MBA@Rice - Online MBA from Rice Business
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The Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University offers an MBA that is delivered entirely online except for two in-person Intensive Learning Experiences (ILEs).
The program, which can be completed in 24 months, was launched to accommodate the growing demand for digital education—and to expand the Rice Business MBA to those who can’t study on campus.
Through live online classes, MBA@Rice allows students to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and prepare to work collaboratively in a business setting. Students learn core business principles such as data analytics, financial accounting, leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, organizational behavior, and managerial economics.
Students need a bachelor’s degree to qualify. Some work experience is recommended.
What to Expect from the Online MBA@Rice
Admission Requirements: Applicants to MBA@Rice must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Admissions materials include an online application and fee, GMAT/GRE test scores (waivers are available), official transcripts, a current resume, one essay (an additional essay is optional), and one letter of recommendation from a current direct supervisor or two recommendations from previous supervisors. Please note that all applicants must also participate in a virtual interview with an admissions counselor.
International students must provide Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) test scores if their degree was not earned at an institution where the primary instruction language was English.
| Program | Degree Type | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| MBA@Rice Online MBA | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
Study Plan: If admitted, MBA@Rice students can start classes in January, April, July, or October. The program can be completed in as few as 24 months. Terms last 11 weeks with courses spanning either five or ten weeks each (some courses are 3 credits and span ten weeks while others are 1.5 credits and run five weeks). Exams are administered during the final week of each term, and students take up to six credits per term for most terms (although this may vary).
The first year in the program includes all core courses. Electives are added during the second year. At the end of the program, students must also complete a capstone course and two Intensive Learning Experiences (ILEs) either domestically or internationally.
Curriculum: Students take a total of 54 credits throughout the program: 36 core course credits, 12 elective credits, 3 credits of residential ILEs, and an additional 3 credits of either electives or alternative ILEs. Electives include Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, and Operations Management.
Core Courses: Courses cover topics such as financial accounting, data analysis, new enterprise, organizational behavior, corporate responsibility, competitive strategy, strategic business communications, leadership, negotiations, and business law.
Electives: The 12 credits of electives include both 3-credit and 1.5-credit courses. These include Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, and Operations Management.
Intensive Learning Experiences (ILEs): There are two 1.5-credit ILEs required. ILEs may be domestic or international.
Online Experience: The MBA@Rice consists of weekly live, face-to-face classes hosted via webcam. During these live classes, students discuss and review the lessons from the week. Assignments include video simulations, collaborative projects, and real-world case studies. Online students have access to all on-campus services, including academic advising, library resources, 24/7 technical support, career guidance, and faculty mentorship.
In-Person Requirements: There are two Intensive Learning Experiences (ILEs) required to graduate from MBA@Rice. Domestic ILEs consist of seminars, group projects, guided leadership exercises, and simulations. They offer students the opportunity to develop relationships with peers, faculty, and business professionals. They are generally held on the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas.
International ILEs include intersessions, optional seminars, and opportunities to study abroad. Students may take up to two additional 1.5-credit ILEs in place of elective credits. ILEs are completed during the week between terms.
Throughout the program, students can also participate in learning and networking meetings with peers, faculty, alumni, and industry leaders. These events are hosted on and off campus.
Paying for the Online MBA@Rice
Rice University online MBA program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include books, Intensive Learning Experiences (ILEs), or travel expenses. Students should check with the Jones Graduate School of Business admissions department for cost clarifications, and the most up-to-date fee estimates.
To help fund their educations, students may use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans. Other funding sources may include private loans, community and organizational grants and scholarships, and tuition reimbursement programs through an employer. Rice University also participates in military benefits programs for graduate students. Students can learn more by contacting the Rice University Office of Financial Aid.
Rice University MBA@Rice Online MBA
SponsorFor the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 118 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
- GMAT waivers are available for the online MBA from Rice Business, ranked a Top-5 Online MBA program by The Princeton Review
- Earn your STEM-designated business degree in as few as 24 months, with a focus in finance, entrepreneurship, marketing and strategy
- Program includes two in-person Immersive Learning Experiences (ILEs), one domestic and one international
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, April, July, October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 54 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as few as 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | No, 2 in-person Intensive Learning Experiences (ILEs) are required |
| Program Accreditation | SACSCOC and AACSB |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | None |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | Yes (GRE accepted, waivers are available) |
| Work Experience Required? | No, but it is recommended |
| Credit Hours | 54 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $2,130.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $115,020 |
* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out- of- state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.
