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Rice Computer Science faculty are advancing research in artificial intelligence, robotics, security, computational biology and other areas shaping the future of computing.
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Why Rice for your MAI?
The Rice Master of Artificial Intelligence helps recent computer science graduates and working professionals (engineers, scientists and technologists) with technical backgrounds who want to master in-depth AI engineering skills to design, implement and deploy advanced AI systems.
More than a computer science department
Rice's interdisciplinary culture creates opportunities to connect computer science with engineering, medicine, business and the natural sciences, opening new ways to apply what you know.
Make Houston part of your experience
Rice puts you in the middle of one of the country's most dynamic and diverse economies, where computing intersects with energy, health care, aerospace, space exploration and a growing technology and startup community.
Program Overview
Build the engineering skills every company needs
Master AI foundations to design, deploy and maintain systems at scale. Work with industries building the future, with direct access to internship and career opportunities in healthcare, energy, aerospace, finance and across sectors reshaping their operations with AI.
Deliver a team capstone
Learn from Rice Computer Science faculty who are advancing research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and robotics. Collaborate on a team capstone of a working AI application built from concept to completion.
Engineer at Houston scale
Rice puts you in the middle of one of the country's most dynamic technology ecosystems in a growing technology and startup community. Connect with companies actively building AI systems in healthcare, energy, aerospace and finance.
The Rice Master of Artificial Intelligence is a 30-credit-hour, non-thesis degree that typically takes three semesters (12 to 16 months of full-time enrollment) to complete. The curriculum combines advanced AI and computer science coursework with a team-based capstone project. You'll design, build and evaluate a real-world AI system from concept to completion, giving you a working portfolio piece alongside your degree.
COMP 557
Artificial Intellligence
Principles and algorithms for AI systems that perceive, reason and act in complex environments.
COMP 592
Deep Machine Learning
Mathematical foundations of modern machine learning, transformers and large model training.
COMP 593
Large-Scale Systems for AI
Systems and infrastructure for deploying AI at scale: data processing, GPU acceleration and distributed training.
Plus: Professional Skills (3 credits), Electives (9 credits), Internship and Seminar
Program Details
- Degree
- Master of Artificial Intelligence
- Format
- On campus in Houston
- Degree type
- Non-thesis (with team capstone project)
- Program length
- Typically three semesters (12 to 16 months of full-time enrollment)
- Enrollment
- Full-time or part-time
- Residence
- At least one fall or spring semester of study in residence at Rice
What are the admission requirements for the Rice MAI?
Applicants should prepare:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
- Undergraduate transcripts
- 3.0+ GPA
- CV or resume
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- $85 application fee
- GRE recommended, but not required
Prerequisites: Linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, programming, data structures and algorithms, computer organization and systems.
Explore Admission RequirementsTuition and Financial Aid
No university or departmental financial aid is available for MAI students. Students may explore outside loans and other financial resources through the Rice Office of Student Financial Services.
Explore Tuition & Financial ResourcesThe Rice MAI is a non-thesis master's degree. The capstone project is a real, working AI system you build and deploy as part of a team, serving as your degree capstone experience.
Students typically complete the MAI in three semesters, which usually totals 12 to 16 months of full-time enrollment. The program may also be completed on a part-time basis, subject to residence requirements.
The MCS provides breadth across computing subfields. The MAI provides specialized depth in AI architectures, training, deployment and responsible AI practice.
The MDS targets analytics and business-oriented careers. The MAI provides specialized depth in AI architectures, training, deployment and responsible AI practice.
Merit-based scholarships are available from the university to top applicants, who are automatically considered for them upon application submission. Additionally, outside loan and aid sources are available through the Rice Office of Financial Aid
Yes, up to six transfer credit hours from similar universities may be approved by the program director on a case-by-case basis.
Find more information about Rice Graduate Program application process and deadlines.
The department offers four non-thesis engineering master’s programs: Master of Artificial Intelligence (on campus)
Master of Computer Science (on campus)
Online Master of Computer Science
Master of Data Science (on campus)
Online Master of Data Science
All required application materials must be submitted online by the following deadlines in order for an application to be considered.
Spring 2027
October 1, 2026: Early application deadline for scholarship consideration for On-Campus MCS, Online MCS and Online MDS
November 1, 2026: Final application deadline for On-Campus MCS, Online MCS and Online MDS.
Summer 2027
March 1, 2027: Application deadline for Online MCS and Online MDS
Fall 2027
January 1, 2027: Ph.D. Program
February 10, 2027: Early application deadline for scholarship consideration for On-Campus MCS and On-Campus MDS.
May 1, 2027: International deadline for On-Campus MCS and On-Campus MDS; early application deadline for scholarship consideration for Online MCS and Online MDS.
June 15, 2027: Final application deadline for Online MCS and Online MDS.
July 1, 2027: Domestic application deadline for On-Campus MCS and On-Campus MDS.
Ph.D. applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after January 1, with preference to those who submit by January 1, 2027. Applications for the On-Campus MCS and On-Campus MDS programs will also continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Notification Dates
Online MCS and MDS Programs
Decisions are released on a rolling basis for the three annual intakes. You can expect to hear about an admission decision within 2–4 weeks of your intake's final application deadline.
Spring 2027
December: MCS and MDS programs
Fall 2027
Mid-March: Ph.D. and MCS programs
Late March / Early April: MDS Program
MCS and MDS decisions are released on a rolling basis starting in early February.
Ready to take the next step?
Start your application today, and discover how an advanced computer science education can prepare you for what's next.
Questions about the program? Contact us at RiceMAI@rice.edu.