Subsurface Geoscience

The Subsurface Geoscience program at Rice University offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the Earth's subsurface environment, focusing on geological, geophysical, and geochemical methods to explore and analyze underground formations. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the skills necessary to address complex challenges related to energy resources, environmental protection, and natural hazard assessment. Throughout their studies, students engage with advanced topics such as sedimentology, structural geology, petrophysics, geophysical data interpretation, and reservoir characterization. The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical coursework with practical hands-on experience, utilizing cutting-edge laboratory facilities and fieldwork opportunities to prepare graduates for careers in the oil and gas industry, mineral exploration, groundwater management, and environmental consulting. The faculty comprised of leading experts in geosciences fosters a stimulating learning environment, encouraging research and innovation. Students have access to state-of-the-art analytical tools, seismic data analysis, and geostatistical techniques essential for subsurface investigations. The program emphasizes sustainable practices and innovations in subsurface exploration, aligning with global energy transition goals and environmental stewardship. Graduates of the Subsurface Geoscience program develop strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to interpret complex subsurface data, make informed decisions, and contribute to the responsible use of Earth's resources. With close ties to industry partners and research institutions, Rice University ensures students are well-prepared for professional careers or advanced study, supporting their lifelong development in the geosciences field.

Students pursuing the MSSG degree must complete:

• A minimum of 14 courses (40 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
• A 3-6 month internship. Instead of a thesis, students must present their internship project in both oral and written form in the Professional Master’s Seminar. 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.
• The requirements for one area of specialization (see below for specializations).

The MSSG degree offers two areas of specialization:

• Geology  
• Geophysics 

CORE REQUIREMENTS
Students must complete the following 4 courses (9 credit hours) to satisfy the MSSG degree's Core Requirements.

• NSCI 501 Professional Master’s Seminar [required for two semesters, Fall and Spring, 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 ]

Internship
A three to six month internship under the guidance of a host company, government agency or national laboratory is required. At the conclusion of this internship, students must present their internship project in both oral and written form as part of the Professional Master’s Project.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
Students must complete one of two areas of specialization in the MS degree program in Subsurface Geoscience: Geology or Geophysics.  

GEOLOGY SPECIALIZATION
Students must complete a total of 11 courses (30-32 credit hours depending on course selection) to satisfy the requirements for the MSSG degree program's Geology specialization.

Core Requirements 
Students must complete a total of 7 courses (21-22 credit hours depending on course selection) from the following to satisfy the Geology Specialization's Core Requirements.

• ESCI 334 Geological Techniques [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 558 3D Seismic Reflection Data Interpretation [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 615 Petroleum Geology [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 617 Petroleum Industry Economics and Management [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 626 Interpretation of Regional 2D Seismic Data [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 627 Sequence Stratigraphy [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 636 Well Logging and Petrophysics [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 642 Exploration Geophysics [ 4 credit hours ] 

Electives
To satisfy the remaining Geology specialization requirements, students must complete a total of 3 additional courses (9-10 credit hours) as Electives. Suggested elective courses can be found below.

• ESCI 504 Siliciclastic Depositional Systems [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 506 Carbonate Depositional Systems [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 544 Hydrocarbon Exploration (AAPG Imperial Barrel competition) [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 550 Modern Exploration Technology [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 564 Seismic Data Processing [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 567 Unconventional Energy Exploration [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 558 3D Seismic Reflection Data [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 663 Structure and Evolution of Tectonic Systems [ 4 credit hours ]

Substitutions for required or elective courses may be approved by the Track Advisor.

GEOPHYSICS SPECIALIZATION
Students must complete a total of 10 courses (30-31 credit hours) to satisfy the requirements for the MSSG degree program's Geophysics specialization.

Core Requirements
Students must complete a total of 7 courses (21-22 credit hours) from the following to satisfy the Geophysics specialization's Core Requirements.

• ESCI 550 Modern Exploration Technology [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 558 3D Seismic Reflection Data Interpretation [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 564 Seismic Data Processing [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 615 Petroleum Geology [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 617 Petroleum Industry Economics and Management [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 626 Interpretation of Regional 2-D Seismic Data [ 3 credit hours ]    
• ESCI 640 Geophysical Data Analysis: Digital Signal Processing [ 3 credit hours ]
      or ESCI 641 Geophysical Data Analysis: Inverse Methods [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 642 Exploration Geophysics [ 4 credit hours ]

Electives
To fulfill the remaining Geophyiscs specialization requirements, students must complete a minimum of 3 additional courses (9 credit hours) as Electives. Suggested elective courses can be found below.

