The new online system is now available. Applications will be accepted until January 6, 2010.
The following information is designed to assist you in applying for admission to the graduate program in Computer Science at Rice. Please direct all correspondence regarding graduate applications to the department's graduate admissions e-mail box, gradapp@cs.rice.edu. Information and inquiries directed to individual faculty members will not be processed.
The remainder of this page is a compendium of information on the details of applying for graduate study in Rice's Computer Science Department.
Deadlines for Fall 2010 Admission
Ph.D. and MS Programs
Application deadline: January 6, 2010
MCS Program
Application deadline: February 1, 2010
To be considered for one of the above programs, you must submit ALL materials online by the posted deadline.
Late applications will not be considered.
Please note: If you apply online, please do not mail duplicate materials to the department as this may slow down the processing of your application.
Deadline for Spring 2010 Admission
MS and MCS Program
Application deadline: November 1, 2009
Normally, there is NO admission to the MS/Ph.D. programs in the Spring semester. However, if you wish to apply for admission to either program for Spring 2010, please contact us at gradapp@cs.rice.edu for special consideration.
Application Requirements
The following documents are required to complete your application package:
| Letters of recommendation |
At least three letters of recommendation are required. The online application system will require you to submit letter writer names and email addresses. The system will then send an email to each of your letter writers with a secure link to the online system, allowing them to submit letters on your behalf. |
| Official transcripts |
Electronic copies of transcripts from each college or university you have attended are required. If you are offered admission to Rice, you will be required to have official copies of each transcript submitted directly to the department. |
| TOEFL |
Any applicant whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL. Students coming from American institutions of higher education may request that the TOEFL score requirement be waived. The TOEFL can be taken in one of three forms—paper, computer, or internet, and minimum TOEFL scores are as follows: paper-based–600, computer-based–250, and internet-based 90. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) may be substituted for the TOEFL. |
| TSE |
Although the Test of Spoken English (TSE) is not required of non-native English speakers, it is strongly recommended. Special consideration is given to applicants providing this score. |
| GRE |
All applicants must submit GRE standard test scores. Applicants for the MS/Ph.D. program may also submit advanced test scores for mathematics, computer science, or engineering if the test is available in their country of residence. The advanced test is recommended but not required of MCS applicants; however, scores will be considered if submitted. |
Although most applicants for our graduate programs have backgrounds in computer science or math, the graduate admissions committee encourages highly motivated students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines to apply for admission.
Financial Aid
All doctoral students at Rice are fully supported by graduate fellowships or research assistantships. Students who gain external support receive an additional internal supplement. For more information, visit the Graduate Funding web site.
