FAQS

How much does the program cost?

Tuition for the 2022-23 academic year is $2,130 per credit. Students are required to complete 54 credits, totaling $115,020 for the entirety of the program. There are other fees associated with the program. Ask your admissions counselor if scholarships are available. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.

What are the time commitments for this program?

Each class you take will meet once a week for 90 minutes at 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. CST on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. We recommend you plan to set aside 15 to 20 hours of study time per week to be successful.

What learning materials are needed?

The program consists of asynchronous and synchronous learning materials. Synchronous learning takes place during our live instruction and may rely on work done outside of class. Content and coursework are available through the digital learning platform whenever, wherever. Prerecorded/guided lecture videos, interactive presentations, course notes, forums and written assignments can be found there.

Are you accredited?

The Jones Graduate School of Business is recognized by a number of accrediting bodies, including the AACSB. Rice University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Will my diploma indicate that this degree was completed online?

Upon completion of the MBA@Rice program—which is part of the Rice Business suite of MBA offerings—you will receive certification that indicates just that: You are part of Rice Business and the Jones Graduate School of Business. Your courses are designed and taught by the same faculty who work on campus in Houston. Your diploma will not indicate that this degree is any different from the on-campus version.

How is the program structured? Are there semesters?

The MBA@Rice program is on a quadmester schedule, with four terms per year (January, April, July and October). Each term is 11 weeks long. Learn more about the curriculum and course scheduling.

How many classes will I be taking?

Students generally start the program taking three classes within a term, for a total of six credit hours. The three-credit courses are 10 weeks long, and the 1.5-credit courses last for five weeks so that you can complete them consecutively within the term. This will allow students to complete all six credits within a term while only taking two classes at a time.

What focus areas are available?

We have seven focus areas: corporate finance, corporate strategy, investment management, marketing, entrepreneurship, energy and health care. However, with 12 credit hours dedicated toward elective studies, we encourage our students to work with their advisers to create a specialized degree plan based on their professional goals. Focus areas are merely designed to help students narrow their focus into different business topics that may be used to inform their postgraduate career aspirations.

Learn more about MBA@Rice focus areas.

What electives are available?

There are a number of electives available for this program at various terms throughout the year. A selection of these courses can be found on our curriculum page.

Who are the professors who will teach our classes?

Our online MBA courses are designed and taught by our on-campus MBA faculty. They create and oversee the asynchronous classes and provide guidance to the lecturers who conduct the live sessions. This approach ensures that our online MBA students benefit from the wealth of knowledge and expertise of world-renowned researchers and practitioners who are leaders in their fields. You can get to know the faculty here.

What are the application requirements?

The program is almost fully online, with the exception of occasional in-person requirements like the Rice Core Residential—a four-day intensive learning opportunity where you will be able to immerse yourself in the culture of Rice and connect in person with peers, professors, other faculty and alumni.

When should I submit my application?

Prospective students can submit applications at any time, as the MBA@Rice program accepts applicants on a rolling basis. You can apply to a cohort up to one year in advance. Access your application.

What are the requirements for the GMAT/GRE waiver?

MBA@Rice candidates who meet one or more of the following qualifications are not required to submit a GMAT/GRE score:

How many recommendations do I need, and how difficult is that process?

Recommenders will submit their recommendations themselves through our online portal. All that is required of you is your recommender’s email address. You should still reach out to recommenders beforehand to ensure they are willing to engage in the process. Recommendations are due by the final application deadline. One letter of recommendation from a direct supervisor or two letters from professional sources are required.

How can I check the status of my application?

To find out the status of your application, please contact the admissions team at 855-842-8380 or admissions@onlinebusiness.rice.edu. Your dedicated admissions counselor will be able to give you an update as well. Access your application.

How do I prepare for my admissions interview?

The best preparation for the admissions interview is having the ability to articulate why you are pursuing an MBA. The interview consists of five questions that are not released in advance. However, if you have a strong grasp of your own intentions, you should be well equipped for the interview.

What networking opportunities are available?

You will be able to network with your classmates and professor virtually during your live class sessions, and there are two Intensive Learning Experiences (ILE) from which you will greatly benefit. The Rice Residential Core is a four-day ILE held on campus in Houston, Texas, that will be offered to you at the end of your first or second term. The Global Field Experience is a week-long intensive learning experience (ILE) that will allow you the opportunity to network with peers and alumni from your program and cultivate impactful relationships with clients and business leaders in an international context. Learn more about the Global Field Experience.

Are there any requirements to come to campus?

The program is almost fully online, with the exception of occasional in-person requirements like the Rice Core Residential—a four-day intensive learning opportunity where you will be able to immerse yourself in the culture of Rice and connect in person with peers, professors, other faculty and alumni.

Will I have access to the Rice Business alumni network?

Rice Business is known for its tight-knit community and involved alumni network. As a student, you will have access to alumni on campus during our Intensive Learning Experiences and around the country when our admissions and development teams visit chapters and hold events. This gives you the chance, no matter where you live, to connect with graduates from a variety of diverse backgrounds. Making lasting connections is important to our alumni, and with a multitude of different fields and industries represented among them, the opportunities afforded to you as you assess your career prospects will be plentiful.

Once you graduate from Rice Business, your access grows. The Rice Business culture builds with every class, and we encourage you to stay active through clubs in your city, community events, volunteering and philanthropy opportunities within the school. You can also continue your education through lifelong learning with class audits, access to the Career Development Office, discounted rates for Executive Education courses and short courses at our yearly Alumni Reunion Weekend. Once you’re part of the Rice Business Family, you’ll always have access to the school and its alumni.

How does online learning work?

The online classroom is intuitive, live and collaborative by nature. You should be prepared to engage in real-time discussion with your classmates, as well as participate in breakout rooms where smaller group work will take place. Helpful in-class tools, like the ability to record a session or annotate, also exist to enhance the learning experience.

What career services will I have access to within the online program?

We have career advisers and coaches to work with students. Advisers help with building resumes, preparing for interviews and more. Coaches work with students on leadership and development skills. Additional resources include job search methods, career self-assessment, salary resources, professional profile development, social media presence and networking. Learn more about career services.