Program Overview

Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAAM) Degree

The Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAAM) degree is a non-thesis master's degree that emphasizes the applied aspects of mathematics.

Program Learning Outcomes for the MCAAM Degree

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

1. Acquire broad, advanced knowledge in Computational and Applied Mathematics.
2. Become proficient at scientific computing.
3. Communicate technical ideas effectively.

Requirements for the MCAAM Degree

The MCAAM degree requires:

• A minimum of 10 courses (30 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study (graduate semester credit hours, coursework at the 500-level or above).
• A minimum of 24 graduate semester credit hours must be taken at Rice University.
• A minimum of 24 graduate semester credit hours must be taken in standard or traditional courses (with a course type of lecture, seminar, laboratory, lecture/laboratory).
• A minimum residency enrollment of one fall or spring semester of part-time graduate study at Rice University.
• A maximum of 2 courses (6 graduate semester credit hours) from transfer credit.
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.67 or higher in all Rice coursework.
• A minimum program GPA of 2.67 or higher in all Rice coursework that satisfies requirements for the non-thesis master's degree.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements include:

• Core Requirements: Select 2 courses from the following:
  • CMOR 520: COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE
  • CMOR 522: NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
  • CMOR 530: ITERATIVE METHODS FOR SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS AND UNCONSTRAINED OPTIMIZATION
  • CMOR 541: LINEAR AND INTEGER PROGRAMMING
• Elective Requirements: Select at least 8 courses (24 credit hours) of departmental (CMOR) course offerings at the 500-level or above.

Footnotes and Additional Information

1. A number of CMOR courses may not be applied toward the Elective Requirements. Thesis, seminar, or independent study courses cannot be applied towards the Elective Requirements.
2. Students may take up to 3 courses (9 credit hours) at the 500-level or above from course offerings outside of CMOR, with the approval of the student's mentor.

Policies for the MCAAM Degree

Department of Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research Graduate Program Handbook

The General Announcements (GA) is the official Rice curriculum. As an additional resource for students, the department of Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research publishes a graduate program handbook.

Transfer Credit

For Rice University's policy regarding transfer credit, see the official policy. Some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit. Requests for transfer credit must be approved for Rice equivalency by the designated transfer credit advisor for the appropriate academic department offering the Rice equivalent course.

Departmental Transfer Credit Guidelines

Students pursuing the MCAAM degree should be aware of the following departmental transfer credit guideline:

• No more than 2 courses (6 credit hours) of transfer credit from U.S. or international universities of similar standing as Rice may apply towards the degree.

Opportunities for the MCAAM Degree

Fifth-Year Master's Degree Option for Rice Undergraduate Students

In certain situations and with some terminal master's degree programs, Rice students have an option to pursue a master's degree by adding an additional fifth year to their four years of undergraduate studies. Advanced Rice undergraduate students in good academic standing typically apply to the master's degree program during their junior or senior year. Upon acceptance, depending on course load, financial aid status, and other variables, they may then start taking some required courses of the master's degree program. A plan of study will need to be approved by the student's undergraduate major advisor and the master's degree program director.

Additional Information

Rice undergraduate students completing studies in science and engineering may have the option to pursue the Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAAM) or the Master of Industrial Engineering (MIE) degree. For additional information, students should contact their undergraduate major advisor and the MCAAM/MIE program director.