PhD Handbook

About the PhD Program

 

Phases of Study

A student's progress through the Rice PhD program takes place in stages, from a beginning First Year Student, to MS Candidate, PhD Qualified Student, and PhD Candidate.

PhD Program Requirements

The following summarizes the departmental requirements for completing the MS and PhD degrees. These requirements apply to all research students entering after 1997. Returning students are governed by the rules that existed when they first entered the graduate program.

PhD Program Timetable

The following is a typical schedule for a student who enters the graduate program with no prior participation in another graduate program, and who has university-provided financial support. The actual schedule may vary depending on a variety of factors. In particular, many students will finish their MS thesis at the end of the Summer of Year 2 rather than May.

Forms for PhD Program

 

Academic Regulations for Graduate Students

The following is a summary of some of the academic regulations concerning graduate students, as stated in the General Announcements and augmented by department policy. Students are advised to review the complete list of academic regulations in the General Announcements, in the section providing general information for graduate students, and in the section describing the Department of Electrical and Computer engineering.

PhD Core Courses by Area

We are in the process of updating the links below. Please follow-up with the Graduate Committee for current requirements. (January 2008)