Skip to main content
    Back to Programs
    Rice University

    Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

    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 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 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

    The program requires core courses in ecology, evolution, and graduate seminars, along with technical proficiency in research methods and a thesis describing independent research in ecology and evolutionary biology.

    Focus: research
    US News Biological Sciences #50

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    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.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 31, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min Submission of GRE scores is optional
    TOEFL
    required
    Min The minimum score for the internet-based TOEFL is 90
    IELTS
    optional
    Min For those students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

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

    $25,000.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    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 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University is $69,000 across 30 required credits.
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University online or in-person?
    Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University take to complete?
    Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 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 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Science (MS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)