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6 min read·Jun 24, 2025·Last updated on Dec 10, 2025

Rice University Courses: Explore Undergraduate & Graduate Programs

Founded in 1912, Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, is a prestigious private research institution that has consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the US. Rice University Courses provides nearly 40 undergraduate and graduate programs, specializing in areas such as Architecture, Humanities, Data Science, Banking, Aerospace Engineering, Geology, Biochemistry, and Business Economics.

With an acceptance rate of around 9%, Rice University maintains a highly selective admissions process. The student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1 ensures personalized attention for every student. International students pay a tuition fee of USD 33,000 to 63,500 for these top-tier courses. 

Understanding Rice University's Academic Structure

Before getting into specific Rice University courses, it is important to know how the university organizes its academic offerings. Rice University has eight schools with specializations in different disciplines: 

1. George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing
2. Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business
3. School of Architecture
4. School of Humanities
5. School of Social Sciences
6. Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
7. The Shepherd School of Music
8. Virani Undergraduate School of Business
9. Wiess School of Natural Sciences

Specialized Rice University courses are offered by each school that is aligned with industry requirements and academic criteria. The university runs on a semester system, rice university academic calendar is usually from August to May, but there are also rice university summer courses during the warmer months.

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Undergraduate Course Offerings

Here's a look at some popular undergraduate Rice University courses:

1. Engineering and Applied Sciences

The George R. Brown School of Engineering offers advanced Rice University courses in:

Undergraduate Courses in Engineering and Applied Sciences

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Program
Duration 
Fees (estimated)
Bioengineering
4 Years 
USD 62,874
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
4 Years 
USD 45,000
Civil and Environmental Engineering
4 Years 
USD 54,000
Computational and Applied Mathematics
4 Years 
USD 62,874
Electrical and Computer Engineering
4 Years 
USD 62,874
Materials Science and Nanoengineering
4 Years 
USD 62,874
Mechanical Engineering
4 Years 
USD 52,000
Statistics
4 Years 
USD 62,874

2. Humanities and Social Sciences

Students interested in humanities and social sciences can explore Rice University courses in:

Undergraduate Courses in Humanities and Social Sciences

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Program
Duration 
Fees (estimated)
Anthropology
4 Years 
USD 29,892 per term
Economics 
4 Years 
USD 76,073
English
4 Years 
USD 62,874
History
4 Years 
USD 48,620 to USD 76,073
Languages (Spanish, French, German, Chinese)
4 Years 
USD 15,950
Philosophy
4 Years 
USD 1,608 per semester
Political Studies 
4 Years 
USD 59,784
Psychology
4 Years 
USD 66,540  
Sociology 4 Years USD 66,540  

3. Business and Architecture

The Jones School of Business and the School of Architecture provide specialized Rice University courses designed to develop future leaders in their respective fields.

Graduate Programs at Rice University

For those looking to further their education, Rice University graduate programs offer specialized knowledge and research opportunities. These Rice University graduate programs span various disciplines and are designed to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

Here’s a list of the courses :

Graduate Courses in Business and Architecture

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Program
Tuition (per credit)Semester TuitionAnnual TuitionOther Fees
Architecture - Master of ArchitectureUSD 2,083USD 18,745USD 37,490Graduate Association Fee: USD 45, Health Fee: USD 677, Insurance: TBA
MBA - Full-TimeUSD 36,750USD 73,500
USD 73,500
Activity Fee: USD 500, Health Fee: USD 677, Insurance: TBA
MBA - Hybrid Program
USD 33,750USD 67,500USD 67,500Activity Fee: USD 400, Health Fee: USD 677, Insurance: TBA
MBA - Professional ProgramUSD 32,375USD 64,750USD 64,750Activity Fee: USD 450, Health Fee: USD 677, Insurance: TBA
PhD in Business
USD 29,892USD 59,784USD 59,784Graduate Association Fee: USD 45, Health Fee: USD 677, Insurance: TBA
Master of AccountingUSD 29,950USD 59,900USD 59,900Health Fee: USD 677, Insurance: TBA
Master of Computer Science (Online)USD 1,667USD NAUSD NAHealth Fee: TBA
Master of Data Science (Online)USD 1,667USD NAUSD NAHealth Fee: TBA
Engineering - Master's & PhDUSD 3,321USD 29,892USD 59,784Health Fee: USD 677, Insurance: TBA
Humanities (Master’s & PhD)USD 3,321USD 29,892USD 59,784Health Fee: USD 677, Insurance: TBA

Rice University Academic Calendar

Understanding the Rice University academic calendar is essential for planning your academic journey. The standard academic year at Rice consists of:

1. Fall Semester (August to December)
2. Spring Semester (January to May)
3. Summer Sessions (May to August)

Class Schedule and Registration

For continuing/returning undergraduate students (excluding those in the School of Architecture), registration for Fall 2025 opens on March 28, 2025, and will remain open through April 11, 2025. 

