RICE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Fifth-Year Master's Programs in Computer Science and Data Science
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Three distinct fifth-year Master's options: MCS, MDS, and MS.Program Options
- Potential to complete Master's requirements faster by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate.Accelerated Study
- MCS and MDS programs geared towards industry careers.Career Focus
- MS program offers guided research opportunities.Research Focus
- Graduate Research Fellowships available for MS program with tuition and stipend support.MS Fellowship
Rice University offers three distinct fifth-year Master's programs for current undergraduate Computer Science majors or students from related majors. These programs allow students to pursue a Master's degree in either Computer Science (MCS), Data Science (MDS), or a research-focused Master of Science (MS). The MCS and MDS programs are designed for students interested in industry careers, providing advanced knowledge and skills. The MS program is tailored for students aiming for research opportunities and graduate-level investigation.
Careers
The Fifth-Year Master's programs are designed to enhance career prospects. The MCS and MDS degrees are particularly suited for students aiming for industry roles, providing specialized skills.
- Industry careers in Computer Science
- Industry careers in Data Science
Frequently asked questions
- What are the Fifth-Year Master's Programs at Rice University?
- Rice University offers three fifth-year Master's programs: Computer Science (MCS), Data Science (MDS), and a research-focused Master of Science (MS). These programs allow current Rice undergraduates to pursue a Master's degree.
- What is the difference between the MCS, MDS, and MS programs?
- The MCS and MDS programs are designed for students pursuing industry careers, offering specialized skills. The MS program is geared towards students interested in research opportunities and graduate-level investigation.
- Can I complete the Master's degree faster?
- Yes, students can potentially reduce the time to complete their Master's degree by taking graduate-level courses during their junior and senior undergraduate years.
- Are there scholarships or funding available?
- The MS program offers Graduate Research Fellowships that provide full tuition support and a research stipend for two semesters. These are merit-based and awarded to select Rice undergraduates.
- What are the application deadlines for the MS program fellowship?
- The application deadline for the MS Fellowship is February 1st of your junior year, with notification of awards by February 24th of the same year.
- How do I apply to these programs?
- You must use your @rice.edu email address to apply via the GradApply portal at http://gradapply.rice.edu/. Consult with your academic adviser and program coordinators for specific requirements and guidance.
Entry requirements
Current Rice Undergraduate StudentMust be enrolled as an undergraduate at Rice University.
Computer Science Major or RelatedFor MCS and MS, students are typically CS majors. For MDS, students can be from any major related to data science.
Admission to the MCS and MDS programs is not automatic and requires a formal application. For the MS program, students apply for a fellowship by February 1st of their junior year. Students interested in applying should meet with their CS Major Adviser to plan their coursework.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition amounts are not specified for international students and may vary based on the specific Master's program and number of credits taken.
Tuition (home)Tuition amounts are not specified for domestic students and may vary based on the specific Master's program and number of credits taken.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
For the MS program, fellows receive full tuition support for two semesters of study. For MCS and MDS programs, students may reduce the number of semesters needed by taking graduate-level courses as an undergraduate. Students must complete at least one semester enrolled as a graduate student in the MCS or MDS program.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application MaterialsGather required documents including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal or research statement, depending on the program.
2. Utilize Rice Email for ApplicationApplicants must use their @rice.edu email address to submit their application.
3. Submit Application via GradApplyAccess the application portal at http://gradapply.rice.edu/ and complete the online application.
4. Consider GRE Scores (Optional)GRE scores can be submitted at the applicant's discretion.
5. Consult with Advisers for PlanningStudents interested in these programs should consult with their CS Major Adviser to plan their junior and senior years, especially regarding graduate-level coursework.
6. Contact Specific Program CoordinatorsFor MCS and MDS programs, contact Melissa Cisneros (mcisnero@rice.edu) or Tatianna Carr (tatianna.carr@rice.edu) respectively. For the MS program, contact Beth Rivera (beth.rivera@rice.edu) for general information and T.S. Eugene Ng (eugeneng@rice.edu) for advising.
Scholarships
Graduate Research Fellowships (MS Program)Full tuition and research stipend for two semesters
Frequently asked questions
What are the Fifth-Year Master's Programs at Rice University?
+
Rice University offers three fifth-year Master's programs: Computer Science (MCS), Data Science (MDS), and a research-focused Master of Science (MS). These programs allow current Rice undergraduates to pursue a Master's degree.
What is the difference between the MCS, MDS, and MS programs?
+
The MCS and MDS programs are designed for students pursuing industry careers, offering specialized skills. The MS program is geared towards students interested in research opportunities and graduate-level investigation.
Can I complete the Master's degree faster?
+
Yes, students can potentially reduce the time to complete their Master's degree by taking graduate-level courses during their junior and senior undergraduate years.
Are there scholarships or funding available?
+
The MS program offers Graduate Research Fellowships that provide full tuition support and a research stipend for two semesters. These are merit-based and awarded to select Rice undergraduates.
What are the application deadlines for the MS program fellowship?
+
The application deadline for the MS Fellowship is February 1st of your junior year, with notification of awards by February 24th of the same year.
How do I apply to these programs?
+
You must use your @rice.edu email address to apply via the GradApply portal at http://gradapply.rice.edu/. Consult with your academic adviser and program coordinators for specific requirements and guidance.