Applying to the Graduate Program

Welcome!

We are pleased that you are considering the Rice University Department of Bioengineering for your graduate education.

To encourage close contact between students and faculty and to foster quality research, the Ph.D. program is limited to approximately 20 to 25 entering candidates per year. There is no limit for the Master in Bioengineering (M.B.E.), a widely recognized, nonthesis degree designed for individuals with a bachelor's of science. Few students interested solely in an M.S. degree are admitted, and only under special circumstances.

How to Apply

Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) Program
The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15. Students are strongly advised to check the Web site bioe.rice.edu for official dates. (It is best to start the application process before September of the year applying.)

Apply online by visiting the Office of Graduate Studies at https://www.applyweb.com/apply/ricegrad/ and click on, "Create Your Account." (Note: JavaScript-enabled Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape browser, version 4 or later is required to successfully complete the online application for admission.)

Masters in Bioengineering (M.B.E.) Program
The application deadline for the M.B.E. program is April 30.  Students applying for the program are to submit a printed copy of the Application for Admission to Graduate Studies found at http://graduate.rice.edu/uploadedFiles/Prospects/fillableGradApp.pdf. (Do not apply online.)

If you are a current Rice bioengineering student, please contact the department (bioeng@rice.edu or 713-348-5063) for specific instructions regarding submission of your application.

In addition to the application, all Ph.D. and M.B.E. candidates must submit the following items to the Graduate Admissions Committee:

• Transcripts of grades from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended 
  
  
• At least three letters of recommendation from teachers or advisors
  
  
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores - The Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing scores must be reported. (No advanced tests are required.) Make arrangements to have official GRE scores sent to Rice University.
  
  
• TOEFL scores if the applicant's native language is not English (a TOEFL score of 600 or higher on the paper exam or 250 on the computer exam is required for admission to Rice). Make arrangements with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to have official, TOEFL scores sent to Rice University. 
  
  
• The application fee of $70 . The fee can be paid either by credit card or electronic check. At this time, the Department of Bioengineering is not considering application fee waivers. Payment of the fee cannot be deferred until time of enrollment. The application can be processed only when the application fee has been received.

Submit all inquiries and application materials to:

Rice University
Graduate Admissions Committee
Bioengineering Department-MS 142
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892
Phone: 713-348-5869  Fax: 713-348-5877 
Email: bioeng@rice.edu

Courier deliveries should be sent to:

Rice University
Graduate Admissions Committee
Bioengineering Department-MS 142
6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005

To make sure scores are available when Ph.D admission decisions are made, register to take the GRE and TOEFL as required before September for the year in which you are applying.  Applicants should request transcripts and letters of recommendation before September as well to give senders time to get the material to Rice University by January 15. The Admissions Committee begins its deliberations in late November.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to the Bioengineering Department. For students applying to the Ph.D. program, the GRE should be taken by the end of September to ensure transmittal of scores to the graduate committee prior to the application deadline. Arrangements to take the GRE may be made directly with the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

E-mail: Questions and Comments for the GRE® Program

TOEFL and IELTS requirements for foreign applicants 

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test is required for any student whose native language is not English, regardless of whether or not you have attended another U.S. institution. The TOEFL is also administered through the Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151 USA [telephone (609) 771-7100. You can also send an e-mail to toefl@ets.org] or at a center in your native country.

Students whose native language is not English may also use the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of the British Council, IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. You can get more information about the IELTS at http://www.ielts.org or send an e-mail to ielts@ieltsintl.org.

The appropriate codes for submitting GRE and TOEFL scores

The department code for Bioengineering is 1603. The Institution code for Rice University is 6609. The TOEFL code is 69.

We wish you the best of luck and look forward to reviewing your application!