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    Rice University

    Master of Computer Science (MCS)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Houston, USMCSOnline18 months
    STEM-OPT
    $93,671.00
    Tuition
    over 18mo
    30
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University is a 30-credit, 18-month, online MCS program based in Houston, US. Tuition is $93,671 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program requires 10 courses covering programming for data science, programming languages, databases, and electives in areas like AI, software engineering, big data, and cybersecurity, with hands-on projects and specialization options.

    Focus: coursework
    3 (U.S. News & World Report - Best Online Master's in Computer Science Programs)
    Part-time option

    Your fit

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

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    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

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    Which tests are required, optional, or waived (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), minimum scores including separate verbal / quant sections, and program codes for score reporting.

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months OPT (12 months standard + 24 months STEM extension)

    $20,530.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University is $93,671 across 30 required credits.
    Is Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University online or in-person?
    Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University is offered online, so students can complete coursework remotely.
    How long does Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University take to complete?
    Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University is structured around 18 months and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 (B) grade point average
    Is Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Computer Science (MCS) at Rice University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.