A Complete Guide to the Rice Jones School of Business Online MBA

Rice University’s Jones School of Business is dedicated to creating leaders out of all of their students, no matter their location. Using research from successful online learning practices, Rice has built an online platform with students’ best interests in mind. 

Rice Jones Online MBA Data

Enrollment488
Acceptance Rate69%
Total Tuition and Fees$112,330
Average GPA3.2
Average GMAT625
Average GREDoes not disclose
Average Age36
Average Work Experience9.7 years
DiversityFemale: 25%
The data above represents the Rice Jones Online MBA class.
See the full report hereRice Jones Online MBA

How to Get into Rice’s Online MBA?

Craft a Powerful Personal Statement with Support from EssayEdge.

What is the Rice Jones Online MBA Program?

To complete the program, students must take 54 credits; this can be done in 24 months. The online program operates on quarterly intakes, so you can start the program, when it works best for you and your life. The online cohorts are smaller than the in-person ones, so students are able to work more collaboratively with one another. Students have the opportunity to select a Career-Path Focus Area – the degree requires 13.5 elective credits, and the student is able to focus these in one particular area of interest, if they choose. There are seven career focuses:

Why choose an online program over an in-person MBA?

There are several advantages to pursuing an online MBA program, and it is important to do whatever is best for your life and your schedule. Online programs can be cheaper, since there’s no housing cost added to the tuition, which may be a factor in your decision. If you’re unable to step away from a full-time position, or you’re a stay-at-home parent, then an in-person degree might not be an option for you. In that case, an online program could be the way to go! Online MBAs are just as valid and “worth the money” as in-person programs are. Check out our article here for more information.

Do the full-time and online MBA degrees have a similar curriculum?

Yes! The online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach the in-person degree, so you’ll be getting the same caliber of education. The school requires the same amount of credit hours to graduate, and the class offerings are the same. 

Admission Requirements

General Requirements Personal Info, Resume, Transcripts,
Letter of Recommendations, English Proficiency (if applicable)
ApplyRice Jones Online MBA Application
Application Fee$200
Admissions EssayOne essay is required to apply. Please choose from one of the two options below. A second essay is optional.

Your essays serve as some of the most interesting and enlightening sections of the Rice MBA application. A well-composed essay can add depth and personality to your application and prove to the admissions committee that you add something unique to the Rice family.

Use your essay to share your story. Every person has a story that is meaningful—and no matter what your story entails, there is a reason for all of the pieces, and we want to hear about them. Pull those pieces together into an essay that can only be written by you, about YOU.

a) Essay Prompt 1
Rice is a community of curious thinkers, passionate dreamers and energetic doers who believe that improving the world demands more than bold thought and brave action. It takes unconventional wisdom. What does unconventional wisdom mean to you?

b) Essay Prompt 2
In the Rice MBA classroom, you will encounter a diverse and inclusive environment. What will you bring to the classroom that is uniquely you?

c) Optional Essay
If you have any additional information for the admissions committee or if you wish to clarify any aspect of your application (including breaks in employment, your choice of recommendation providers, your past academic performance, etc.), you may submit an additional, optional essay. (Page limit: One page, bullet points allowed.)
GMAT/GREGMAT or GRE required with exceptions
InterviewA virtual interview will be conducted with an admissions counselor once your application is submitted.

See the full details here: Rice Jones Online MBA Admissions

Class Format

Classes meet with the professors for live sessions each week via Zoom, where students are encouraged to debate and discuss. The school also offers an online platform where students complete their assignments each week. Professors offer virtual office hours, as well, and students are encouraged to stay in touch with another through Zoom, email, etc. 

Flexibility for Working Professionals

This program is designed with full-time working adults in mind! The assignments can be completed wherever you are, whenever you’re available to do so, as long as you have a device that can be connected to the internet. Attendance is expected at the live classes to enrich discussion.

What else does this program require of its students?

As with any program, students must complete their readings and assignments by the time the professors have designated. Students are also expected to complete at least two Field Experience courses in-person. One of these much be on-campus at Rice University, where you will participate in seminars, group projects, and leadership exercises. Another of these Field Experiences must be a global experience, like studying abroad, to enhance your worldly knowledge and business skill set. 

Career Support

The Rice Business alumni community consists of over 7,000 members who are willing to work with current students to provide advice, mentorship, or professional opportunities.