Wiess School of Natural Sciences

The Wiess School of Natural Sciences comprises  six departments: Biosciences; Chemistry; Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences; Kinesiology; Mathematics; and Physics and Astronomy.  Faculty and student scholars in these departments see the universe as their laboratory, advancing fundamental understanding of the natural world through pioneering research, while empowering future generations of discoverers and leaders in a collaborative scholarly community.

Doctoral programs

Biosciences; Chemistry; Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences; Mathematics; and Physics and Astronomy offer internationally recognized doctoral research programs. Our departments engage 477 doctoral students and 129 postdoctoral scholars in the core of the research process, creating a collaborative environment that develops the next generation of global leaders and experts. Postdoctoral scholars serve as a vital bridge in our academic community, driving high-level innovation while providing invaluable mentorship and expertise alongside our doctoral candidates.

Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program

The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program addresses the demand for individuals equipped with scientific expertise and leadership acumen. Graduates receive disciplinary training and while also being immersed in the culture of business and industry, fostering skills in management, communication policy, and ethics, thereby enhancing their prospects for future success. Each of the seven degree programs within the curriculum comprises science courses, cohort courses, and internship experiences, all overseen by dedicated faculty advisers. This structure allows students to tailor their education to their career aspirations, empowering them to excel in the realms of science, engineering, and business.

Undergraduate programs

The Wiess School offers 20 majors and seven minors, allowing undergraduate students to explore their interests in a wide range of courses taught by world-class faculty. The Wiess School leverages Rice's traditional emphasis on the connection between student and faculty in a community of scholars. Natural Sciences faculty share a deep commitment to education, and the Wiess School is pioneering educational frontiers by incorporating research into more classes and undergraduate students into research laboratories. Even as freshmen, all Natural Sciences students have access to mentored research opportunities with faculty in the school and partners at the Texas Medical Center. Before they graduate, more than 80% of Natural Sciences students are involved in research. Many of the Wiess School’s students present their work at conferences and publish in top research journals before the completion of their undergraduate studies. These high-quality research experiences are a valuable complement to coursework, ensuring that students are exceptionally well-prepared for graduate studies and professional careers.

Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium (NSURS)

The Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium (NSURS) is an annual event that highlights the incredible research contributions of undergraduate researchers from all Natural Sciences disciplines. Through judged poster presentations, NSURS provides a platform for students to share innovative research, at any stage, with the Natural Sciences community. Presenters receive feedback on their presentations, and posters that achieve excellence in research and presentation are recognized at the closing reception.

Pathways to Discovery

The Pathways to Discovery program aims to give all Natural Sciences undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to develop the skills they need to become the scientific leaders and decision makers of tomorrow. Events and resources are designed to provide students with personalized academic advising, strengthen bonds between Natural Sciences students and faculty, engage undergraduate students in research across all disciplines, expose students to the full range of career opportunities accessible to Natural Sciences graduates, and connect students to the Houston community.

Source: https://naturalsciences.rice.edu/

Last updated: March 2026