How To Apply

Applications are open for Fall 2025, the deadline is December 1, 2024.  Apply HERE

The Department of Chemistry application deadline for the Ph.D. program is December 1st, 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. You should begin applying as early as possible. Students wishing to apply after the December 1st deadline must contact the Chemistry Department directly (gradchem@rice.edu).  

Welcome to the Rice University Chemistry Graduate Program Application
Thank you for your interest in Rice University. At Rice, researchers and faculty members at the forefront of their fields will guide your progress to receiving a doctoral degree. You will be taught to think creatively, be a part of a network of knowledge, and redefine your own limits.

Graduate education is a unique mixture of instruction, training, mentorship, and scientific collaboration. In our program, we want students to get the most out of their experience, contributing to the advancement of science and engineering through outstanding original research while at the same time preparing for a professional career. Our students have gone on to outstanding, diverse professional careers, including academic research, government research and service, and technical careers with companies ranging from large corporations to exciting startups, in fields as diverse as the oil industry, consulting, education, and more.

Our online application was created to offer a fast, easy and convenient way for prospective students to apply to Rice University. Applications are kept confidential until submission, after which they are transmitted through a secure server.

Submission Process
After you complete filling out your application, please validate and submit it.

• Applications cannot be considered before final submission.
• Application information and supporting documents cannot be edited after final submission with the following exceptions: applicants can upload an updated CV and updated transcript documents through their individual status page.
• You must submit your application on or before the term due date to be considered for admission in that term.
• Use the same email address when applying and for the GRE/TOEFL tests.

To submit your application, you must provide all of the required information.

Application Fee
The application fee is waived this year. The waiver will be applied once you begin the application and follow the instructions.
 
Plans for Study
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.

Official Transcript(s)
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 transcript(s) from your college or university unless you are accepted to the Rice Chemistry program.

Experience
The online application has an area to include your Research Experience such as articles, publications, or creative work. In addition, there is an area to upload your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (optional).

Under the Experience area there is also an area to include additional factors that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider such as your Distinctions (scholastic) and Activities (non-scholastic).

Letters of Recommendation
A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required. Generally these letters are written by faculty who are familiar with your work and can address your potential for success in graduate school and beyond. Once listed, recommendation requests are sent via email to the recommender after the applicant prompts the application system to do so.  Alternatively, applicants may print a fax coversheet for a recommender; the recommender then submits their recommendation to Rice University via fax using the coversheet. 

Applicants may track the status of their recommendations through the application status page.  Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all letters of recommendation are received prior to the application deadline.  Applicants may also add and remove recommendations via the application status page

Standardized Tests (GRE)
The GRE is optional and will not negatively impact your application if you do not submit scores.

Required Standardized Tests (TOEFL)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of any student whose native language is not English. The TOEFL and the IELTS are not required for U.S. Citizens, nor for international students who earned a degree from a university in which English is the official language of communication.  Scores must not be older than two years, and an official copy must be sent to the Graduate School directly from ETS. Students must score at least 90 on the iBT (internet-based) TOEFL, at least 620 on the paper-based TOEFL, or at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL. For students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7.     

• The Institution code for the TOEFL is 6609, and the Department code for Chemistry is 62. 

Rice University Policies and Procedures
Rice University policies and process regarding admissions requirements may be found in the General Announcements. 

Submit all inquiries & application materials to: 

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

Courier/Shipping Address
Rice University 
Kari Stein, Graduate Program Admin.
Chemistry Department-MS 60 
6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005

Applicants are advised to use a current browser version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, or Internet Explorer. Cookies and JavaScript should be enabled. 

General Application Inquiries
Phone: 713-348-5820   
Toll-free phone: 877-348-8639  
Fax: 713-348-5155  
Email: gradchem@rice.edu