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    Rice University

    Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Houston, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $114,060.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo

    Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University is a 2-year, in-person MS program based in Houston, US. Tuition is $114,060 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program integrates principles from physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics with experimental biochemical, cell biological, and molecular genetics approaches, along with computational design, simulation, and modeling to study complex biological systems.

    Focus: research
    Part-time option

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 5, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min No. We will not be requiring GRE scores, though they will be considered if provided.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min For exams taken before January 21, 2026: minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90. For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.5
    IELTS
    optional
    Min minimum score of 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

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

    $20,000.00
    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 Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University is $114,060.
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University online or in-person?
    Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University take to complete?
    Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University is structured around 2 years.
    Is Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical 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 Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Science (MS) in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology at Rice University: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)