Rice University

How this program compares

At an estimated $57.2K in total tuition, the Master of Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE) - Machine Learning sits about 33% above the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database — placing it in the 74th percentile on cost among the 394 we track at this level. It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related quantitative field, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated proficiency in programming and mathematics. GRE scores are typically required or strongly recommended.

About This Program

A non-thesis professional degree providing expertise in computational techniques and data engineering for technical and managerial leadership. Coursework concentrates on Deep Learning and Machine Learning. Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

It is one of 45 AI-related programs we track in Texas, of which about 51% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 86% of the Texas programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $41.5K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $118,000.

Design and implement machine learning models for classification, regression, clustering, and prediction tasks.

Budget planners should note $57.2K estimated total tuition (74th percentile among AI master's programs, above the $42.9K average). Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

Career Outcomes

Rice University positions this master track for Machine Learning Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $118,000. Its focus on Deep Learning and Machine Learning maps directly to how employers in engineering ai screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 36% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. Data Scientist
• 3. AI/ML Research Scientist
• 4. Quantitative Analyst

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for classification, regression, clustering, and prediction tasks
• Develop deep learning architectures and apply neural networks to complex real-world problems
• Apply data mining and statistical techniques to extract insights from large datasets
• Execute end-to-end machine learning projects from problem definition through deployment and evaluation

Curriculum Highlights

The interdisciplinary curriculum features core courses in computational applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science, including iterative methods and numerical analysis.

Top Employers

Top employers for machine learning graduates include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, OpenAI, and leading financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs.

Admissions

Admission to Rice University's Master of Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE) - Machine Learning generally expects a master of science (ms). Plan for the GRE, which this program lists as required or strongly recommended. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions