Professional Master's Programs

The Department of Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research at Rice University offers a Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics degree. We also jointly offer the multi-disciplinary Master of Computational Science and Engineering Degree degree.

MCAAM Program

The Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAAM) is an advanced, professional degree program designed for students interested in a technical career in industry or business. The MCAAM program provides students with a fundamental understanding of computational and applied mathematics tools that are essential to tackle complex problems in science, engineering and business. The MCAAM degree does not require a thesis.

It takes one and a half to two years to complete an MCAAM degree when studying full time. One hundred percent of MCAAM graduates received employment offers before they graduate. With proper planning and coordination of undergraduate major(s) and senior year courses, Rice undergraduates have the option to complete the MCAAM degree with just a fifth year of study. Candidates can also pursue the MCAAM degree part-time while working in industry.

Admission to the MCAAM program is open to qualified students holding bachelor's degrees (or its equivalent) in engineering, mathematics, or the physical, biological or mathematical sciences.

By entering the MCAAM program, you are joining a cohort of students enrolled in various professional master’s programs in the school of engineering.

Course Requirements

Total requirement: 30 credits = 10 courses. Required courses: choose at least 2 from below:

  • CMOR 520: Computational Science
  • CMOR 522: Numerical Analysis I
  • CMOR 530: Iterative Methods for Systems of Equations and Unconstrained Optimization
  • CMOR 541: Linear and Integer Programming

All the remaining courses must be at the 500 level or above. In addition to the two required courses at least five of these remaining courses must be CMOR courses. The thesis, seminar or independent study courses do not count as electives.

Students may take up to three non-CMOR courses with the approval of their mentor.

Students may tailor the curriculum to fit their professional goals and needs. Below are the suggested courses of study:

Computational Modeling and Simulation Track

Required Courses in CMOR:

  • CMOR 524: Advanced Numerical Analysis I
  • CMOR 520: Computational Science
  • or CMOR 530: Iterative Methods for Systems of Equations and Unconstrained Optimization

Electives within CMOR (choose at least five):

  • CMOR 521: High Performance Computing
  • CMOR 505: Partial Differential Equations I
  • CMOR 510: Modeling Mathematical Physics
  • CMOR 523: Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
  • CMOR 527: Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Solving Engineering Problems
  • CMOR 525: Numerical Linear Algebra
  • CMOR 526: Foundations of Finite Element Methods

An optional (up to) 2 elective courses can be taken outside of CMOR, allowing students to further customize their degree. For example, students may choose to take STAT 532 and STAT 533. The courses should be chosen upon consultation with a faculty advisor.

Application Deadline

Fall admission ONLY: January 15th — Late applications will be accepted until February 28.

How to Apply

After you've reviewed the program and application requirements, https://engrprofmasters.rice.edu/admissions, complete the online application at gradapply.rice.edu.

For questions about our master's degree programs, contact Latreece McKinney, graduate program coordinator.

MCSE Program

The Master in Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE), is a non-thesis degree program offered jointly by the departments of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Statistics in the George R. Brown School of Engineering. The program is designed to provide training and expertise in modern and computational techniques with real-world applications in a wide range of industries.

Learn more or apply to the Master of Computational Science and Engineering program.

MIE Program

The Master of Industrial Engineering (MIE) is a professional non-thesis degree, requiring 31 credit hours of approved courses at the 500- level or above, including a final project of one credit hour. Students who have a BA or a BS degree in any field of engineering or related study may apply.

Learn more or apply to the Master of Industrial Engineering (MIE) program.