School Year Introduction Since Rice opened in 1912, the university has recognized the importance of graduate study and research as a principal means of advancing knowledge. The first Doctor of Philosophy degree was awarded in 1918 in mathematics. Since that time, the graduate area has expanded to encompass the various schools of architecture, engineering, humanities, management, music, natural sciences, and social sciences, as well as interdepartmental areas. The number of graduate programs has steadily increased over time, and Rice now offers advanced degrees in 33 fields of study.
Graduate programs lead to either research or professional degrees.
Research programs generally require the completion of a publishable thesis that represents an original and significant contribution to the particular field of study. Professional programs provide advanced course work in several disciplines but do not generally include independent research. All degrees conferred by the university are awarded solely in recognition of educational attainments and not as warranty of future employment or admission to other programs of higher education. About Please direct questions to the appropriate Rice department .