Program Overview

Introduction to the Rice Natural Sciences Professional Science Master's Program

The Rice Natural Sciences Professional Science Master's Program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in various fields of natural sciences. The program offers several degree options, including Applied Chemical Sciences, Bioscience and Health Policy, Energy Geoscience, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Environmental Analysis, and Space Studies.

Academics

The program's academic structure includes:

• Degree Programs: Overview, Applied Chemical Sciences, Bioscience and Health Policy, Energy Geoscience, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Environmental Analysis, Space Studies
• MBA/MS Coordinated Degree Program
• Energy and Data Management Certificate
• Rice 5th Year Option

Environmental Analysis Program

Overview

The Environmental Analysis program is designed to impart students with robust methodologies essential for addressing environmental challenges encountered by both industrial and governmental entities. This interdisciplinary initiative draws upon courses from diverse fields including environmental science, earth science, statistics, chemistry, ecology, evolutionary biology, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, chemical engineering, economics, computer science, and sociology. Graduates of this program will possess a comprehensive skill set and knowledge base highly sought after by environmental consulting firms, energy production companies, and government agencies.

Focus Areas

• Environmental Sustainability
• Management and Policy
• Quantitative Decision Making

Faculty

The program is advised and directed by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Dan Cohan, Program Advisor (Civil & Environmental Engineering)
• Evan Siemann, Program Director (BioSciences)
• Scott Egan, Program Advisor (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)
• Thomas Killian, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences
• Philip Bedient, Civil and Environmental Engineering
• James Blackburn, Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Mary Purugganan, PSM Professional Communication
• Mason Tomson, Faculty, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Objectives

The primary objectives of this interdisciplinary degree encompass:

• Equipping students with quantitative skills such as statistics, remote sensing, data analysis, and modeling.
• Instructing students on the application of technical and analytical skills, along with scientific evaluation methods, to effectively address environmental issues.
• Cultivating students' capacity to foresee and address environmental challenges proactively.
• Providing instruction in business and management skills, as well as professional ethics, to thrive within a business environment.

Admissions and Aid

The program's admissions and aid process includes:

• Application Requirements
• Application Deadlines
• Tuition and Aid
  • Tuition
  • Financial Assistance
• After Admission