Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Program Admissions

What qualifications will I need to be admitted to the Ph.D. program?

Entering students should have a high aptitude for chemistry, a strong motivation to perform original scientific research, and a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a closely related discipline. Rice's graduate program in Chemistry is directed only at the Ph.D. degree, although some students choose to receive Master's degrees in the course of their doctoral studies.

When should I begin the application process?

You should begin your application process as early as possible. The GRE is optional, and not required for admission. Also request transcripts and letters of recommendation by October or earlier to allow recommenders time to submit their information before the application deadline.

"Plans for Study" and "Personal Statement"

The online application has an area to describe your intended Plans for Study and to add additional factors that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider when evaluating your application. For example, you can optionally upload a Statement of Purpose.

When is the application deadline?

The Department of Chemistry application deadline for the Ph.D. program is December 1.

Where do I send my official transcripts?

If you are offered admission to Rice, official transcripts should be sent to:

Rice University
Kari Stein, Graduate Program Admin.
Department of Chemistry-MS 60
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892
USA

Courier deliveries should be sent to:
Rice University
Kari Stein, Graduate Program Admin.
Department of Chemistry-MS 60
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005

Is it necessary to submit transcripts from all colleges/universities attended?

Official transcript(s) are required from all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended. For reviewing purposes, electronic copies of transcript(s) can be uploaded through the online application system to meet the application requirements. If you are offered admission to Rice, official paper or electronic copies of the transcript(s) will be required and can either be sent directly to the Rice Chemistry Department from the institution or sealed by the institution in a signed envelope and delivered by the applicant.

Please do not send official paper transcript(s) from your college or university unless you are accepted to the Rice Chemistry program.

Can letters of recommendation be submitted online?

Yes. Webforms are sent to recommenders through an automated system, which has a unique identifier that ties the reference to the student’s application when the reference is uploaded.

I have not taken/do not have my GRE or TOEFL scores yet. Can I still apply?

The Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) test is not required for admission, however, GRE scores will be accepted upon submission.

Is the GRE Subject Test required?

The GRE Subject test is optional and not required.

What is the minimum TOEFL score?

The Office of Graduate Studies at Rice has set a minimum TOEFL score of 620 on the paper-based test, or 250 on the computer-based test. For students who take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7.

What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)?

The Office of Graduate Studies has specified a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale. If your undergraduate school uses a different grading method, the Admissions Committee will determine your equivalent GPA on a 4.0 point scale.

Is there an application fee?

The application fee for Fall 2025 has been waived. The waiver will be applied once you begin the application and follow the instructions.

Will I be eligible for financial aid?

Each offer of admission to our Department's graduate program includes a full tuition scholarship and a graduate fellowship stipend. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the 12-month graduate stipend is $36,000. Applicants who win external fellowship award may receive supplements to their award money to bring them to the graduate stipend amount.

Do you accept students for admission in the spring semester?

Students accepted begin graduate study in the fall semester (August).

If I am admitted to the graduate program in Chemistry, can I start in the summer?

Upon admission to the program, and upon the availability of research funds, some students accept paid research positions in one of our labs the summer before their matriculation. These are 1-3 month appointments, which promote the development of research skills and allow an opportunity to learn about a potential research advisor laboratory. They do not obligate the student to continue working with the same advisor for thesis research. If you are interested in learning more about the summer research opportunities for newly accepted graduate students, please email gradchem@rice.edu.

What if I have other questions?

Applicants with further questions are invited to contact the Department of Chemistry directly:

Rice University
Kari Stein, Graduate Program Admin.
Department of Chemistry-MS 60
Phone: 713-348-5820

Toll-free phone: 877-348-8639
Fax: 713-348-5155
Email: gradchem@rice.edu

Stipends, Benefits, and Fees

What is the current graduate student stipend?

Entering students are normally awarded an annual stipend of $36,000. All Chemistry graduate students at Rice University receive financial support throughout the twelve-month year. After completion of the first semester, students are supported through Research Assistantships or numerous other Research Associate Fellowships. Stipend levels are reviewed annually by the Department and are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living in the Houston area.

Incoming students are encouraged to apply for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Applications for these awards must be submitted by the student in October.

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.

Miscellaneous

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.

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, Amyloid). 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.
• ACS https://www.acs.orgfunding/grants/acs-student-communities-professional-meeting-grant.html
• ACS https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/ciba-ycc-young-scientist-travel-award.html
• ACS https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/ciba-ycc-young-scientist-travel-award.html
• ACS https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/women-chemists-lilly-emerging-talent-award.html
• ACS https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/acs-bridge-travel-professional-development-award.html