Skip to main content
    GradsMatch
    Back to Programs
    Rice University

    Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Houston, USMCSOnline2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $50,010.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    47%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    39
    Cohort
    students
    30
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University is a 30-credit, 2-year, online MCS program based in Houston, US. Tuition is $50,010 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program requires 30 credit hours including hands-on software projects and covers topics such as artificial intelligence, large language models, modern databases, programming languages, and statistical tools, with four online specialization options.

    Focus: coursework
    #3 Online Master's in Computer Science (U.S. News & World Report 2026)
    Part-time option

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    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.

    Sign in to view - it's free

    Deadlines

    Fall 2026
    Jun 15, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min For applicants with a 3.0+ GPA, taking the GRE is not required for admission to the Master of Computer Science program, but is recommended for all applicants. The GRE is required for applicants with a <2.9 GPA, unless an exception is granted by the Rice Admissions committee.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min For the TOEFL score, the minimum is 90 on the iBT and 600 on the paper-based TOEFL.
    IELTS
    required
    Min For students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL, the minimum score is 7.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $20,530.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    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) - Online at Rice University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University is $50,010 across 30 required credits.
    Is Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University online or in-person?
    Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University is offered online, so students can complete coursework remotely.
    How long does Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University take to complete?
    Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 (B) grade point average
    Is Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Online at Rice University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.