Available Degree Programs at Rice University
Rice University appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Technologically Advanced Small Colleges.
Rice University offers students more than 50 undergraduate majors from which to choose in six different divisions that include engineering, music, social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and architecture. In addition, students can earn several certificates and minors while seeking undergraduate degrees. Graduate degrees are available in areas like business, engineering, teaching, architecture, computer science, and statistics.
Some of the most renowned programs at the university include those in artificial heart research, signal processing, nanotechnology, space science, and structural chemical analysis. “Times Higher Education” ranked the university’s program in materials science as the number one program in the country in 2010.
Some of the programs a student can consider if he or she has an interest in engineering include those in bioengineering, computational and applied mathematics, materials science and nanoengineering, and statistics. Some of the areas of study for musicians include performance degrees in the violin, tuba, trombone, percussion, oboe, organ, piano, trumpet, and viola instruments.
For applicants interested in the natural sciences, degrees are available in areas like ecology and evolutionary biology, neuroscience, kinesiology, chemistry, and chemical physics. Meanwhile, students interested in the social sciences can choose from programs in linguistics, cognitive sciences, anthropology, economics, political science, and managerial studies.
One of the unique facets of study at Rice University is the school’s flexible distribution requirement for each degree. Within the flexible distribution requirement, students complete 12 credit hours in the areas of applied sciences, humanities, and social sciences. These requirements help students gain experience in areas outside their chosen major.
Another area where Rice University excels is in its preprofessional advising where students can gain insight into their education before entering the law program, business program, medical school, or the process of becoming a credentialled teacher in Texas. Students can also explore interdisciplinary programs in Air Force science, writing & communication, and military science.
Students interested in online learning at Rice University can choose from full degree programs, professional development classes, or for-credit courses. Degrees available online include a Master of Computer Science degree or the Master of Business Administration degree. Some of the additional areas of study for online learning include data science, real estate investment, and immunology.
Additional areas available for study online include engineering project management, leadership development for engineers, programming classes for Java, business statistics, math, and physics. The university is currently working on expanding the complete degrees available to online students but already offers more than 80 courses online for credit and professional development.
About Rice University
Rice University was established in 1912 and was named after William Marsh Rice. The original name of the university was the William M. Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science, and Art. Today, around 7,100 students attend the university, which is located in Houston, Texas. The urban campus covers 300 acres, and the university is dedicated to advancing research and keeping its student-to-teacher ratio low.
The university’s programs are divided into 11 colleges and eight schools that include the George R. Brown School of Engineering, the School of Architecture, and the School of Humanities. The school has a close relationship with NASA, and many future astronauts have graduated from the university’s programs. The university has also seen two of its graduates earn Nobel Prizes, and more than 20 of its graduates become Marshall Scholars.
Rice University Accreditation Details
Institutional accreditation for Rice University is granted by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation authorizes the university to award undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degrees. Many programs offered by the university are accredited by national agencies and specialized organizations.
For example, ABET has accredited the degrees in mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, as well as the bioengineering program. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business has accredited the university’s programs in business. The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) has accredited the Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Doctor of Architecture.
Rice University Application Requirements
Rice University describes its application process as holistic and requires that students submit their applications for undergraduate study by January 1st for admission consideration. Application materials include the Common Application or Coalition Application, a non-refundable application fee of $75, and official high school transcripts. Students must also complete a supplemental essay and submit two teacher evaluations and a school report from a counselor.
Students who want to enroll in graduate-level study will need to check with their desired program, as well as submit an $85 application fee, official transcripts from college, and GRE scores. International applicants must also submit proof of English language proficiency. Other application requirements may include writing samples, a portfolio, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for Rice University is $48,330 per year. Students can also expect to pay $782 in fees, $1,200 for books, $2,650 for personal expenses, and $14,140 for room & board. The total expected cost of attendance per year is $67,102. Freshmen applicants also pay an Orientation Fee of $320. Students must also have health insurance and will pay a fee for coverage if they don’t have insurance.
Graduate tuition at Rice University varies somewhat and depends on a student’s chosen program. For most masters and doctoral programs, students will pay $2,495.00 per credit, which means a total of $44,900.00 in tuition each year. There are also some additional fees a student may pay that include $22.00 for the Graduate Student Association Fee, $1.00 for the Honor Council Fee, and $2.50 for School of Humanities Students who want to participate in the Humanities Graduate Student Association.
Rice University indicates that it meets 100 percent of the demonstrated financial need of its students. Financial aid awards may come in the form of loans through the federal loan program or grants and scholarships that the student doesn’t need to repay. When creating a financial aid package, the university will consider grants from state, federal, and institutional sources.
Overall, the average freshman at Rice University receives a financial aid package of more than $46,000, and the university gives more than $89 million to its students in grant aid each year. To qualify for financial aid, students must submit a FAFSA form before the deadline. Applicants to Rice University may also wish to use the official cost calculator from the university to determine the estimated cost of attendance when family income and other factors are considered.