Program Overview

Master of Data Science Program

The Master of Data Science program at Rice University is designed to support the needs of interdisciplinary professionals. Taught by world-class faculty, the program offers students online or on-campus options.

Program Overview

Data science has quickly become a critical enabling capability in many different fields—science, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and many others. The availability of data has already changed many disciplines in fundamental ways and soon virtually all disciplines will require a new type of scientist: a "data scientist" who is not just a statistician, or a computer scientist, or a mathematician, but is well-versed in all of these fields, and how they apply to the study of data.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the MDS degree, students will be able to:

• Develop a graduate-level understanding of the computational and statistical foundations of Data Science.
• Through in-depth study, obtain mastery of either one of the core methods of Data Science or one application area of Data Science.
• Apply Data Science techniques to solve difficult, real world problems, beginning with raw and dirty data and ending with actionable insights that are effectively communicated to a lay client.

Curriculum Overview

This non-thesis curriculum requires the completion of a minimum of 31 credits. It is a rigorous blend of courses that deliver the skills needed to collect, evaluate, interpret and communicate data for effective decision-making across a variety of industries.

• Core Courses: The curriculum includes core courses designed to help students gain an understanding of the computational and statistical foundations of data science.
• Specialization: Students will gain deeper knowledge in data science by choosing a specialization in business analytics, machine learning, or image processing. Currently, image processing coursework is only offered for the on-campus program.
• Electives: Students can choose from a number of courses in computing, ethics, and security.
• Capstone: A semester-long project transforming raw data to actionable knowledge in a real-world problem domain.

Key Dates for On-Campus Applicants

The on-campus program currently has one intake per year (the fall semester) and operates over the course of three academic semesters. Students may choose to attend three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, and summer) or to seek an external internship during the summer (in which case the program would cover the fall, spring, and fall semesters).

Tuition

The Master of Data Science On-Campus Degree is a 31-credit program. Please note that fees are subject to change and may rise each year.

Admissions Overview

Rice considers all applications holistically. Admissions decisions are based on Rice's assessment of each applicant's ability to succeed in the program, considering his or her undergraduate grades, test scores, and work experience. The admissions standards will be the same for both programs. The GRE test will be recommended for all applicants, but not required.

Research Areas

The Department of Computer Science at Rice University is involved in various research areas, including:

• Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
• Robotics & AI
• Computer Systems & Engineering
• Programming Languages, HPC & Formal Methods
• Machine Learning & Data Science
• Quantum Computing

Professional Development

The program combines the practical aspects of engineering with business, management, communications, leadership, and entrepreneurship curriculum, providing students with a wide range of skills. Additionally, the program offers:

• Practical Experience: Access to a wide variety of business training and hands-on experience that will improve engineering professional skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Partnerships and collaborations with leading companies in a wide variety of engineering-related fields and occupations.