PhD Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology at Rice University

Programme overview

PhD Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology is a doctoral degree programme at Rice University in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology. Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology (SSPB) is a new discipline that draws upon principles from physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics and integrates experimental biochemical, cell biological, and molecular genetics approaches with computational design, simulation, and modeling to anticipate the properties of complex and multiscale biological systems. The degree totals 30 credit hours.

Department: Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology | Study mode: full-time | Location: Houston, TX, United States

What you will study

The requirements listed in the General Announcements (GA) satisfy the minimum requirements for this degree program. In certain instances, courses (or require

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Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for graduate study in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology must have: BA or BS degree in natural sciences, engineering, or related field (or some equivalent) Strong ability and motivation for research as indicated by academic record, relevant research experience, and recommendations Although the program offers an MS degree, only students who intend to pursue the PhD degree are admitted into the program. In rare instances, students who fulfilled the MS degree requirements and who do not wish to continue their studies toward their PhD degree may choose to graduate with an MS degree. Information on admission to the program is available on the SSPB website.

USD 66,784 a year (2026-27). School of Natural Sciences: Masters & PhD full-time tuition ($33,392 per semester) for the school's standard full-time master's and PhD programmes; estimate, excludes fees and health insurance. Reduced rate of $3,710 per year applies to continuing doctora Source

Most doctoral applications for Fall 2027 close December 1, 2026 (Mechanical Engineering December 15, Computer Science January 1, 2027); applications open September 1, 2026 through the Rice graduate portal (gradapply.rice.edu). Application fee is generally $85, waived for some doctoral applicants.

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