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    Rice University

    Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Houston, USMDSOnline2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $51,677.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    8%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    31
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University is a 31-credit, 2-year, online MDS program based in Houston, US. Tuition is $51,677 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program covers computational and statistical foundations of data science through core courses, a capstone project applying skills to real-world problems, specializations in areas like business analytics or machine learning, and electives. It prepares students to collect, evaluate, interpret, and communicate data for decision-making across industries.

    Focus: coursework
    Part-time option

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    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, but is recommended for all applicants. The GRE is required for applicants with a <2.9 GPA, unless an exception is granted. No minimum scores specified.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min minimum is 90 on the iBT
    IELTS
    required
    Min 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

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    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 Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University is $51,677 across 31 required credits.
    Is Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University online or in-person?
    Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University is offered online, so students can complete coursework remotely.
    How long does Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University take to complete?
    Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University is structured around 2 years and 31 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 (B) grade point average
    Is Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Data Science (MDS) - Online at Rice University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.