Program Overview (for Rice Students)

Rice has worked closely with PSL to articulate coursework between Rice’s B.S. in Environmental Science and PSL’s International Bachelor of Environmentally Engaged Engineering (I-BE³). This coordination allows Rice students to participate in immersive study at PSL without delaying progress toward their Rice degree.

Depending on length of participation, students may pursue:

• 1 semester at PSL (Sophia Antipolis campus)
• 2 semesters at PSL (Sophia Antipolis and/or Paris region campuses, including Rice’s Paris Center)
• 3 semesters at PSL* (Sophia Antipolis and/or Paris region campuses)

* Students who complete three semesters at PSL and meet additional PSL requirements may be eligible to earn the PSL I-BE³ degree in addition to their Rice degree.

Academic Focus

The I-BE³ curriculum is taught entirely in English and emphasizes environmental and sustainability challenges through an interdisciplinary, project-based approach. Key thematic areas include:

• Energy and climate
• Water and environmental systems
• Sustainable cities and mobility
• Responsible industry and technology

Across the curriculum, students engage deeply with data science, artificial intelligence, and applied research, while working on real-world projects connected to research and industry.

Why pursue a Bachelor in Environmental Engineering at PSL?

France is a global leader in environmental sciences and climate policy, notably through its central role in the Paris Agreement. Studying environmental engineering in France places you at the heart of one of the most active ecosystems for energy transition, sustainability, and scientific innovation.This pathway prepares students to engage with international and globally connected challenges, including policy and problem-solving roles in research institutions, NGOs, and organizations operating across national boundaries.

PSL University is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide with a strong emphasis on research, interdisciplinarity, and global engagement. Earning a Bachelor in Engineering from PSL gives you access to highly selective Master’s programs within its ecosystem, including Mines Paris, ESPCI Paris, and Chimie Paris - some of the most prestigious engineering schools in France. PSL also offers strong research opportunities through its doctoral schools, making it an excellent pathway to a PhD.

From a professional standpoint, completing your degree at PSL grants you eligibility for a work visa in France, allowing you to gain professional experience in a highly innovative engineering job market. PSL also has international cooperation agreements with the UK and Japan, facilitating work authorization pathways in these countries.

In summary, choosing PSL means accessing:

• A top-ranked French university
  
• Elite engineering and research institutions for further study
  
• A strong ecosystem in environmental and scientific innovation
  
• Valuable post-study professional opportunities in France and beyond

Eligibility

• Open to Rice sophomores and juniors
• Students must be able to complete required Environmental Science coursework at Rice
• Students interested in the three-semester option should plan to begin participation in the first semester of their sophomore year

Location & Structure (PSL)

• The first two years of the I-BE³ program are based at Mines Paris–PSL’s Pierre Laffitte campus in Sophia Antipolis, in the French Riviera technology park, where Rice students will join the program. Rice students who participate for 2-3 semesters may also be eligible to study in Paris.

Application & Next Steps

Program timelines, application details, and advising information will be shared as they become available. For questions or to express interest, please contact Rice Global at: globalowls@rice.edu