Curriculum and Course Descriptions

Program Structure

The Master of Computational Economics (MCECON) at Rice University is structured as a rigorous four-semester (two-year) non-thesis master's program. Candidates for the Master of Computational Economics degree must:

1. Complete the approved program of at least 12 courses (40 credit hours minimum, with at least 32 credit hours completed at Rice). The program consists of 8 core courses and 4 electives. Courses outside the approved list will not count toward the degree without prior approval of the Director.
2. Complete the pre-matriculation Computational Camp, Math Camp, and Stat Camp prior to the start of the first fall semester.
3. Perform satisfactorily in all classes. Maintain a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.67 (that is, an average grade of B-).

Core Curriculum Overview

All MCEcon students must complete the following 8 core courses (listed in order of course number):

• ECON 501 Microeconomics I (3 credits)
• ECON 502 Macroeconomics I (3 credits)
• ECON 510 Econometrics I  (3 credits)
• ECON 511 Econometrics II (3 credits)
• ECON 631 Mathematical Foundations for Computational Economics (3 credits)
• ECON 632 Data Tools for Computational Economics (3 credits)
• ECON 633 Dynamic Models for Computational Economics (3 credits)
• ECON 634 Machine Learning and Algorithms for Computational Economics (3 credits)

Pre-Matriculation Camps 

All incoming MCEcon students are required to complete three pre-matriculation camps in the summer prior to the first fall semester: 

• Computational Camp — covers Python programming, software engineering practices, and version control with Git.
• Math Camp — reviews calculus, linear algebra, and real analysis at the level needed for graduate microeconomics, macroeconomics, and dynamic modeling. 
• Stat Camp — reviews probability and mathematical statistics at the level needed for the econometrics sequence. 

Electives and Specialization Tracks 

Students complete 4 elective courses (12 credit hours) chosen from the approved list below. The Department offers four recommended specialization tracks — Industrial Organization, Applied Microeconomics, Macroeconomics & Finance, and Academic (preparation for PhD study) — that bundle electives around a coherent research or career focus. Students are encouraged to discuss track selection with the Director during their first year. Students are not required to follow a track; any 4 electives from the approved list satisfy the elective requirement. Up-to-date track recommendations are maintained on the program website. 

For more information about the course schedule and catalogue, visit the registrar schedule.