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
Early Deadline: March 15
Regular Deadline: June 1
Applicants must submit:
- One letter of recommendation from an individual who can assess scholarly and professional skills.
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the application; official transcripts are required before enrollment.
- A Statement of Purpose describing academic background, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing the certificate.
Important Notes
- The GRE is not required for this program
- The application deadline is June 1, with the early deadline March 15.
- Students must begin the program in the fall semester.
- Admitted students must submit official transcripts within 30 days of the offer letter.
English Fluency Exams
Applicants should take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams at least 30 days prior to their intended application date to ensure that results are available by the deadline. To make arrangements to take these exams, please correspond with:
TOEFL/TSE Publications
http://www.toefl.org/
(Rice University TOEFL Institution Code: 6609, Department Code: 84)
IELTS
https://www.ielts.org/
Duolingo
https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants
For answers to frequently answered questions, see
https://economics.rice.edu/graduate-program/mcecon/faqs
Rice University policies and process regarding admissions requirements may be found in the General Announcements.
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.
- Applications for fall 2026 enrollment will open in early March.