Nanoscale Science

The Nanoscale Science program at Rice University offers students an interdisciplinary education at the forefront of scientific innovation, focusing on the understanding, manipulation, and application of materials at the nanometer scale. This program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles underlying nanotechnology, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Students will explore the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as increased reactivity, enhanced strength, and novel optical characteristics, which differ significantly from their bulk counterparts.

Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience with advanced fabrication and characterization techniques, utilizing cutting-edge instrumentation and methodologies. They will learn to design and conduct experiments that investigate phenomena at the nanoscale, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for innovation in diverse fields such as electronics, medicine, energy, and environmental science. The curriculum integrates coursework in quantum mechanics, surface science, and nanofabrication processes, supplemented by research projects that allow students to work alongside leading experts in the field.

The program emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students from diverse academic backgrounds to engage in collaborative research, projects, and initiatives. Students are also exposed to the ethical, societal, and environmental implications of nanotechnology, preparing them for responsible innovation and entrepreneurship. Graduates of the Nanoscale Science program are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, or further graduate study, equipped with the practical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to advance nanoscience and nanotechnology.

In addition to classroom and laboratory instruction, students can participate in internships, seminars, and conferences that connect them with professionals and researchers globally, fostering a vibrant academic community. The program aims to cultivate not only technical proficiency but also leadership qualities and innovative thinking essential for advancing the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology. Whether students aspire to develop new nanomaterials, improve medical diagnostics, or create next-generation electronic devices, the Rice University Nanoscale Science program provides a rigorous, comprehensive foundation for success in the dynamic world of nanoscience.

Students pursuing the MS Nanoscale Science Degree (MSNS) must complete:

• A minimum of 14 courses (40 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
• A 3-6 month internship. At the conclusion of the internship, students must present a summary of the internship project in both oral and written form as part of the Professional Master’s Seminar.
• A minimum of 30 credit hours at the 500-level or above.

In addition to the core science courses, students are required to complete a three to six month internship and take a set of cohort courses focusing on business and communication.Part-time students who already work in their area of study may fulfill the internship requirement by working on an approved project with their current employer. Certain course requirements may be waived based upon prior graduate coursework or industrial experience.

CORE REQUIREMENTS  

Students must complete a total of 8 courses (22-23 credit hours) to satisfy the MS in Nanoscale Science Degree's Core Requirements.

Core Science Courses 

Students must complete 4 courses (13-14 credit hours depending on course selection) as listed below.

• PHYS 533 Nanostructures and Nanotechnology I [ 3 credit hours ] 
• PHYS 534 Nanostructures and Nanotechnology II [ 3 credit hours ]
• PHYS 537 Methods of Experimental Physics I [ 4 credit hours ]
• One course from the following:
  • PHYS 538 Methods of Experimental Physics II [ 4 credit hours ]
  • PHYS 539 Characterization and Fabrication at the Nanoscale [ 3 credit hours ] (offered every other year) 
  • PHYS 416 Computational Physics [ 3 credit hours ]
  • PHYS 605/ELEC 605 Computational Electrodynamics & Nano-Photonics [ 3 credit hours ]
  • ELEC 571 Imaging at the Nanoscale [ 3 credit hours ]

Cohort Courses 

Students must complete the following 4 courses (9 credit hours):

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

INTERNSHIP
An internship may be conducted under the guidance of a host company, government agency, or national laboratory. A summary of the internship project is required in both oral and written form as part of the Professional Master's Project.

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES

To fulfill the remaining requirements for the Nanoscale Science degree program, students must complete a total of 6 additional courses (18 credit hours) as elective coursework from areas of specialization listed below, of which at least 6 credit hours must be science/engineering courses at the 500-level or above. Examples of courses and specializations that may be used as electives in this program include:

Nano-Materials    

• PHYS 517 Computational Physics [ 3 credit hours ] 
• PHYS 539 Characterization and Fabrication at the Nanoscale [ 3 credit hours ]
• MSNE 535/PHYS 535 Crystallography and Diffraction [ 3 credit hours ] 
• MSNE 580 Microscopy Methods in Material Science [ 3 credit hours ] 
• MSNE 614 Special Topics II [ 1-9 credit hours ] 
• MSNE 650 Nanomaterials and Nanomechanics [ 3 credit hours ]

