Master of Science in Space Studies (MSSpS) Degree

MSSpS Degree

Upon completing the MSSpS Degree, students will be able to:

1. Achieve advanced science, engineering, and computational skills and a broad understanding of the methodologies applied in the space industry. 
2. Gain real life experience in solving technical problems in a science and technology environment.
3. Develop business and communication skills to bridge the gap between science and business. 

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MSSpS Degree

MSSpS degree is a non-thesis master's degree. For general university requirements, please see Non-Thesis Master's Degrees. For additional requirements, regulations, and procedures for all graduate programs, . Students pursuing MSSpS degree must complete:

• A minimum of 55 courses (minimum of 39 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study (graduate semester credit hours, coursework at 500-level or above).
• A minimum of 24 graduate semester credit hours must be taken at Rice University.
• A minimum of 24 graduate semester credit hours must be taken in standard or traditional courses (with a course type of lecture, seminar, laboratory, lecture/laboratory). 
• A minimum residency enrollment of one fall or spring semester of part-time graduate study at Rice University.
• A maximum of 2 courses (6 graduate semester credit hours) from transfer credit. For additional departmental guidelines regarding transfer credit, see the Policies tab.
• A 3-6 month internship. Instead of a thesis, at conclusion of their internship, students must present their internship project in both oral and written form as part of Professional Master’s Project (NSCI 552). Part-time students who already work in their area of study may request approval to fulfill internship requirement by working on a specific, pre-approved project with their current employer.
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.67 or higher in all Rice coursework.
• A minimum program GPA of 2.67 or higher in all Rice coursework that satisfies non-thesis master’s degree.

Note: Some of listed courses are not offered every year, and some may also have prerequisites or require instructor permission.

courses listed below satisfy this degree program. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of program's academic advisor, or where applicable, department or program's Director of Graduate Studies. Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by department or program's Official Certifier. Additionally, these must be approved by Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document courses to be taken.

The English Language Proficiency Requirement may be waived for an international student who received a degree from an institution in which English is the official language of communication. Contact the admitting program for more information.

The following language proficiency tests are accepted by Rice graduate programs and will be used to assess English language proficiency. Please note the below scores are the minimum requirement, though some program requirements will be higher.

• The TOEFL IBT Home. A minimum score of 90 is required
• IELTS Indicator. A minimum score of 7 is required.
• Duolingo. A minimum score of 115 is required.

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