FAQs

Check out this list of frequently asked questions about the application process, cost, requirements and more. Feel free to contact us if you still have a question.

For full details and procedures about applying, please visit Admissions.

What is the application deadline?

Each department and degree plan has its own deadlines. For up-to-date deadlines, please visit our admissions page.

What is required to apply for a Engineering Professional Master’s Program?

Requirements vary per department and applicant but may include the application form, fee, transcripts GRE scores, letters of recommendation. Visit our admissions page to learn the requirements and how to apply.

How much is the application fee?

The application fee for the Engineering Professional Master's Programs is $85.

What is Rice University looking for in an applicant to its Engineering Professional Master’s Programs?

Although there is no single trait or quality we seek, applicants to our programs are those who are qualified in math and science, demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and are seeking to both enhance their knowledge of engineering and use that knowledge in a professional setting through training in leadership and technology entrepreneurship.

What are the minimum GPA and TOFEL requirements?

Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants taking the TOFEL exam should exhibit scores of at least 90 on the iBT TOFEL or at least 600 on the paper-based TOFEL. Applicants need to confirm the admission requirements of the department to which they are applying.

To learn more, visit our admissions page.

May I submit supplemental materials with my application?

In the application form section titled “Supplemental Data,” please be sure to include your motivation for applying to the program, as well as your commitment to your future plans. You certainly may augment your application with additional materials, but we ask you to be selective in what you include.

For instance, if you have been working as a professional, you may include a résumé. You are also welcome to submit additional class work, lab work, slides, newspaper articles, etc. Please note that supplemental materials are not required and will not be returned.

Who should prepare the letters of recommendation?

Recommendations should be prepared by people who can attest to your quantitative abilities, ambition, and/or leadership skills. These people may be former professors, academic advisors, employers, etc.

Is financial aid available for the Professional Master’s in Engineering?

Rice University does not offer financial aid for our Engineering Professional Master’s Programs, but scholarship opportunities are available to students. A listing may be found on our Cost/Financial Aid section.

Does the program accept transferred credit?

Up to six (6) credits (earned beyond the BS requirement) depending on the engineering track can be transferred from another school.

Note: The limit is three (3) credits for Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Do I need to purchase Rice University health insurance? How much does it cost? When does coverage begin?

All Rice students are required to have health insurance. You must complete either the Rice Plan Application if you wish to purchase insurance or the Medical Insurance Waiver if you will be covered by another policy. Presently the cost of Rice University health insurance is approximately $1500. Coverage begins in mid-August. For complete details, please see the Student Health Insurance Application.

When do I register for courses?

New students begin the registration process during orientation week using ESTHER. After you have been processed, you will receive a Rice ID number and PIN from graduate@rice.edu sent to the email address provided by you on your application. This will allow you to set up a Rice e-mail account and access registration information and forms via the Rice University website.

After your advising faculty have reviewed course selection, you can proceed with selecting courses on-line. Visit the Office of the Registrar for complete information on registration and academic information, such as course schedules, building codes, and academic calendars. A good resource is also the Graduate Studies Notebook containing guidelines for good practices in graduate education, general policy, and procedure information.

When is my tuition due?

Tuition invoices will be mailed around July 25. Payments must be made by August 15. Rice University offers a payment plan that is designed to enable students to pay over the course of the semester. For more information, please visit the Cashier’s Office.

Can I pursue a Ph.D. after obtaining my Engineering Professional Master’s?

Yes, but you students who wish to continue graduate study following the awarding of a professional master’s must apply for admission into a research program. Admission to the Professional Master’s program is granted separately from admission to a research or thesis program. All Rice University Professional Master’s Programs terminate when the degree is awarded.