MBA@Rice Online MBA

MBA@Rice is an online MBA program that helps a diverse community of aspiring business leaders build both foundational and specialized skills as they examine modern business challenges in the context of real-world scenarios. The program is led by the same renowned faculty who teach the full time MBA program at Rice University. The online MBA@Rice program consists of 54 credits which can be completed in as few as 24 months, MBA@Rice features:

• Live classes hosted in a face-to-face online classroom.
• Interactive coursework that draws upon real-world scenarios.
• Assignments that can be completed on any connected device, including mobile phones.
• Networking opportunities with a diverse group of accomplished leaders.
• Resources and research from the distinguished Rice Business community.
• Electives available in general management or across seven career-path focus areas: corporate finance, corporate strategy, investment management, marketing, entrepreneurship, energy and healthcare.

The MBA@Rice curriculum helps students develop and conceptualize foundational business skills in the context of modern business challenges. The program touts entrepreneurship as the driving force of their curriculum. Students learn to apply functional knowledge like financial accounting and data analysis — as well as interpersonal skills such as managerial leadership and negotiations — to real-world scenarios.

Each year, Rice Business welcomes four online MBA@Rice cohorts — each with 30 to 40 experienced professionals — bringing diverse backgrounds, rich career experience, and a strong sense of purpose to the collaborative learning environment.

• Average work experience: 7 years
• Average Undergrad GPA: 3.26
• % Women: 29%
• % Underrepresented Minority: 49%
• % Military Affiliated: 24%

*Data reflects incoming student data for the October 2024 – July 2025 cohorts.

Students enrolled in the Rice University’s online MBA@Rice program have access to Rice University’s expansive alumni network, with 10,000+ Rice Business alumni and 85,000+ Rice University alumni across 55 countries and every major industry.

Students have access to tailored guidance through a dedicated team of career coaches and mentors. Senior-level students also benefit from an executive coach who works on specialized career development goals. In addition, the CDO offers an online career course through Canvas covering resume writing, networking, company research and interviewing best practices.

Through OWL Careers, a comprehensive platform, students can explore job postings, schedule advising sessions, research employment data, update their employment status and RSVP for career events. Learn more here.

Tuition for the 2025-26 academic year is $2,282 per credit. Students are required to complete 54 credits, totaling $123,228 for the entirety of the program.

MBA@Rice Residential and Global Field Experience (GFE) program costs are not covered by tuition. Students should also expect to pay $1,000 to $2,500 for textbooks for the program, based on the availability of used books and elective courses taken.

Explore detailed information on tuition, financial aid and military education benefits on the MBA@Rice tuition and financial aid page.

MBA@Rice seeks ambitious professionals with a diverse array of experiences, backgrounds and skill sets. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution is required.

Class start dates are available in January, April, July and October each year, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Required MBA@Rice application materials include:

• GMAT/GRE scores (test waivers are available; submitting scores is optional if applicant fits certain academic/work experience qualifications)
• Official transcripts
• A professional resume
• Two required essays and one optional essay
• One letter of recommendation from a current direct supervisor or two recommendations from former supervisors
• An application fee ($150 for regular deadline, $50 for priority deadline, and waived fee for early priority deadline)
• Virtual interview (following application submission)

MBA@Rice Classes start in January, April, July, and October.

The MBA@Rice Application Deadlines are as follows:

For the October 2024 start date:

Early Priority Deadline: July 5, 2024

Priority Deadline: August 2, 2024

Final Application Deadline: August 23, 2024