RICE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master of Science in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 30Credit hours required
- 1Semester of residency
- 1Manuscript submission to a peer-review journal required for thesis
- 2Written preliminary exam in second semester
- 1Oral thesis proposal defense at the end of the first year
The Master of Science in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences program at Rice University offers a customizable graduate thesis degree tailored to your individual interests, strengths, and academic background. Our faculty engage in multi-disciplinary research, collaborating across various science and engineering departments, including Chemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Computational and Applied Mathematics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. The department also hosts and collaborates with several interdisciplinary research centers focused on areas like computational geophysics, energy systems, biosciences, lunar science, and sustainability. This program is designed for students with a strong interest in geosciences, and we welcome applicants from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, including physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The department emphasizes a holistic review of applications, valuing your academic record, research interests, and objectives.
Curriculum
The Master's program typically requires 30 credit hours and one semester of residency. Students are expected to complete a thesis that includes at least one manuscript submitted to a recognized peer-review journal with the student as the lead author. A written preliminary exam covering general earth science knowledge is required in the second semester, followed by an oral thesis proposal defense at the end of the first year. Specific details can be found in the departmental guidelines.
- Year 1
- Written Preliminary Exam
- Oral Thesis Proposal Defense
- Year 2
- Thesis Completion and Manuscript Submission
Careers
Graduates of the Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences program are prepared for a variety of roles in research, academia, and industry. The interdisciplinary nature of the program and collaborations with various research centers equip students with diverse skills applicable to a wide range of scientific and technical challenges.
- Researcher
- Academic
- Industry Professional in Geosciences
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees and living costs for this program?
- Full-time students receive a tuition waiver. Living expenses are covered by a competitive stipend provided through various funding sources, although specific amounts are not detailed.
- How long does the Master of Science in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences program typically take to complete?
- The program typically requires 30 credit hours and one semester of residency. The curriculum includes a written preliminary exam in the second semester and an oral thesis proposal defense at the end of the first year, with thesis completion and manuscript submission expected in the second year.
- What are the application deadlines for the Master of Science in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences program?
- The application deadline for Spring 2026 admission is October 31st, 2025, and for Fall 2026 admission is January 9th, 2026.
- Are there any specific English proficiency requirements for international students?
- International students whose previous instruction was not in English must submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Specific score requirements are not provided.
- What documents are required for the application?
- You will need to submit an application form, transcripts from all previous institutions, English proficiency scores (if applicable), and three letters of recommendation.
- What are the career prospects after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles as researchers, academics, or industry professionals in geosciences, leveraging interdisciplinary skills for diverse scientific and technical challenges.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeStrong interest in geosciences. Applicants from diverse backgrounds (e.g., physics, chemistry, math) are encouraged to apply.
TOEFLNot specified
IELTSNot specified
DuolingoNot specified
The GRE is not required. Applications are evaluated holistically based on academic record, interests, objectives, and letters of recommendation. A thoughtful expression of goals and prospective study plans is encouraged.
Fees
Tuition (international)Full-time students receive tuition waivers.
Tuition (home)Full-time students receive tuition waivers.
LivingFull-time students receive a competitive stipend for the duration of study, funded through endowment, fellowships, research grants, and teaching assistant appointments. Specific living cost amounts are not provided.
Tuition is waived for full-time students. Funding for living expenses is provided through a combination of university endowments, fellowships, research grants, and assistantships. Many students also secure nationally competitive fellowships.
How to apply
1. Complete the Application FormCreate a user account and begin the application process online. [Link to Application](https://gradapply.rice.edu/)
2. Submit TranscriptsProvide transcripts from all previous college or university work.
3. Submit English Proficiency ScoresForeign students whose language of instruction was not English must submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Rice University Code: 6609.
4. Provide Letters of RecommendationThree letters of recommendation are required.
5. Pay Application FeeAn application fee of $85 is required. Fee waivers may be requested from the Graduate and Academic Program Administrator (mmckellar@rice.edu).
Scholarships
FellowshipsCompetitive stipend provided
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees and living costs for this program?
+
Full-time students receive a tuition waiver. Living expenses are covered by a competitive stipend provided through various funding sources, although specific amounts are not detailed.
How long does the Master of Science in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences program typically take to complete?
+
The program typically requires 30 credit hours and one semester of residency. The curriculum includes a written preliminary exam in the second semester and an oral thesis proposal defense at the end of the first year, with thesis completion and manuscript submission expected in the second year.
What are the application deadlines for the Master of Science in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences program?
+
The application deadline for Spring 2026 admission is October 31st, 2025, and for Fall 2026 admission is January 9th, 2026.
Are there any specific English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International students whose previous instruction was not in English must submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Specific score requirements are not provided.
What documents are required for the application?
+
You will need to submit an application form, transcripts from all previous institutions, English proficiency scores (if applicable), and three letters of recommendation.
What are the career prospects after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles as researchers, academics, or industry professionals in geosciences, leveraging interdisciplinary skills for diverse scientific and technical challenges.