Program Overview

Introduction to the Fifth-Year Master of Science Program

The Department of Computer Science offers a Fifth-Year Master of Science program, designed to increase opportunities for Rice undergraduates to participate in graduate-level research. This program provides Graduate Research Fellowships to select Rice undergraduates, supporting their research activities and tuition for two semesters in the Master's of Science program.

Program Description

The Fifth-Year Master of Science program is a competitive fellowship program that supports top undergraduates who demonstrate a dedication to research. Upon admission to the program in their junior year, fellows receive monetary support for their research activities, as well as tuition support for two semesters in the Master's of Science program. This program offers exposure to graduate-level research prior to graduation and guaranteed support during the MS program.

Application Process

To apply for the Fifth-Year Master of Science program, applicants must submit the following materials:

• A transcript
• Three letters of recommendation from Rice faculty, with one letter from the applicant's proposed research adviser
• A one-page research statement
• GRE scores may be submitted at the discretion of the applicant

Admission Criteria and Deadline

The deadline for Rice undergraduates to apply for the fellowship is February 1st of their junior year. By February 24th, recipients will be notified of the fellowship award and guaranteed admission in the Department of Computer Science Master's of Science program upon completion of their undergraduate degree.

Program Benefits

Fellows in the Fifth-Year Master of Science program receive:

• Full-time support for research during the two summers between their junior year and the start of the graduate program
• Part-time support for research conducted during their senior year
• Full tuition and research stipend for two semesters of study while they complete their Master's of Science thesis
• An accelerated graduation schedule
• Preferential consideration for admission to the RICE CS PHD PROGRAM

Advising

For MS advising, faculty advisors must have their primary appointment in Rice's Department of Computer Science.