RicMaster of Data Science (Online)Rice University · Houston, Texas, United States

Program Overview

Dates and tuition are specific to the 2027 intake

Multiple application rounds (other deadlines: May 1, 2027 | Jun 15, 2027).

Please check the official program website (link below) for specific writing guidelines

Statement of purpose

Statement of goals, aspirations, and special interests.

CV or resume

Current CV or resume.

Recommendation letters x 3

At least three letters required.

Official transcript(s)

From all colleges or universities attended; English translation if needed. Unofficial copies for review; official copies typically after admission.

Academic: Bachelor's degree with GPA 3.0/4.0; Minimum 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent) is stated for ECE professional and research programs; CS professional pages also reference 3.0+ GPA as typical preparation.
Prerequisites: Quantitative background; STEM or quantitative background expected for the online MDS professional degree.
IELTS: 7.0 overall; Rice GPS / department minimum.
TOEFL: New scale: 4.5 overall | Old scale: 90 overall; Rice GPS minimum for exams on or after 21 Jan 2026.; Rice Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies / department minimum for exams before 21 Jan 2026.
GRE: Optional; GRE optional.

Historical admission data is not published.