Environmental Analysis and Decision Making

The Master of Science in Environmental Analysis and Decision Making at Rice University is a multidisciplinary program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to address complex environmental challenges. This program emphasizes the integration of scientific principles, analytical techniques, and decision-making frameworks to enable graduates to develop sustainable solutions for a wide range of environmental issues. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on research, students gain proficiency in environmental data analysis, modeling, and visualization, as well as in policy development and strategic planning. The curriculum covers key areas such as environmental science, economics, risk assessment, and environmental law, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing environmental management. Students also engage in practical projects that simulate real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities. The program prepares graduates for careers in environmental consulting, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate sustainability departments. Additionally, it offers opportunities to work with leading researchers and practitioners, benefiting from Rice University's strong focus on interdisciplinary research and innovation. By combining technical expertise with decision science, this program aims to develop environmentally responsible leaders capable of making informed decisions that balance ecological health, economic development, and social equity. Graduates of the program leave with a robust skill set suitable for addressing the pressing environmental issues of today and tomorrow, contributing actively to the creation of a sustainable future.

Students pursuing the MSEADM degree must complete:

• A minimum of 14 courses (39 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
• A 3-6 month internship.
• A minimum of 30 credit hours at the 500-level or above.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete a total of 7 courses (18 credit hours) as listed below to satisfy the MSEADM degree's Core Requirements

Required Science Core Courses

Students must complete a total of 3 courses (9 credit hours) as listed below.

• CEVE 510 Principles of Environmental Engineering [ 3 credit hours ]
      or CEVE 501 Chemistry for Environmental Engineering and Science [ 3 credit hours ]
• EBIO 570 Ecosystem Management and Conservation [ 3 credit hours ]  
• STAT 685 Environmental Statistics and Decision Making [ 3 credit hours ] 

Required Cohort Courses 

Students must complete the following 4 courses (9 credit hours) which focuses on business and communication:

• NSCI 501 Master’s Seminar [ 2 semesters required for a minimum of 2 credit hours ]  
• NSCI 511 Science Policy and Ethics [ 3 credit hours ] 
• NSCI 512 Professional Master’s Project [ 1 credit hour ] 
• NSCI 610/ENGI 610 Management in Science and Engineering [ 3 credit hours ] 

THREE TO SIX MONTH INTERNSHIP
In addition to the core science courses, students are required to complete a three to six month internship. At the conclusion of the internship, students must present a summary of their internship project in both oral and written form as part of the professional master’s seminar. Part-time students who already work in their area of study may fulfill the internship requirements by working on an approved project with their current employer.

ELECTIVES

Students must complete at minimum of 7 courses (21 credit hours) as electives from the following three focus areas. To do this, students must complete:

• At least 1 course (3 credit hours) must be completed from EBIO, CEVE, and STAT course offerings for a total of 3 courses (9 credit hours).
• At least 1 course (3 credit hours) must be completed from the Management and Policy focus area.
• A total of 3 additional courses (9 credit hours) from one focus area listed below.

Environmental Sustainability   

• CEVE 501 Chemistry for Environmental Engineering and Science [ 3 credit hours ]
• CEVE 502 Sustainable Design [ 3 credit hours ]
• CEVE 507 Energy and the Environment [ 3 credit hours ] 
• CEVE 508 Intro to Air Pollution Control [ 3 credit hours ]
• CEVE 509 Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering [ 3 credit hours ] 
• CEVE 511 Atmospheric Processes [ 3 credit hours ] 
• CEVE 512 Advanced Hydrology and Hydraulics [ 3 credit hours ] 
• CEVE 520 Environmental Remediation Restoration [ 3 credit hours ]
• CEVE 534 Fate and Transport of Contaminants in the Environment [ 3 credit hours ] 
• CEVE 536 Environmental Biotechnology and Bioremediation [ 3 credit hours ]
• CEVE 550 Environmental Organic Chemistry [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EBIO 329 Animal Biology and Physiology [ 3 credit hours ]
• EBIO 336 Plant Diversity [ 3 credit hours ]
• EBIO 523 Conservation Biology [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EBIO 524 Conservation Biology Lab [ 3 credit hours ]
• EBIO 525 Ecology [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EBIO 540 Global Biochemical Cycles [ 3 credit hours ]
• EBIO 563 Current topics in Ecology [ 1 credit hour ] 
• EBIO 566 Applied Phycology [ 3 credit hours ]
• EBIO 568 Topics in Biological Diversity [ 1 credit hour ] 
• EBIO 569 Core course in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology [ 3 credit hours ] 
• EBIO 579 Aquatic Ecology with Scuba [ 3 credit hours ]
• EBIO 580 Sustainability Development and Reporting [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 618 Quantitative Hydrogeology [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 650 Remote Sensing [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 654 Geographic Information Science [ 3 credit hours ]
• POST 411/GLHT 411 Sustainable Development [ 3 credit hours ] 
• STAT 684/CEVE 684 Environmental Risk Assessment and Human Health [ 3 credit hours ]

