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    Rice University

    Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Houston, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $69,000.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    30
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University is a 30-credit, 2-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 program requiring 30 credit hours, residency for one semester, preliminary exam, oral thesis proposal defense, and a thesis with at least one submitted peer-reviewed manuscript as lead author. Customized to student interests in earth, environmental, and planetary sciences.

    Focus: research
    Part-time option

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Spring 2027
    Oct 31, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for foreign students whose language of instruction was not English.
    IELTS
    required
    Min TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for foreign students whose language of instruction was not English. Rice minimum IELTS 7.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

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

    $21,454.00
    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 Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University is $69,000 across 30 required credits.
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University online or in-person?
    Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University take to complete?
    Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)