Program Overview

Master of Computer Science (MCS) Degree, Online Program

The Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree, offered online, is a non-thesis master's degree designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of computer science. Upon completing the MCS degree, students will be able to solve advanced computer science problems, design and implement complex software systems, and communicate effectively to clients and users.

Program Learning Outcomes for the MCS Degree

The program learning outcomes for the MCS degree are as follows:

1. Solve advanced Computer Science problems by acquiring and applying a graduate-level understanding of material in sub-areas of Computer Science.
2. Design and implement complex software systems, demonstrating skill in design and implementation and functioning effectively in teams.
3. Communicate effectively to a client and user.

Requirements for the MCS Degree, Online Program

The requirements for the MCS degree, online program, are as follows:

• A minimum of 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).
• The requirements for one area of specialization (see below for areas of specialization).
• 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.

Areas of Specialization

The MCS degree program offers four areas of specialization:

• Data Science
• Engineering Leadership
• Machine Learning
• Systems

Area of Specialization: Data Science

• COMP 643: Big Data (3 credit hours)
• COMP 665: Data Visualization (3 credit hours)

Area of Specialization: Engineering Leadership

• RCEL 501: Engineering Management & Leadership Theory and Application (3 credit hours)
• RCEL 502: Engineering Project Management (3 credit hours)

Area of Specialization: Machine Learning

• COMP 642: Machine Learning (3 credit hours)
• COMP 680: Statistics for Computing and Data Science (3 credit hours)

Area of Specialization: Systems

• COMP 621: Systems Software (3 credit hours)
• COMP 628: Cybersecurity (3 credit hours)

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for the MCS degree, online program, are as follows:

• Core Requirements:
  • COMP 610: Software Construction (3 credit hours)
  • COMP 613: Programming Languages and Design (3 credit hours)
  • COMP 614: Computer Programming for Data Science (3 credit hours)
  • COMP 630: Databases (3 credit hours)
  • COMP 682: Principles of Algorithms and Software Area (3 credit hours)
• Area of Specialization: Select 1 from the following areas of specialization (6 credit hours)
• Elective Requirements: Select 9 credit hours of electives from the following:
  • Any course (minimum of 3 credit hours) at the 500-level (or above) related to computer science from CMOR, COMP, ELEC, RCEL, or STAT course offerings
  • Any course (minimum of 1.5 credit hours) at the 500-level (or above) from BUSI or MGMT course offerings
  • Any course (minimum of 3 credit hours) at the 500-level (or above) from any Area of Specialization outside the student's chosen Area of Specialization

Policies for the MCS Degree, Online Program

Admission

The GRE test is highly recommended for all applicants, however it may be waived, upon discretion of the department's Admission Committee, if an applicant has relevant industrial experience.

Financial Aid

No financial aid is available from Rice University or the Computer Science Department for students in the MCS degree program.

Transfer Credit

For Rice University's policy regarding transfer credit, see Transfer Credit. Some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit. Requests for transfer credit must be approved for Rice equivalency by the appropriate academic department offering the Rice equivalent course (corresponding to the subject code of the course content) and by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS).

Departmental Transfer Credit Guidelines

Students pursuing the MCS degree should be aware of the following departmental transfer credit guidelines:

• No more than 2 courses (6 credit hours) of credit from another U.S. or international universities of similar standing as Rice may apply towards the degree.
• Transfer courses must be comparable in content and depth to the corresponding course at Rice and must not have counted toward another degree.
• Request for transfer credit will be considered by the Computer Science Graduate Committee Chair and the instructor of the equivalent Rice course.

Opportunities for the MCS Degree, Online Program

The MCS degree, online program, provides students with opportunities to pursue a career in the computer industry. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of computer science, as well as specialized knowledge in one of four areas of specialization.