Master of Data Science

Rice university's master of data science program is a professional, non-thesis degree designed to support the needs of interdisciplinary professionals. Taught by world-class faculty, the program offers students online or on-campus options. 

Master of Data Science (MDS): Online & On-Campus Programs

• Data science has revolutionized almost every industry, providing some of the most in-demand and highest-paying jobs for graduates in many different fields—science, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and many others. The availability of data has already changed many disciplines in fundamental ways and soon, virtually all disciplines will require a new type of scientist: a “data scientist” who is not just a statistician, or a computer scientist, or a mathematician, but is well-versed in all of these fields and how they apply to the study of data.

Program Overview

• The MDS degree will be offered with both an on-campus and an online option. Students must apply to either the online or on-campus program and will be explicitly admitted to one program or the other.
• Rice’s Master of Data Science (MDS) program is designed to support the needs of interdisciplinary professionals who want to apply data science knowledge, theory, and techniques to solve real-world problems.

The program offers:

• Multidisciplinary, interdepartmental and intercollegiate instruction
• Customizable, specialized degrees comprised of 31 graduate credit hours
• Same online & in-person degrees

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the MDS degree, students will have proficiency in:

• Understanding the computational and statistical foundations of Data Science
• Knowing and understanding how to use the core methods of Data Science as applied to an area of specialization or across a breadth of areas
• Applying Data Science knowledge, theory, and techniques to solve difficult, real-world problems, beginning with raw data and ending with actionable insights
• Effectively communicating written and orally about Data Science methods and results to a lay audience

Curriculum Overview

This non-thesis curriculum requires the completion of a minimum of 31 credits. It is a rigorous blend of courses that deliver the skills you need to collect, evaluate, interpret and communicate data for effective decision-making across a variety of industries.

• Core Courses: Your curriculum includes core courses designed to help you gain an understanding of the computational and statistical foundations of data science.
• Specialization: You’ll gain deeper knowledge in data science by choosing a specialization in business analytics, machine learning or image processing. Currently, image processing coursework is only offered for the on-campus program.
• Electives: You’ll further customize your program of study with an elective in ethics, cybersecurity, or security and privacy.
• Capstone: Then, to give you experience applying your knowledge to a real-world problem, you’ll participate in a capstone project that will help you demonstrate your skill, collaborative ability and problem-solving acumen.

Engineering Professional Master's Programs
The following professional master's programs also offer non-thesis, advanced degrees involving data science:

• Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics The Professional Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAM) is designed for students interested in a technical career path in industry or business.
• Master in Computational Science and Engineering The Professional Master in Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE) is offered jointly by the Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics in the School of Engineering.
• Master of Computer Science The Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree is a terminal degree for students intending to pursue a technical career in the computer industry.
• Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a Professional Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering (MECE) program with a focus in Data Science.
• Master of Industrial Engineering The School of Engineering offers a Professional Master of Industrial Engineering for students seeking a deeper understanding of how sophisticated decision models can optimize complex systems in any industry as well as the nonprofit sector.
• Master of Statistics The Department of Statistics offers a Professional Master of Statistics (MStat) program that includes a solid foundation in statistical computing, statistical modeling, experimental design, and mathematical statistics, plus electives in statistical methods and/or theory.
• Professional Science Master's Program The Subsurface-Geoscience Professional Science Master’s program offers a program focus area in Energy Data Management.