MSSpS Space Studies at Rice University

Programme overview

MSSpS Space Studies is a master's degree programme at Rice University in Space Studies (Wiess School of Natural Sciences). The professional master's degree in Space Studies is a collaboration between the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, and is geared to help individuals increase their knowledge of space engineering and related science, program management, and policy. The degree totals 42 credit hours.

Faculty: Wiess School of Natural Sciences | Department: Space Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: Houston, TX, United States

What you will study

A minimum of 16 courses (minimum of 42 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements. A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study (graduate semester credit hours, coursework at the 500-level or above). A minimum of 24 graduate semester credit hours must be taken at Rice University. A minimum of 24 graduate semester credit hours must be taken in standard or traditional courses (with a course type of lecture, seminar, laboratory, lecture/laboratory).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to graduate study in Space Studies is open to qualified students holding a bachelor’s degree in a related science or engineering program that included course work in general physics, chemistry, calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. Good scores from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE), good critical thinking and communication skills, and strong quantitative abilities. Statistics, introductory economics, and computer skills preferred. Department faculty evaluate the previous academic record and credentials of each applicant individually and make admission decisions.

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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