MS Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University

Programme overview

The MS is a thesis master's degree. Graduates are expected to understand the structure, composition and evolution of Earth and other planets, use computational or analytical techniques in research, communicate science in writing and orally, and contribute to peer-reviewed literature.

Faculty: Wiess School of Natural Sciences | Department: Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences | Duration: 30 credit hours; most students need at least 2 years beyond a bachelor's degree | Study mode: full-time | Location: Houston, TX, United States

What you will study

Students build a course of study with their major professor and thesis committee, with at least 20 semester hours at 500-level or above excluding research hours. Requirements include a written preliminary exam, a thesis made up of peer-reviewed publication(s) and an oral defence.

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Application information

Entry requirements

Programme: a strong background in physics, chemistry and mathematics plus a broad grounding in fundamental earth science (or the intent to acquire it); applicants from other sciences, mathematics or engineering are encouraged. A graduate GPA of 3.00 must be maintained. Rice graduate programmes (university level): applicants should generally have at least a 3.0 (B) undergraduate GPA or equivalent; the GRE is generally not required, though individual programmes may recommend, strongly recommend or require it; a statement of purpose and reference letters may be required depending on the programme. International applicants need TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 7 or Duolingo English Test 115 unless they hold a degree from an accredited US institution or an English-medium institution. Admission is decided at programme level.

Fall 2027 entry; most doctoral programmes close December 1, 2026; professional master's programmes such as MCS, MDS, MME and MChE use rolling or later deadlines (May 1 international, July 1 domestic).

Master's application fee is $85. Mechanical Engineering MME and Chemical Engineering MChE close May 1 (international) and July 1 (domestic) for Fall; Computer Science MCS/MDS close between February 10, 2027 (scholarship consideration) and July 1, 2027.

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