PhD Program

Our PhD program offers students a collaborative atmosphere and an environment that values independence, innovation and scholarship. Our students are members of a highly selective academic community. MSNE programs emphasize applied as well as theoretical aspects of materials science and nanoengineering. Many MSNE faculty members have joint appointments in other science and engineering departments, assuring a diverse program in the broad field of materials science.

Faculty in the Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering hold joint appointments in several other departments: mechanical engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, chemical and biomolecular engineering, electrical and computer engineering, civil and environmental engineering and physics and astronomy. This diversity of disciplines only hints at the interdisciplinary nature of MSNE research at Rice, which goes beyond nanotechnology.

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.

With more than six million people, Houston is the most diverse city in the United States and the soon-to-be third-largest. More than 90 languages are spoken in the city making it truly an international city.

Learn more about Life in Houston.