Management and Policy   

• CEVE 505/ENGI 505 Engineering Project Development and Management [ 3 credit hours ]  
• CEVE 528/ENGI 528 Engineering Economics [ 3 credit hours ] 
• CEVE 529/ENGI 529 Engineering Leadership and Ethics [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 617 Petroleum Industry Economics and Management [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ECON 437/ENST 437 Energy Economics [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ECON 480/ENST 480 Environmental Economics [ 3 credit hours ]    
• MGMT 609 Managing Energy Transitions [ 1.5 credit hours ] 
• MGMT 610 Fundamentals of the Energy Industry [ 1.5 credit hours ] 
• MGMT 661 International Business Law [ 3 credit hours ] 
• MGMT 670 Operations Strategy [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• MGMT 676 Social Enterprise [ 1.5 credit hours ] 
• MGMT 721 General Business Law [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• POST 501 Energy Policy [ 3 credit hours ]

Quantitative Decision-Making   

• CEVE 313/STAT 313 Uncertainty and Risk in Urban Infrastructures [ 3 credit hours ] 
• CEVE 528/ENGI 528 Engineering Economics [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 650 Remote Sensing [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 654 Geographic Information Science [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ECON 480/ENST 480 Environmental Economics [ 3 credit hours ] 
• STAT 553 Biostatistics [ 3 credit hours ]
• STAT 605* R for Data Science [ 3 credit hours ] 
• STAT 606* SAS Statistical Programming [ 3 credit hours ]
• STAT 615 Regression and Linear Models [ 3 credit hours ] 
• STAT 684/CEVE 684 Environmental Risk Assessment and Human Health [ 3 credit hours ]

*Only one of these two courses may be counted toward the degree. 

• Completed application (apply on-line)
• Three personal letters of recommendation - recommenders can now submit their letters on-line
• General GRE scores (use the code 6609 for Rice; do not worry about a department code)
• Official transcripts from all universities attended
• TOEFL scores (if required)

The financing studies for the Environmental Analysis and Decision Making program at Rice University typically encompass a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid options available to prospective and current students. Tuition fees for graduate programs at Rice University vary depending on the specific graduate degree and whether students are enrolled full-time or part-time. As of the latest available data, the annual tuition for graduate students in science and engineering fields generally ranges from approximately $50,000 to $60,000. Additional costs such as health insurance, books, supplies, living expenses, and personal costs should also be considered when calculating the overall financial requirements for completing the program.

Rice University offers a variety of financial assistance options to help students manage these expenses. Merit-based scholarships and fellowships are available for outstanding applicants, often covering partial or full tuition and providing stipends to support living expenses. These awards are typically competitive and may require separate applications or eligibility based on academic achievement and research potential. Teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs) are common forms of financial support, providing students with a stipend and tuition remission in exchange for teaching duties or research work within the program or affiliated departments.

Graduate students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as federal and state grants, private foundations, and industry partnerships that may support research activities and scholarly pursuits related to environmental analysis. The university's Office of Financial Aid and the graduate studies office offer guidance on applying for scholarships, fellowships, and loans, as well as information on work-study opportunities. Students should also consider planning their finances in advance, including budgeting for initial setup costs, ongoing living expenses, and potential travel or conference attendance related to their research.

In addition, Rice University emphasizes its commitment to accessible education by providing financial literacy resources and support services to assist students in managing their educational funding effectively. The availability of syndicate-based funding structures and long-term financial planning options can also help students secure funding for the entire duration of their study program. Overall, the financing option landscape at Rice is designed to support diverse student needs, promoting inclusivity and academic excellence in the field of environmental analysis and decision making.

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Analysis and Decision Making at Rice University is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to understand complex environmental issues and develop effective solutions. This program focuses on integrating scientific, technical, social, and policy perspectives to equip graduates with the skills necessary to analyze environmental problems critically and make informed decisions. Students will engage in coursework covering environmental science, ethics, policy analysis, economics, and communication, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing our planet. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, including research projects, internships, and collaboration with local environmental organizations, providing practical experience in real-world settings. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue careers in environmental consulting, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sectors involved in environmental management and sustainability initiatives. The program also serves as a strong foundation for further graduate studies in environmental sciences, public policy, or related fields. Rice University's faculty are dedicated to providing a rigorous academic environment with access to cutting-edge research and resources. Students benefit from the university’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Overall, the Environmental Analysis and Decision Making program seeks to develop well-rounded professionals capable of addressing global environmental challenges through critical thinking, ethical considerations, and practical solutions.