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    Rice University

    Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Houston, USMSIn-person3 years
    STEM-OPT
    $69,000.00
    Tuition
    over 36mo
    27
    Credits

    Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University is a 27-credit, 3-year, in-person MS program based in Houston, US. Tuition is $69,000 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Thesis-based master's degree requiring 9 academic courses and a thesis defense, earned by PhD-track students before advancing. Focuses on applying physics to areas like photonics, nanomaterials, quantum matter, neuroengineering, and computation.

    Focus: research
    Top 10 in USA (Academic Analytics Scholarly Research Index)

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 31, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min There is no minimum for any section of the GRE exam (which is optional and not required)
    TOEFL
    required
    Min at least 90 on the iBT (internet-based) TOEFL
    IELTS
    optional
    Min the minimum is 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University is $69,000 across 27 required credits.
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University online or in-person?
    Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University take to complete?
    Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University is structured around 3 years and 27 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physics at Rice University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.