November 18, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m
Register for this session(opens in a new tab)Why Rice for your MSTAT?
The Rice Master of Statistics is built for math, science and engineering graduates and working professionals to turn strong quantitative skills into an industry career. It's a bridge to industry that pairs statistical theory with computing and real-world application across finance, technology, health care, energy, consulting and government.
Information Sessions
December 16, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m
(opens in a new tab)January 20, 2027
7:00–8:00 p.m
(opens in a new tab)
Specialize in the work you want to do
Choose from five specializations, including quantitative finance to biostatistics and statistical computing. You and your advisor build a plan of study in your first year and revisit it as your goals progress.
Learn the statistics behind AI
Study statistical machine learning and neural networks to understand why models work and where they fail. Graduates go on to roles like data scientist, machine learning engineer and quantitative analyst.
Build quant finance skills
Prepare for careers in quantitative analysis, risk and investment with a dedicated financial statistics specialization, plus business school electives in energy derivatives and portfolio management. The MStat is affiliated with Rice's Center for Computational Finance & Economic Systems.
Where can a Master of Statistics take you?
Our students graduate with job titles like director, data scientist, statistician, quantitative analyst, risk analyst, biostatistician and machine learning engineer.
Employers:
- Meta
- KPMG
- Microsoft
- SLB
- Goldman Sachs
- Texas Children's Hospital
- Two Sigma
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Accenture
Program Overview
Choose one of five specializations and use your courses to build depth in the field you want to work in.
Financial Statistics and the Statistics Risk
Model markets, investment strategies and financial risk with statistical and computational methods.
Bioinformatics, Statistical Genetics and Biostatistics
Analyze clinical, genetic and biological data to answer questions in health and medicine.
Statistical Computing and Machine Learning
Find patterns in large, complex data sets with simulation, Bayesian methods and machine learning.
Applied Statistics for Industry
Apply multivariate, Bayesian and regression methods to problems in manufacturing, energy, technology and business.
Preparation for PhD Studies
Take theory-focused courses that prepare you to apply to doctoral programs in statistics, economics or finance.
The Master of Statistics requires 30 credit hours at the 500 level or above. At least 24 credit hours must be taken at Rice. Finish in three semesters full-time or study part-time.
- Core: five courses in probability, statistical inference, statistical computing, regression and advanced statistical methods, normally taken in your first two semesters.
- Specialization: two to five courses from your chosen specialization.
- Electives: up to 9 credit hours from approved courses in statistics, computer science, economics, business and other departments.
Representative courses
STAT 518
Probabililty
Build the mathematical foundation for inference, predictive modeling and machine learning, covering random variables and distributions and limit theorems.
STAT 613
Statistical Machine Learning
Study the statistical methods behind modern machine learning.
STAT 682
Quantitative Financial Analytics
Use real financial data to build, test and explain quantitative models and investment strategies with statistical, machine learning and AI methods.
Program Details
- Degree: Master of Statistics (MSTAT)
- Format: On campus in Houston
- Degree type: Non-thesis
- Program length: Three semester's full-time
- Program start: (External applicants) Fall,(4+1 applicants): Fall & Spring
- Enrollment: Full-time or part-time
- Credit hours: 30 (at least 24 at Rice)
What are the admission requirements for the Rice MSTAT?
Applicants should prepare:
- Bachelor's degree, typically in math, the physical sciences or engineering
- Coursework in single and multivariable calculus, linear or matrix algebra and calculus-based probability and statistics
- Experience with a programming language such as Python, R, MATLAB, Java or C++
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
- 3.0+ GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- $85 application fee
- TOEFL or other English proficiency scores, if applicable
- GRE recommended, but not required
Still finishing a prerequisite? You can apply if you will complete it before you enroll. A non-calculus statistics course will not prepare you for this program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The MSTAT awards a limited number of merit-based scholarships that cover a percentage of tuition. Apply by January 31 for priority consideration. Additionally, students may explore outside loans and other financial resources through the Rice Office of Financial Aid.
Explore Tuition & Financial ResourcesThe Rice MSTAT is a non-thesis professional master's degree program built for quantitative careers in industry.
The MStat is built on coursework for careers in industry. The PhD is a research degree that requires a thesis.
Full-time students normally finish in three semesters.
Yes. You can complete the MStat program part-time.
Calculus through multivariable, linear algebra, calculus-based probability and statistics and a programming language.
No. It is recommended but not required.
Yes. Limited merit-based scholarships are awarded. Apply by January 31 for priority consideration.
Up to 6 credit hours (two courses) from universities of similar standing may apply.
Yes. Rice science and engineering students can apply in their junior or senior year and may begin some graduate courses before finishing the bachelor’s degree. No course can count toward both degrees.
Registration for new students begins during orientation week via Esther. Your login information will be sent from graduate@rice.edu once your application is processed.
You’re billed for tuition and fees when you register. Rice offers a payment plan that spreads payments across the semester. See the Bursar's Office for details.
No. However, the Center for Career Development (CCD) supports graduate students at every stage of their career journey, from identifying professional goals to navigating the job market. CCD services include one-on-one career coaching, resume and CV review, interview preparation and access to Rice's global alumni and employer network.
For more detailed information about admissions, please visit Graduate Admissions (opens in a new tab) .
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early.
| Internal applicants | Domestic applicants | 4+1 applicants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority deadline for scholarship consideration | January 31, 2027 | January 31, 2027 | Fall Admission: April 15 Spring Admission : November 15 |
| Internal applicants | Domestic applicants | 4+1 applicants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | May 1, 2027 | July 1, 2027 | Two weeks before the end of each semester |
Ready to take the next step?
Every model is only as good as the statistician behind it. Apply by January 31 for priority scholarship consideration.
Have questions? Join an information session, request more information, or contact us at mstat@rice.edu.