Nano-Optics and Nano-Photonics   

• ELEC 568 Laser Spectroscopy [ 3 credit hours ]
• ELEC 585/BIOE 591 Fundamentals of Medical Imaging [ 3 credit hours ]
• ELEC 571 Imaging at the Nanoscale [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ELEC 603 Topics in Nanophotonics [ 2 credit hours ] 
• PHYS 569/ELEC 569 Ultrafast Optical Phenomena [ 3 credit hours ] 

Nano-Bio   

• BIOE 442 Tissue Engineering [ 1 credit hour ] 
• CHEM 547 Supramolecular Chemistry [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ELEC 568 Laser Spectroscopy [ 3 credit hours ]
• ELEC 571 Imaging at the Nanoscale [ 3 credit hours ] 
• PHYS 539 Characterization and Fabrication at the Nanoscale [ 3 credit hours ] 

Management and Entrepreneurship 

• MGMT 629 Business Plan Development [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• MGMT 625 Creative Entrepreneurship [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• MGMT 670 Operations Strategy [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• MGMT 676 Social Enterprise [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• MGMT 734 Tech Entrepreneurship [ 3 credit hours ]
• BUSI 463 Entrepreneurship: Strategy and Funding [ 3 credit hours ]
• MGMT 724 Social Entrepreneurship [ 1.5 credit hours ]

Other Electives   

• CEVE 505/ENGI 505 Engineering Project Management and Economics [ 3 credit hours ]
• MGMT 609 Managing Energy Transitions [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• MGMT 661 International Business Law [ 3 credit hours ]
• MGMT 669 Business Strategy in Energy Industry [ 1.5 credit hours ]
• MGMT 674 Production and Operations Management [ 1.5 credit hours ]  
• MGMT 670 Operations Strategy [ 1.5 credit hours ] 

Note: Each of these electives is not offered every year, and some courses may have prerequisites or require instructor permission. Most courses with the MGMT dedication carry 1.5 credit hours and last half of a semester.

• 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)

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing of the Nanoscale Science program at Rice University primarily relies on a combination of institutional funding, research grants, scholarships, and student employment opportunities. As a leading institution in nanotechnology, Rice University offers various financial aid options to support its students pursuing degrees in nanoscale science. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and fellowships that help cover tuition fees and living expenses. Many students also benefit from research assistantships and teaching assistantships, which provide stipends and sometimes tuition remission in exchange for assisting faculty with research projects or instructional duties. The university actively encourages interdisciplinary research funded through governmental agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE), which often includes financial support programs accessible to students involved in nanoscale scientific research.

Additionally, students may find external funding sources, including private foundations and industry partnerships that collaborate with Rice University on applied nanotechnology projects. The university’s Office of Financial Aid provides personalized guidance for students seeking scholarships and grants relevant to their field of study. International students are also eligible for specific scholarships and need-based aid, subject to application requirements. Furthermore, the university promotes a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling students to develop startup ventures in the nanotechnology sector with potential funding through university-sponsored incubators and innovation grants.

Overall, the financing structure of the Nanoscale Science program at Rice University emphasizes a diverse portfolio of funding mechanisms aimed at reducing financial barriers and supporting students throughout their academic and research pursuits. The combination of internal resources and external funding opportunities ensures that students can focus on their scholarly activities while managing the financial aspects of their education effectively.

The Nanoscale Science program at Rice University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This interdisciplinary field merges aspects of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to explore the behavior of matter at the nanoscale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. Students enrolled in this program gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques and instruments used in the characterization and manipulation of nanomaterials, such as electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes, and various spectroscopic methods.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in research, industry, or academic settings. Courses cover topics like nanomaterials synthesis, quantum mechanics at the nanoscale, surface chemistry, and nanoelectronics. Additionally, students often have the opportunity to participate in research projects within state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborating with faculty who are leaders in the field. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work across fields to develop innovative solutions for challenges in energy, medicine, electronics, and materials science.

Rice University’s strong research environment and dedicated faculty support the program’s goal of advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in nanoscale science. The university also offers resources such as specialized research centers, initiatives, and conferences that enhance student learning experience and professional development. Graduates of the Nanoscale Science program are well-equipped to pursue further academic research, obtain roles in high-tech industries, or contribute to technological advancements in fields like semiconductor manufacturing, biomedical devices, and energy storage.

The program typically culminates in a bachelor’s or master’s degree, with options for specialization depending on the student’s interests. The Nanoscale Science program at Rice University is recognized for its rigorous curriculum, research excellence, and commitment to preparing students to be future leaders in the rapidly evolving domain of nanotechnology.