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1. Am I eligible for admission to a graduate degree program in Computer Science?
2. How do I apply to a graduate degree program in Computer Science at Rice University?
3. How much is the application fee?
4. Is the application fee ever waived?
5. What are the application deadlines?
6. Can I reapply to a graduate degree program in Computer Science?
7. What documents are needed to complete my application?
8. Do I need to take the TOEFL?
9. Do I need to take any advanced GRE tests for admission into a graduate degree program?
10. How will the department evaluate my test scores if I have taken the tests more than once?
11. How many letters of recommendation are required?
12. Who should prepare the letters of recommendation?
13. Once I have submitted names of recommenders, can I change those names?
14. My recommenders do not have access to e-mail. Can they send letters to the department through the mail?
15. What kind of financial aid is available to graduate students in computer science?
16. Will the department accept transfer credit once I am accepted to a program?
17. Will the department accept applications for spring admissions?
18. When will I be notified of a decision on my application?
19. Should I call the department to check on the status of my application?
20. Where can I get help using the online application system?
21. What is the department mailing address?
22. How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. program?
23. Are teaching assistantships available?
24. How much should I expect for tuition expenses?
25. What kind of housing is available to graduate students?
26. What if I have additional questions?
1. Am I eligible for admission to a graduate degree program in computer science?
Admittance to a Rice University Computer Science graduate-degree program requires a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent.
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2. How do I apply to a graduate degree program in computer science at Rice University?
Applicants must submit their applications to the Department of Computer Science using the online application system. If it is impossible for an applicant to access the online system, he/she should contact the department at gradapp@cs.rice.edu.
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3. How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $70 and must be paid before submitting an online application. The fee can be paid online using a major credit card for Fall 2010 applicants. Applicants that believe they may be eligible for a fee waiver should contact the department; however, please note that fee waivers are only granted in rare cases. Those applying for Spring 2014 must mail a check or money order to the Department.
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4. Is the application fee ever waived?
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for a fee waiver should contact the Department; however, please note that fee waivers are only granted in rare cases.
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5. What are the application deadlines?
The deadlines for Fall 2014 admission are Jan 6, 2014 for the Ph.D. The deadline for Spring 2014 admission for the MCS program is Nov 1, 2013.
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6. Can I reapply to a graduate degree program in computer science?
In the Fall 2010 recruiting season, the Department of Computer Science launched a new online application system. If you applied in the past using the previous version of our online application, you must apply again using the new system.
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7. What documents are needed to complete my application?
Using the online application system, you must submit a statement of purpose, unofficial copies of your university transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores and, for international students, TOEFL scores. (To see whether you are required to take the TOEFL, read the next question.) If you are offered admission to Rice, you will be required to have official copies of each transcript submitted directly to the department.
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8. Do I need to take the TOEFL?
The TOEFL or IELTS may be waived for an international student who has received a degree from a university at which English is the official language of communication.
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9. Do I need to take any advanced GRE tests for admission into a graduate degree program?
Applicants for a graduate degree program in Computer Science may also submit advanced test scores in mathematics, computer science, or engineering if the test is available in their country of residence. Applications without advanced test scores will still be fully considered for admission without penalty.
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10. How will the department evaluate my test scores if I have taken the tests more than once?
The graduate committee will look at all of your test scores but will most often consider your highest scores on the individual tests. Test scores are just one component of the application and contribute to an overall picture of a graduate candidate.
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11. How many letters of recommendation are required?
At least three letters of recommendation are required.
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12. Who should prepare the letters of recommendation?
All evaluations/recommendations should come from individuals (preferably, professors or research advisers) who are familiar with your work in computer science or other scientific fields.
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13. Once I have submitted names of recommenders, can I change those names?
Yes. Using the online application system, you will be able to change the names and e-mail addresses of your recommenders as long as those letters have not already been received by the department.
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14. My recommenders do not have access to e-mail. Can they send letters to the department through the mail?
No. We do not accept recommendation letters via mail. While filling out our online application, you will provide to us your recommenders’ email addresses. When you submit your completed application, our system will automatically send an email to your recommenders with a link to the recommendation portion of the application. They will fill out the recommendation form, and then, if they choose to, upload a letter of recommendation. All recommendations must be completed this way, with no exceptions. Recommendation letters sent via email or mailed to our address will be discarded and will not be considered in your application.
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15. What kind of financial aid is available to graduate students in Computer Science?
Graduate students enrolled in thesis degree programs can be supported from a number of sources, including departmental funds, research grants, and external fellowships. This support typically includes a monthly stipend and graduate tuition.
Ph.D. program: First-year Ph.D. students are supported by the department. In subsequent years, students are supported from research funds—typically, their adviser's grants and contracts. Ph.D. students are also encouraged to apply for external fellowships.
MS program: Students admitted to the Master of Science program can be supported by their research adviser. Such support is arranged directly with the adviser.
The Master of Computer Science program is not a research degree program. The student's primary responsibility is taking classes. Thus, students in the MCS program are not supported from research grants or contracts.
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16. Will the department accept transfer credit once I am accepted to a program?
The decision to accept transfer credit is made on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, the department will not reduce graduate degree requirements for transfer students.
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17. Will the department accept applications for spring admissions?
Generally, the department does not accept spring applications for graduate admissions. However, if you are already a Rice student switching from one program to another, this change can often be made in the springtime.
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18. When will I be notified of a decision on my application?
Decisions are typically mailed in mid-February. You can also check your application status online with your username and password.
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19. Should I call the department to check on the status of my application?
Please do not call the department to check on your application status. You can check your application status online with your username and password. The system will keep you apprised as to whether your test scores and recommendation letters have been received.
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20. Where can I get help using the online application system?
Once you create a login and password to the online application system, a help guide is available to walk you through the application process.
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21. What is the department mailing address?
Graduate Admissions Committee
Rice University
Department of Computer Science
P.O. Box 1892, MS 132
Houston, TX 77521-1892
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22. How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. program?
The doctoral program normally requires four to six years of study.
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23. Are teaching assistantships available?
Ph.D. students are expected to assist in the teaching and administration of courses. The typical workload is about 10 hours per week, averaged over the semester. Graduate students normally serve as a teaching assistant in five courses.
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24. How much should I expect for tuition expenses?
A breakdown of tuition costs can be found at Rice's Cashier's Office.
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25. What kind of housing is available to graduate students?
The Rice Graduate Apartments houses many of the university's graduate students. The Graduate Apartments can be reached at 713-348-1000. Morningside Square Apartments offers alternative housing for students with spouses/families. Their number is 713-524-1275. Note: You must make your own arrangements for housing. The department does not handle any type of housing arrangements.
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26. What if I have additional questions?
If you have a question that has not been answered above, please contact the department at gradapp@cs.rice.edu.
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