The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. (non-thesis), M.A.(thesis) and Ph.D. degrees. Course offerings include classroom lectures, discussion, seminars, laboratory tutorials, and field study. Our program is designed to foster close working relationships between students and faculty, a member of which serves as each student's research advisor. Graduate study is tailored to the individual student. Research is strongly emphasized, but programs include both formal class work and laboratory study. Graduate students are also encouraged to attend courses offered by other academic departments at Rice and by Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center, and the University of Houston. Recent graduates are working in academia, government, and the private sector.
Within the university graduate students are represented by the Graduate Student Association, which also sponsors social and other activities. Graduate students serve on university committees which determine policy on research, affirmative action, the library, computers, public lectures, student affairs, and other university functions.
ADMISSION
Applicants for graduate study in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology must have:
- BA or BS degree or equivalent that provides a strong background in biology
- Strong ability and motivation, as indicated by academic record, Graduate
- Record Examination (GRE) scores, and recommendations
Scores from the GRE Biology subject exam are optional but can be helpful, particularly for student with nontraditional backgrounds in biology
These requirements do not preclude admission of qualified applicants who have majored in areas other than biology. Although the department offers MA and MS degrees, only on rare occasions are students who do not intend to purse the PhD admitted to the graduate program.
Students should have completed course work in physics, mathematics (including calculus), and chemistry (including organic chemistry) prior to admission. 114 Departments / Biosciences Deficiencies in these subject areas or in specific areas of biology should be made up during the first year of residence; some may be waived at the discretion of the student's advisory committee and the department chair.
LIVING AND HOUSING COSTS
Houston has a reasonable cost of living for a major city. The Graduate Apartments, which opened in the summer of 1999, offers housing at moderate cost and is close to campus. Contact Student Housing or The Graduate Student Association for information regarding other housing options.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Incoming students who request financial support and do not hold external fellowships will be awarded a nine-month Rice University Graduate Fellowship for their first year of study. The annual stipend for 2007-2008 will be $22,000 plus tuition waivers. Support beyond the first year is extended to all students who remain in good standing in the program. Outstanding applicants may be eligible for a Rice Presidential Fellowship which would supplement the annual stipend. Graduate research assistantships and fellowships are supported by numerous faculty research grants awarded by a wide range of national and private funding agencies. Additional support for the summer is usually available.