The following are Frequently Asked Questions about the graduate application process for computational applied mathematics and operations research at Rice University. If your question is not answered, please feel free to contact us.
Am I eligible for admission to a graduate degree program in Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research?
Admission to a Rice University's Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research graduate degree program requires a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent.
How do I apply to a graduate degree program in Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research at Rice University?
Applicants must submit their applications to the Department of Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research using the online application system. If it is impossible for an applicant to access the online system, they should contact cmor_gradapps@rice.edu.
How much is the application fee? Is it ever waived?
The application fee must be paid before submitting an online application. The fee can be paid online using a major credit card for fall applicants. Applicants that believe they may be eligible for a fee waiver should contact the Department; however, please note that fee waivers are only granted in rare cases.
What are the application deadlines?
Visit our Graduate Admissions page for all current application deadlines.
Can I reapply to a graduate degree program in Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research?
Yes, the online system will accept your application.
Is the GRE optional?
GRE is optional for admission to CMOR programs. Admission into CMOR graduate programs is based on a holistic view of the applicant. In some cases, GRE scores provide useful information to complete this view and, when submitted, will be considered.
What documents are needed to complete my application?
Using the online application system, you must provide the following documents:
- Unofficial copies of your university transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- 3-4 letters of recommendation
- GRE scores (optional, but can submit if available)
- TOEFL scores, if applicable — To see whether you are required, see the next question
Note: You must also submit one official transcript from all institutions attended. A transcript is considered official when it is received by our department in a University envelope with an official stamp across the seal.
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
The TOEFL or IELTS may be waived for an international student who has received a degree from a university at which English is the official language of communication.
Are foreign students required to take the Test of Spoken English (TSE) to be considered for a fellowship?
The TSE is not required for any reason.
Is the GRE subject test in mathematics required for admission?
Although the admissions committee may consider any test scores submitted, GRE subject tests are not required, but will be considered if submitted.
How will the department evaluate my test scores if I have taken the tests more than once?
The graduate committee will look at all of your test scores but will most often consider your highest scores on the individual tests. Test scores are just one component of the application and contribute to an overall picture of a graduate candidate.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
At least three letters of recommendation are required; the preferred number is four.
Who should prepare the letters of recommendation?
All evaluations/recommendations should come from individuals (preferably, professors or research advisers) who are familiar with your work in computational applied mathematics and operations research or other scientific fields. The online application system will require you to submit letter writer names and email addresses. The system will then send an email to each of your letter writers with a secure link to the online system, allowing them to submit letters on your behalf.
Once I have submitted names of recommenders, can I change those names?
Yes. Using the online application system, you will be able to change the names and e-mail addresses of your recommenders as long as those letters have not already been received by the department.
My recommenders do not have access to e-mail. Can they send letters to the department through the mail?
Yes. You must list and register your recommenders using the online application system. Once your recommenders are registered, they will receive an e-mail asking them to log into the system and upload a letter of recommendation. If your recommenders do not have e-mail access, you still must register them through the system, but they may mail their letters to:
Mailing Address
Graduate Program Coordinator
Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research - MS 134
Rice University
PO Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892
USA
Physical Delivery Address
Department of Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research (CMOR)
Rice University
6100 Main St. - MS 134
Houston, TX 77005-1827
USA
ATTN: Graduate Program Coordinator
What kind of financial aid is available?
Financial aid is offered to incoming students in the form of a graduate fellowship - available only to doctoral candidates. It covers the cost of tuition and includes a stipend for living expenses. If you feel there is additional need for financial help, contact the Financial Aid Office of Rice University. There are more options available through them.
Will the department accept transfer credit once I am accepted to a program?
The decision to accept transfer credit is made on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, the department will not reduce graduate degree requirements for transfer students.
Will the department accept applications for spring admissions?
While applications for the spring semester are accepted, financial resources for fellowships may not be available.
When will I be notified of a decision on my application?
You will be notified as soon as a decision has been made - usually late March or early April. Please refrain from contacting the department about the status of your application; this will only lengthen the selection process.
Should I call the department to check on the status of my application?
Please do not contact department to check on your application status. You can check your application status online with your username and password. The system will keep you apprised as to whether your test scores and recommendation letters have been received.
Will writing a professor or Chair of the department help increase my chances of being accepted?
No. In fact, it will likely delay things. Every single inquiry that the professors or the Chair receive is forwarded to the Graduate Coordinator. While writing a faculty member may be beneficial to find out what they are doing, it will have no impact on any decision making process.
Where can I get help using the online application system?
Once you create a login and password to the online application system, a help guide is available to walk you through the application process.
What is the department mailing address?
Mailing Address
Graduate Program Coordinator
Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research - MS 134
Rice University
PO Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892
USA
Physical Delivery Address
Department of Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research (CMOR)
Rice University
6100 Main St. - MS 134
Houston, TX 77005-1827
USA
ATTN: Graduate Program Coordinator
How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. program?
The doctoral program normally requires four to six years of study.
Are teaching assistantships or research assistantships available?
Funded usually from grants and contracts, qualified students receive Research Assistantships (stipend and tuition) in their second and third years.
Incoming students are not allowed to become Teaching Assistants. TA's must undergo a training session provided by the dean's office prior to the semester they TA. However, for advanced students (students in their second or third year), a limited number of Teaching Assistantships are available.
How much should I expect for tuition expenses?
A breakdown of tuition costs can be found at Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Are tuition waivers available for individuals interested only in the master's program?
Unfortunately, there is no money available for students pursuing a Masters. Tuition waivers are tied to stipend levels. Since MA's do not qualify for stipends, they are not qualified for tuition waivers.
What kind of housing is available to graduate students?
The Rice Graduate Apartments houses many of the university's graduate students. The Graduate Apartments can be reached at (713) 348-1000. Morningside Square Apartments offers alternative housing for students with spouses/families. Their number is (713) 524-1275.
Note: You must make your own arrangements for housing. The department does not handle any type of housing arrangements.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have a question that has not been answered above, please contact the department at cmor_gradapps@rice.edu.