• ESCI 334 Geological Field Methods [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 504 Siliciclastic Depositional Systems [ 3 credit hours ]  
• ESCI 506 Carbonate Depositional Systems [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 544 Hydrocarbon Exploration (AAPG Imperial Barrel competition) [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 567 Unconventional Energy Exploration [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 627 Sequence Stratigraphy [ 3 credit hours ] 
• ESCI 636 Well Logging and Petrophysics [ 3 credit hours ]
• ESCI 663 Structure and Evolution of Tectonic Systems [ 4 credit hours ] 
• MGMT 610 Fundamentals of the Energy Industry [ 1.5 credit hours ]

Additional Electives for Both Specializations
The following courses are additional electives that can be used to satisfy the requirements in both specializations.

• CAAM 378 Introduction to Operations Research and Optimzation [ 3 credit hours ]
• CEVE 528/ENGI 382 Engineering Economics & Management [ 3 credit hours ]
• COMP 556/ELEC 556 Introduction to Computer Networks [ 4 credit hours ]
• ECON 601 Energy Economics I [ 4 credit hours ]
• ESCI 654 Geographic Information Science [ 3 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 ] 
• POST 501/GLBL 541 Energy Policy [ 3 credit hours ]
• STAT 518 Probability [ 3 credit hours ]
• STAT 615 Regression and Linear Models [ 3 credit hours ]

Please contact the department for additional courses that can satisfy the requirements listed above. Substitutions for required or elective courses may be approved by the Track Advisor.

• 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 options for the Subsurface Geoscience program at Rice University are designed to support students through various funding sources. Graduate students enrolled in the program are encouraged to apply for Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs), which provide a stipend and partial or full tuition waivers. These assistantships are highly competitive and typically require students to participate in teaching or research activities related to their field of study. Additionally, many students secure funding through fellowships offered by the university or external organizations, which can significantly offset educational costs. Rice University also participates in federal financial aid programs such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), enabling eligible students to receive need-based grants and loans. International students, while often ineligible for federal aid, can explore scholarships and sponsorships through external agencies, industry partnerships, or government programs from their home countries. Graduate students are advised to consult the university’s financial aid office and the department’s program coordinators early in their studies to identify available funding sources and application procedures. The university’s committed support system helps students minimize the financial burden associated with advanced degrees in geosciences, promoting focused research and academic excellence. It is important for applicants and enrolled students to stay informed about deadlines and requirements for various funding opportunities to maximize their financial support throughout their studies. Overall, financing for the Subsurface Geoscience program combines university-based scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and external funding options, ensuring that students can pursue their educational and research goals without undue financial hardship.

The Subsurface Geoscience program at Rice University is a comprehensive interdisciplinary field that focuses on understanding the Earth's subsurface through the application of geophysical, geological, and geoscientific principles. It prepares students for careers in the oil and gas industry, environmental consulting, natural resources management, and academic research. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers core topics such as stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrophysics, seismic geology, reservoir characterization, and geophysical methods. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, field trips, and advanced computational modeling techniques. The faculty comprises leading experts in geoscience disciplines who provide mentorship and cutting-edge research opportunities.

Rice University's location and resources allow for access to state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with seismic data analysis tools, geophysical surveying instruments, and computer clusters for large-scale data processing. The program emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, enabling students to analyze real-world subsurface data, interpret complex geological formations, and develop innovative solutions to pressing geological challenges. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for roles in exploration and development within the energy sector, environmental risk assessment, and resource management sectors.

Research areas within the program include seismic imaging, reservoir modeling, basin analysis, and hydrogeology, often involving collaboration with industry partners to ensure the applicability of skills in practical scenarios. The program also encourages participation in internships, workshops, and conferences to expand professional networks. In addition to technical training, students develop skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and project management. The interdisciplinary nature of the program reflects Rice University's commitment to addressing complex problems in subsurface geosciences through innovative research and education. Overall, the Subsurface Geoscience program aims to produce experts capable of advancing understanding of Earth's subsurface systems and contributing to sustainable natural resource management and environmental stewardship.