The M.S. program requires a thesis in addition to course work. The Ph.D. is a research degree that prepares its recipients for careers in independent research, teaching, and advanced development. The first year of the program provides the student with a sound basis for independent research. Doctoral students must take comprehensive and qualifying examinations during their first three years. The qualifying exam covers one area of computer science, presumably that in which the student wishes to pursue thesis research.
Students typically take it after their second year.
Ph.D. students are encouraged to become involved in research as quickly as possible after entering the program. While researching with a faculty member, the student finds a problem of interest and develops it into a thesis proposal. Eventually, the student presents the proposal in a departmental colloquium, solves the problem raised by the proposal, and writes a dissertation on the work. Teaching is an integral part of graduate education at Rice. Ph.D. students are required to work as teaching assistants for four semesters.