MDS Data Science (Online) at Rice University

Programme overview

The online MDS is a non-thesis master's degree in Data Science offered through Rice's Computer Science department. Graduates master the computational and statistical foundations of data science, a core method or application area, and apply data science to real-world problems.

Faculty: George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing | Department: Data Science / Computer Science | Duration: 31-35 credit hours (10-13 courses) | Study mode: online | Location: Houston, TX, United States

What you will study

Core: COMP 543/643, COMP 665, COMP 642/ELEC 578, COMP 614 and COMP 680. Specialisations: Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Image Processing, Sport Analytics or Breadth; plus professional development and the DSCI 535/COMP 549 capstone.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree completion needs a 2.67 minimum GPA. Rice engineering master's programmes (applies to the programme group): applicants generally need at least a 3.0 (B) undergraduate GPA; the GRE is generally not required, though individual programmes may recommend or require it; three letters of recommendation; official transcripts from every university attended. International applicants without a degree from an English-language institution need TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 7 or Duolingo English Test 115. Deadlines vary by programme.

Requirements published at program group level.

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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