MCS Computer Science (Online) at Rice University

Programme overview

MCS Computer Science (Online) is a master's degree programme at Rice University in Computer Science (George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing). Computer science is concerned with the study of computers and computing, focusing on algorithms, programs and programming, and computational systems. The main goal of the discipline is to build a systematic body of knowledge, theories, and models that explain the properties of computational systems and to show how this body of knowledge can be used to produce solutions to real-world computational problems. The degree totals 30 credit hours.

Faculty: George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing | Department: Computer Science | Study mode: online | Location: Houston, TX, United States

What you will study

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).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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.

Fall 2027 entry; most doctoral programmes close December 1, 2026; professional master's programmes such as MCS, MDS, MME and MChE use rolling or later deadlines (May 1 international, July 1 domestic).

Master's application fee is $85. Mechanical Engineering MME and Chemical Engineering MChE close May 1 (international) and July 1 (domestic) for Fall; Computer Science MCS/MDS close between February 10, 2027 (scholarship consideration) and July 1, 2027.

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