Why Rice University?
Rice University recruits applicants for its online Master of Business Administration degree program. This mid-sized private research university in Houston, Texas administers the program through its Jones Graduate School of Business.
Even though applicants’ work experience and business success potential will be taken into account, there is no specific work experience requirement to get in. Applications need not include the results of standardized tests if they meet certain waiver requirements. No minimum GPA is required for admission, but academic potential and prior achievement will be considered as part of the admissions process.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Rice University |
| Location | Houston |
| State | TX |
| Niche.com Grade | A+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Business Administration |
| School or Department Administering Program | Jones Graduate School of Business |
| Credits | 54 |
| Cost per credit | $2,100.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $113,400.00 |
| Test Requirements | waivers available |
| Minimum GPA | none |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | yes |
| Typical Time to Complete | 24 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | January, April, July, October |
| Program Concentrations |
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| Synchronous classes | yes |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | focus on entrepreneurship; Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Rice Business Plan Competition; OwlSpark Accelerator; At least two in-person field experiences either in Houston or in business hubs around the globe; students encouraged to meet in person to work as teams beyond digital classroom; dedicated student success advisor; small student body; strong alumni network; active career counseling and business online career course; Global Field Experience; Global Offsite Electives; Study Abroad; Capstone Consulting Project; Action Learning Project; Experiential Labs; Entrepreneurship Labs: Home of experiential learning and co-curricular activities in entrepreneurship and innovation |
| Program Description | This degree requires 54 credits of coursework. Students are required to complete both a capstone experience and an internship experience. Most students complete the program within 24 months. 7 concentration areas are offered: Corporate Strategy, Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Energy, Healthcare, self-designed. Two field experiences are required. |
What will I Learn?
The Rice online MBA curriculum has an emphasis on entrepreneurship, with faculty and student activities supported by co-curricular activities of the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Rice Business Plan Competition, and the OwlSpark Accelerator.
All students are required to attend at least two in-person field experiences either in Houston or in a global business hub city. The program also offers optional Global Offsite electives and Study Abroad experiences.
Required courses in finance and economics are as follows: Financial Accounting, Finance, Managerial Economics, Managerial Accounting, and Economic Environment of Business.
Students learn about the contexts for business operations and growth in courses in Business-Government Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Business Law.
Students develop a strategic mindset in Strategy Formulation and Implementation, Leadership, Competitive Strategy, and Strategic Business Communication.
Students also take courses in New Enterprise, Data Analysis, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, Enterprise Acquisition, and Operations Management.
Students can choose to design their own concentration pathway or they can choose from the following: Corporate Strategy; Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Energy, or Healthcare.
How much will the program cost?
The program costs $2,100.00 per credit, and 54 credits are required. The total cost of the degree is just under $113,400.00 for the entire degree. Most students take 24 months to finish their studies.
Students interested in this program should investigate scholarship and grant opportunities to increase the affordability of the degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes require weekly synchronous class meetings, conducted through videoconferencing at a scheduled time. The program also requires two field experiences either in Houston, or in business hubs around the world. Since a number of other optional travel experiences are offered, and students even choose to meet in person occasionally to work on group projects, you can expect that the Rice online program may demand more of your in-person time than some other options.
Students complete the program within 24 months. Students can start the program in January, April, July, or October.
Summary
The Rice online MBA program offers rich opportunity for those willing to make the investment in its high cost and high demands for travel to at least two in-person experiences plus many additional optional travel and immersion experiences. Students gain practical experience and build links with a very involved alumni network, particularly through the Capstone Consulting Project and various Action Learning Projects.
