Graduate Programs

Rice CEE educates tomorrow’s leaders and enable them to solve complex problems associated with the natural and built environments in which we live.

Rice University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a highly interdisciplinary research experience designed to develop a fundamental understanding of structures, infrastructure systems, and the environment. Our graduate degree programs emphasize various specializations ranging from hydrology and air quality to structures and bridge engineering, sustainable environmental engineering and more.

Rice CEE strongly recommends General GRE —but not required

Rice is generally waiving the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) standardized test requirement for its 2022 graduate applications. Rice will also waive application fees for doctoral applicants who are graduates of institutions in Texas and bordering states.

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phd student in lab

PhD Program

Our PhD students are passionate about research in civil and environmental engineering. They use intellect, creativity and boldness to explore and discover. They believe in turning inquiry and investigation into understanding, and understanding into applications and novel solutions to real-world problems.

Learn more about our PhD program.

Master of Science Program

Master of Science Program

A Master of Science is rapidly becoming the expected entry-level degree for civil and environmental engineers and is considered a necessary step to P.E. licensure. Our MS program is the natural choice for students who are interested in refining their knowledge by studying a specific area and performing creative research, as well as for those interested in eventually pursuing a PhD.

Learn more about our Master of Science program.

Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Professional Master's Program

The Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering is a professional master's degree that adds communication and leadership courses to a curriculum already strong in fundamentals and theory. The non-thesis degree is designed as a bridge to industry, allowing graduates to rapidly advance their careers.

Learn more about our Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering program.