Prospective Graduate Students

Coupled with a prolific publication rate, a typical student in the program publishes multiple papers cited in the top 10% worldwide. Underlying the development of Rice chemists is a strong, dynamic, interdisciplinary faculty that includes four members of the National Academy of Sciences. The low student-to-faculty ratio (3:1) ensures that students have ample access to faculty time, instrumentation, and other resources.


What sets our graduate program apart from other high-ranking universities? 

  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Interdisciplinary research
  • Flexible teaching requirements
  • Strong medical collaborations
  • Leaders in nanotechnology
  • Generous financial support
  • Fellowship opportunities

Road to Grad School Workshop 

Are you curious about graduate school? Do you want to know more about what you can do with a PhD and how to apply? Are you unsure if you’re qualified or ready for this step? Attend this new workshop to learn about what a PhD entails, how to apply, why you’d apply, and more! This workshop was created by current graduate students to provide insight for anyone wondering the pursuing a PhD is the right path for them. Check back for future dates for our live webinar presentations!

Workshop Slides

Workshop Video


The Campus

Rice University occupies an architecturally distinctive and historic, 285-acre campus shaded by nearly 4,000 trees. With state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, and internationally renowned centers and institutes, Rice University is an ideal learning and living environment.

We encourage you to visit Rice at any time for a firsthand look at the Department and the beautiful, tree-lined campus. If you apply and are admitted, you will be invited to visit the campus later at Departmental expense. During your time here, you will not only visit faculty, but you'll be hosted by current graduate students from whom you can learn more about graduate life in Houston.


Living in Houston

Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city in population, and the second lowest in terms of cost of living compared to other major American cities. It is no wonder that the city is home to twenty-three Fortune 500 companies and numerous other world-class institutions in the areas of energy, medicine, aerospace, manufacturing, and business services. Houston is a center for the visual and performing arts, an international business hub and home to the second busiest port in the United States. Rice University’s proximity to historic downtown Houston, and being located right in the heart of the museum district, makes it an optimal location to live and study.

Why Houston?