In addition to the Master of Computational Economics, the Department of Economics offers a stackable Certificate in Computational Economics. Offered in both in-person and online formats, the program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals seeking advanced training in computational economics. The Certificate in Computational Economics provides students with the mathematical, programming, and algorithmic foundations essential for modern economic analysis.
Curriculum
The curriculum progresses through four courses that build a coherent and applied sequence of skills:
First Semester (Fall)
| ECON 631 Mathematical Foundations for Computational Economics | 4 |
| ECON 632 Data Tools for Computational Economics | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 8 |
Second Semester (Spring)
| ECON 633 Dynamic Models for Computational Economics | 4 |
| ECON 634 Machine Learning and Algorithms for Computational Economics | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 8 |
- Mathematics for Economists (ECON 631)
- Programming for Computational Economics (ECON 632)
- Dynamics for Computational Economics (ECON 633)
- Machine Learning for Economics (ECON 634)
Taken together, these courses provide both breadth and depth: breadth, by ensuring exposure to
the full computational toolkit needed to approach economic questions; and depth, by allowing
students to apply these methods directly to economic models and real-world data.
For those who wish to continue their studies, the Certificate in Computational Economics is fully stackable into the Master of Computational Economics. The master’s degree requires a total of 40 credit hours plus the practicum, and students who complete the certificate will have already earned 16 of those credits.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of the mathematical foundations essential for formulating and analyzing economic models.
- Achieve proficiency in Python programming and numerical methods for analyzing, visualizing, and simulating economic data and models.
- Apply computational techniques and dynamic modeling tools to study intertemporal decision-making and policy analysis in economics.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to collect, process, and interpret complex datasets, employing advanced analytical and econometric techniques to generate evidence-based economic insights.
In-Person Instruction
To accommodate working professionals, classes for the in-person option will be offered on Friday afternoons. At this time, in-person instruction is not available to international students.
Online Instruction
For the online delivery of the certificate, the Department of Economics is partnering with Rice Digital Learning to deliver course materials. Students have access to a robust, high-quality learning platform featuring professionally produced video content, asynchronous modules, and interactive tools that promote flexibility, engagement, and academic rigor. International students in need of a visa must register for the online delivery of the certificate.
Admission Requirements
The entry point for both the in-person and online certificate will be the Fall semester only. To be considered for admittance, applicants must have:
- A completed BS, BA, or professional degree at the time of application (or evidence of completion by the time of matriculation).
- Official transcripts from all universities attended in which a degree was awarded.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- A Statement of Purpose describing academic background, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing the certificate.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive a degree from a university where English is the official language of instruction. Students must meet Rice University’s minimum standard of 90 on the TOEFL iBT or 7 on the IELTS.
- A $100 application fee.
The Certificate in Computational Economics exists as two distinct offerings, with both an on-campus and online option. Students must apply to either the on-campus or online program and are admitted into one program cohort or the other. The admission standards are the same for both programs.
Tuition and Aid
| In-Person Tuition | $25,000 |
| Online Tuition | $20,000 |
No financial aid is available from Rice University for students in the Certificate in Computational Economics.
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