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    Rice University

    Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Houston, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $62,474.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    30
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University is a 30-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Houston, US. Tuition is $62,474 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program requires 30 credit hours including 24 hours of graduate coursework and 6 hours of thesis research. Students conduct original research, form a thesis committee, and defend a thesis orally.

    Focus: research
    Civil Engineering #19 (US News 2024); Environmental Engineering #12 (US News 2024)

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    Deadlines

    Spring 2027
    Oct 15, 2026
    Fall 2027
    Jan 15, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is strongly recommended—but not required. A strong GRE score may compensate for weaknesses—if any—in other credentials submitted along with the application.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min The minimum score is 90 on TOEFL Internet-based, 250 on computer-based, and 600 on the paper-based test.
    IELTS
    optional
    Min The IELTS is acceptable in place of the TOEFL; the minimum score is 7.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months (OPT + STEM extension)

    $14,800.00
    Annual living cost

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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 Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University is $62,474 across 30 required credits.
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University online or in-person?
    Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University take to complete?
    Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0/4.0
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science (MS) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.