Academics

The Department of Computer Science at Rice owns computing from the inside out. We build the systems that artificial intelligence runs on, trains the models that power it and produces the engineers and researchers who shape how it actually works. Rice’s small size encourages seamless collaboration between students, faculty, the local community and other disciplines.

Rice CS Professor

PhD Program

The Department of Computer Science offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science. Ph.D. students work closely with one or more faculty members who serve as research directors and mentors. Our government and industry supported research programs continue to grow and provide numerous opportunities for our current and future students, while our past students occupy positions at many top universities, industrial research labs, and high-tech start-up companies.  Details on the Ph.D. degree program in Computer Science are available in our Computer Science graduate student handbook.

CS Master's Program

Master's Programs

The Department of Computer Science offers three terminal graduate degree options: the Master of Artificial Intelligence, Master of Computer Science and Master of Data Science. These degrees prepare students to build and lead in an AI-driven world, whether through a technical career in the computer industry or a data-focused career in industry. 

Past graduates occupy positions at many top technology companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Chevron, Cisco and IBM. Master's students join a lively and invigorating community of scholars in the largest academic department at Rice University in Houston.

CS Master's Program

Master's Programs

The Department of Computer Science offers two terminal graduate degree options: the Master of Computer Science and the Master of Data Science. These degrees prepare students to build and lead in an AI-driven world, whether through a technical career in the computer industry or a data-focused career in industry. Each of our two programs offers an on-campus or online option. 

Past graduates occupy positions at many top technology companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Cisco and IBM. Master's students join a lively and invigorating community of scholars in the largest academic department at Rice University in Houston.

CS Master's Program

Master's Programs

The Department of Computer Science offers three terminal graduate degree options: Master of Artificial Intelligence, Master of Computer Science and Master of Data Science. These degrees prepare students to build and lead in an AI-driven world, whether through a technical career in the computer industry or a data-focused career in industry.

MCS and MDS programs offer an in-person or online option. 

Past graduates occupy positions at many top technology companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Chevron, Cisco and IBM. Master's students join a lively and invigorating community of scholars in the largest academic department at Rice University in Houston.

Rice AI Major

AI Undergraduate Program

Housed and overseen by the Department of Computer Science, the Artificial Intelligence major focuses on creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and multi-modal understanding. Artificial intelligence is specifically concerned with developing algorithms and models that enable machines to mimic cognitive functions. Students develop proficiency in areas such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and intelligent systems.