The majority of students secure paid internships during the program, and many leverage their capstone work into full-time roles.

Recent internship employers: JPMorgan · Memorial Hermann · AWS · Chevron
Capstone project partners: NASA · Texas Children's Hospital · Baylor College of Medicine · AWS · Chevron · Houston Fire Department
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MDS Specializations
Choose one of five specialization tracks and work directly with faculty on active research that matters to your career.

  • Artificial Intelligence: Master the algorithms, training and deployment of AI systems that power modern applications.
  • Business Analytics: Develop skills in data-driven decision-making and statistical modeling for leadership and strategy.
  • Energy Transition and Sustainability: Apply data science to energy systems, climate challenges and sustainable business transformation.
  • Image Processing (on-campus only): Study computational techniques for analyzing, processing and interpreting visual data across industries.
  • Sports Analytics (on-campus only): Leverage data science to drive team performance, player development and competitive advantage in sports.

MDS Curriculum

The Rice Master of Data Science is a 31-semester-hour, non-thesis degree that takes three consecutive semesters to complete.
The curriculum combines graduate-level statistics and computer science with advanced coursework in your specialization area. Your final semester culminates in the D2K (Data to Knowledge) capstone, working with a real industry partner on an actual business problem.

Representative Courses
COMP 543: Graduate Tools and Models for Data Science
Big data foundations and practical tools for working with large datasets.
COMP 549: Applied Machine Learning and Data Science Projects [Capstone]
Capstone course working with real industry partners on actual business problems.
COMP 557: Artificial Intelligence
Foundations of AI techniques and applications across domains.
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Admissions, Tuition and Financial Aid

Program Details
Degree: Master of Data Science
Format: On campus in Houston
Degree type: Non-thesis
Program length: Three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, second fall)
Enrollment: Full-time
Admission intake: One per year (fall admission only)

What are the admission requirements for the Rice MDS?
Applicants should prepare:

  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • 3.0+ GPA
  • CV or resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • $85 application fee
  • GRE recommended, but not required
    Explore Admission Requirements

Tuition and Financial Aid
No university or departmental financial aid is available for MDS students. Students may explore outside loans and other financial resources through the Rice Office of Student Financial Services.Explore Tuition & Financial Resources

Ready to take the next step?
Explore the Rice Master of Data Science and discover how advanced data science education can prepare you for what's next.
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Questions about the program? Contact us at mds@rice.edu.

Frequently asked questions about the Rice MDS

Is the Master of Data Science a thesis or non-thesis degree?
The Rice MDS is a non-thesis master's degree. The D2K capstone project, in which you work with a real industry partner on an actual business problem, serves as your degree capstone experience.

How long does the on-campus program take?
Three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, second fall) is the typical timeline. If pursuing an external internship, these are typically taken during the summer between semesters.

What specializations are available?
Rice offers five MDS specialization tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Image Processing (on-campus only) and Sports Analytics (on-campus only).

What can I study on campus that isn't available online?
The Image Processing, Energy Transition and Sustainability and Sports Analytics specializations are only offered in the on-campus program.

How is the capstone structured?
The D2K (Data to Knowledge) capstone takes place in your final semester. You'll work with a real industry partner on an actual business problem, building a portfolio piece that demonstrates impact.

Is an internship required to graduate?
No. The Professional Development requirement can be met through an internship, a relevant course or existing post-baccalaureate work experience.

Do I have to choose between the online and on-campus MDS?
Yes. Applicants apply to and are explicitly admitted into either the online or the on-campus program, not both.

How does the application process work?
Review the application requirements and deadlines for the Rice MDS through the Rice graduate application process. Admission Requirements

Which Rice Computer Science master's program is right for me?
The department offers four additional non-thesis master's programs: