Graduate students serve as mentors and guides for our undergraduates as they come into the laboratories to learn how to do basic research; they serve as teaching assistants in our undergraduate labs; they tutor, provide help sessions and help guide undergrads in our courses. Our graduate programs create leaders and experts in their fields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
STIPENDS, BENEFITS AND FEES
Will Chemistry Ph.D. stipends increase with the university minimum?
Stipends are expected to increase to $37,000 beginning in Fall 2026.
Will stipends continue to increase to match inflation?
Stipend increases are planned, but future adjustments depend on university-level decisions and budget considerations.
Can the department help offset student fees?
Graduate student fees are mandated by Rice University. While concerns about fees taking a significant portion of stipends are acknowledged, there is currently no departmental fee assistance available.
Why do graduate students pay for the gym?
Recreational facility fees are set at the university level. At this time, there are no plans to waive gym fees for graduate students.
Will Rice fully cover graduate student health insurance?
As of August 1, 2025, the University is fully covering the cost of the Aetna student health insurance plan.
CHEM COURSES
How can the quality of CHEM 600 presentations be improved?
The department plans to re-evaluate presentation expectations and individual learning goals to strengthen the overall quality of student presentations.
How can I find out if a course outside of CHEM is approved?
The department provides a list of approved courses alongside the handbook. https://chemistry.rice.edu/graduate-student-handbook. If there is a course not listed, please contact the Graduate Studies Chair for approval. Without documented approval, this will not count toward the 18-credit course requirement.
MISCELLANEOUS
Where can I find travel support?
Opportunities are available through the following organizations:
Rice Chemistry Department: https://chemistry.rice.edu/graduate-student-travel-award-application
Rice CGSA: sends out the travel grant form via a weekly email, applications stay open for 2-3 weeks (both fall and spring - usually October/February).
Rice GSA: https://gsa.rice.edu/funding
Research Centers may have funding (examples include: RAMI, SCI, Synthetic Biology Institute, SynthX, and Nanoscale Imaging, Amaloid). It is recommended to check with your research advisor to determine which institutes/centers your research lab is associated with.
FACETS Community Engagement Travel Grant Program: Organized by CGSA, provides up to $500 in travel reimbursement for graduate students who share their research and graduate school experiences outside of traditional academic conferences. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For more info, contact the CGSA Treasurer.
How can I seek support if I’m having challenges?
For guidance on support resources, please consult the program handbook as a first step. If you require further assistance, the Graduate Studies Chair and Chemistry Graduate Program Administrator are available to help.
Are you an international student experiencing visa delays?
If so, please notify the Graduate Program Administrator with status updates. This is to ensure student status, program requirements, coursework is addressed. This should be done immediately upon learning of a delay.