Rice University offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in civil and environmental engineering. Many of our MS students earn this thesis degree en route to entering our PhD program.
For a non-thesis program tailored for professionally-focused students looking to expand their engineering knowledge, check out our Professional Master's Program.
M.S. Requirements · Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at the graduate level or above to satisfy degree requirements · Complete a minimum of 24 credit hours from approved graduate-level courses and 6 credit hours of thesis research. Students must obtain a minimum GPA of 3.00 with a minimum grade of B- (2.67 grade points) in each core course. While maintaining a minimum average GPA of 3.0 [and at least a minimum grade of B]. · Select a thesis committee according to department requirements and conduct original research in consultation with the committee. · Present and defend in oral examination an approved research thesis. Students take the oral exam only after the committee determines the thesis to be in a written format acceptable for public defense. Normally, students take two academic years and the intervening summer to complete the degree. Comparable coursework completed previously may be substituted for these core courses. For general university requirements, see Graduate Degrees in the General Announcements. M.S. Suggested Timeline · First year: Course work, begin research under the direction of advisor as deemed appropriate · End of the first year (for Civil Eng. Students after 1.5 years): Take the preliminary exam if intending to continue for a Ph.D. in the ENVE program. · First semester, second-year: Form a committee and consult with the committee; meet if necessary (at the discretion of the committee chair) followed by a petition for candidacy · Second year, the second semester: Write and defend the thesis
Need Help?
Have questions or need guidance about applying or your degree plan? We're here for you.
Please contact:
Olga Torres
Undergraduate and Graduate Program Coordinator
Office: 204 Ryon Lab
Email: olga.c.torres@rice.edu
Phone: 713-348-2646
Apply Now
Ready to apply? Visit our Graduate Admissions to begin your application to Rice University.