MS Mechanical Engineering at Rice University

Programme overview

The MS is a thesis master's degree. Graduates apply advanced technical skills to mechanical engineering problems, conduct research showing mastery of a subfield and communicate scientific ideas in writing and speech.

Faculty: George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing | Department: Mechanical Engineering | Duration: 30 graduate credit hours; expected within two calendar years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Houston, TX, United States

What you will study

The coursework/research split depends on prior degree (for a BS: 18 coursework and 12 research hours). A research thesis (analytical, numerical or experimental), a public oral defence before a committee of at least three, and a preliminary candidacy evaluation by the end of the second semester are required.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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.

Requirements published at program group 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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