Programs of Study
Source: https://graduate.rice.edu/programs-study Parent: https://graduate.rice.edu/
At Rice, graduate study is offered in three broad categories:
- Research-based programs (thesis) leading to the M.A., M.S., and various doctoral degrees,
- Professional master's programs (non-thesis) which provide advanced course work and lead to degrees in specific disciplines.
- Graduate certificate programs which provide post-bachelor's coursework (typlically 4-5 courses) to recognize students who have achieved a defined level of competence, skill, or professional expertise
Research-based degrees will transform a student to be expert in their field; qualified doctoral applicants often receive tuition support and a stipend to support cost of living. Non-thesis master's degrees and graduate certificates offer exceptional training and propel students to the next level of their careers.
Programs with STEM OPT Designation can be found here.
Use the links below to find information on specific programs. A full chart of degree programs is found in the General Announcements. Graduate programs at Rice usually require full-time study, however, many non-thesis programs can be completed on a part-time basis and some offer online options. Check with your department of interest for specifics, including application deadlines.
Rice Graduate Studies is not requiring the GRE for 2026, but will provide students with the option of submitting those scores. However, the following individual Rice degree programs will recommend, strongly recommend, or require the general GRE for 2026 admission:
- General GRE is recommended but not required: Master's in Material Science and NanoEngineering; Ph.D. in Materials Science and NanoEngineering
- General GRE is strongly recommended but not required: Master's in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Ph.D. in Civil Engineering; Master's in Architecture; Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D. in Political Science
- General GRE is required for the Ph.D. in Economics
Please check in with your program of application on all individual requirements.
Graduate programs in the Jones School of Business generally require some standardized testing, such as GMAT, Executive Assessment or the GRE. Waivers may be available for those with appropriate qualifications as described at the Jones School’s application site.
For 2026 admission, Rice is also waiving doctoral application fee waivers for students graduating from institutions in Texas or bordering states, or for students who reside in those states. This excludes programs in the Jones School of Business.
Rice Architecture is the meeting point of design and discourse; of theory and practice; of past and future; of Rice and the world; and of our two inseparable aims: to educate architects and to position our graduates as leaders in a rapidly changing world.
## Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business
JGSB programs enable students to focus on key business areas such as finance, strategy, marketing, entrepreneurship and more.
## Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
In addition to the accredited degree programs listed below, the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies also provides lifelong personal and professional development opportunities and non-credit certificate programs in areas such as data science, financial planning, human resources, and paralegal studies.
## George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing
The School of Engineering and Computing is a leader in computational science and engineering and simulation and modeling. With pioneering research in nanotechnology, Rice has made significant contributions in bioengineering, materials science and energy. Its strengths in information technology include data science, high performance computing, compilers and digital signal processing.
## School of Humanities and Arts
Rice's School of Humanities and Arts offers programs in disciplines traditionally associated with the humanities as well as pushing beyond disciplinary boundaries to explore what it means to be human in all its ramifications.
The Shepherd School provides music performance training for an international student body of 285 music majors focused on a professional career. Shepherd School alumni include Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winners; they have debuted on the stages of Carnegie Hall and have appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera.
## Wiess School of Natural Sciences
A small school with a global vision, the Wiess School of Natural Sciences sees the universe as its laboratory. Intense curiosity drives each of us to explore the unknown. From hunting the smallest subatomic particles to investigating the unfathomable distances of our universe — and scientific inquiries at every scale in between — the goal at the heart of the School of Natural Sciences is discovery.
Rice University's School of Social Sciences is a vibrant, inclusive community of scholars, students and educators committed to connecting our teaching and research with policy for the betterment of society. We tackle society's greatest challenges with an unconventional vision toward shaping a future that we can all thrive in.