Master of Digital Health (MDH) is an innovative, interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are fluent in the intersecting languages of clinical care, data science, and engineering. The curriculum is structured to provide deep expertise in AI and digital tools, empowering graduates to lead the purposeful integration of technology within hospitals, health insurance companies, and medical technology firms.
Rice University’s MDH program is built on the Digital Health Initiative launched in 2024 in collaboration with Houston Methodist to transform healthcare through advanced technology and collaborative expertise. The MDH program is one of the first in the country to focus on the area of digital health and prepare students to navigate this rapidly evolving field.
What can I learn at MDH?
- The MDH program will train you in advanced statistics, machine learning, and AI fundamentals and methods to provide you with a deep knowledge of why and how a method works.
- You will be able to develop hands-on skills to complex healthcare data analysis challenges and approaches through a one-year-long capstone with a medical partner on a cutting-edge research problem.
- You will also develop skills to work in interdisciplinary teams, involving clinicians and engineers.
Admissions
The MDH program is an interdisciplinary program designed for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds in engineering and science, including ECE, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Statistics. The program is for students interested in applying their expertise to health-focused applications and in contributing to the transformation of healthcare through technology, data, and innovation.
While the MECE program with a specialization in Digital Health is primarily geared toward students with an ECE background, the MDH program will offer a more interdisciplinary and inclusive approach. It is particularly well-suited for students with diverse technical foundations who are passionate about healthcare innovation and digital health solutions.
Learn more about Graduate Admissions.
In the selection of prospective graduate students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, all available material is carefully evaluated, particularly:
- the scholastic record as reflected by courses chosen and the quality of performance
- the evaluations of teachers and advisors
- the student's own statement of goals, aspirations and special interests
- minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Proof of a bachelor's degree must be provided upon acceptance to the program
For Fall 2026, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until May 1 for international applicants and July 1 for U.S. applicants.
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