Our PhD program prepares students for a research career in academia or industry. The program consists of formal courses and original research conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor, leading to a thesis. Students in the PhD program complete a Master of Science (MS) degree as part of their program. Our department also offers a stand-alone MS degree, but only on a case-by-case basis.  Most students who have a prior MS degree with a research thesis component can directly move to the PhD program and do not have to complete a Rice MS degree (and will have a reduced coursework requirements as well). Students with a prior MS degree without a thesis may be waived from obtaining a Rice MS degree in some cases. Financial support is available for this program. 

Rice ECE research is highly interdisciplinary and covers a broad range of topics. Currently, our research focuses on the following areas: Data Science, Optics and Photonics, Quantum Engineering, Computer Engineering, Neuro-Engineering, Digital Health, and Wireless, Networking, Sensing, and Security.

Rice University's location in Houston helps provide faculty and students with endless opportunities for collaboration outside the campus. It is the center of the oil and gas industry, the home of the Texas Medical Center, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center is just down the road. Living in Houston means employment opportunities throughout the region, parks, professional sports teams, world-class dining, and other attractions make it a great place to call home.

Learn more about Life in Houston.