Undergraduate professional students in the School of Architecture and all graduate students should register via the Register or Add/Drop Classes page in ESTHER starting April 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Class Schedule and Registration

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Date
Event
March 28, 2025Registration opens for currently enrolled and returning Undergraduate Students.
April 11, 2025Course Request Period closes for Undergraduate Students at 5:00 p.m.
April 14, 2025Registration opens for Graduate and Undergraduate Professional Students at 5:00 p.m.
April 16, 2025
Add/Drop Period begins for Undergraduate Students at 7:00 a.m.
April 19, 2025Late Registration begins, charging a USD 75 Late Fee for continuing students who haven’t registered.
August 25 - September 5, 2025Continuing students who register late are charged a USD 125 Late Registration Fee.

Registration Details for Graduate and Professional Students

1. Rice University Graduate Programs: Registration for graduate students starts on April 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
2. Rice University Class Schedule: Check for the Fall 2025 class schedule and available courses in ESTHER.
3.Rice University Online Courses: Students can also explore online courses as part of the flexible learning options.

For a full list of registration deadlines, including Add/Drop, Pass/Fail, and Variable Credit deadlines, refer to the Rice University Academic Calendar.

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Online Learning Opportunities at Rice University

For those seeking flexibility in their education, Rice University online courses offer an excellent alternative to traditional classroom learning. The range of Rice University online courses has expanded significantly in recent years, allowing students to access quality education remotely. 

Types of Rice University Online Courses

Through online courses, Rice University has garnered almost 4.2 million enrollments from 2.7 million learners across the globe since the partnership’s launch. Rice University's Online Master of Data Science program ranked #4 among the best Master’s in Machine Learning and AI. The university offers various formats of Rice University online courses:

1. Fully online degree programs
2. Hybrid courses (combining online and in-person elements)
3. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) through platforms like Coursera

Summer Learning Opportunities

Rice University is proud to offer several summer enrichment programs for students in grades K-12. These summer courses are typically offered in concentrated formats, allowing students to complete a semester's worth of material in just a few weeks. 

One of the famous and well-known programs is The Michael P. Hammond Preparatory Program. This program is a division of The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and is a small and selective music program. 

Additionally, Rice University summer courses often include special programs such as study abroad opportunities, research experiences, and internship placements

Scholarships Provided by Rice University

Rice University is committed to making its Rice University courses accessible through generous financial aid packages and scholarships. Various merit-based scholarships are also available for both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing Rice University courses

Scholarships Provided by Rice University

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Scholarship Name Amount Offered Eligibility
Auxiliary to the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship
USD 5,000
UG; Sophomore; Female
Harrianna Butler ScholarshipUSD 10,000UG or GR; Married; Returning; Need-based
Chevron ScholarshipsUSD 1,000 - 2,000UG; CEE, CHBE, CS, ECE, MECH majors
Fluor Daniel ScholarshipUSD 1,000 - 2,000
UG; Sophomore; CHBE, CEE, MECH majors
Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts
USD 7,000
UG; Rising Junior/Senior or 5th year; Arts focus
Nazim S. Nathoo Award for Engineering Excellence
USD 2,000
UG; Junior/Senior; MECH
Outstanding Engineering and Computing Student Awards
Varies 
UG; Junior/Senior
Louis & Peaches Owens Fellowship for Professional Master'sUp to USD 25,000
UG; Junior/Senior; Pursuing an EPMP

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Located in the heart of Houston, Rice University offers a top-tier academic environment surrounded by culture and innovation. If you're planning to begin your journey at Rice, finding the right off-campus housing is just as important as preparing for your classes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many courses should I take per semester at Rice University?

Most full-time undergraduate students take 4-5 Rice University courses per semester, equivalent to 12-15 credit hours. Graduate students typically take 3-4 Rice University courses per semester, depending on their program requirements and research commitments.

Can non-Rice students enroll in Rice University courses?

Yes, through the Rice University continuing education program, non-degree students can take certain Rice University courses. Additionally, students from other Houston-area institutions may be able to cross-register for Rice University courses through consortium agreements.

Are there any prerequisites for Rice University computer science courses?

Many advanced rice university computer science courses require completion of fundamental programming and mathematical prerequisites. However, introductory rice university computer science courses are typically open to all students, regardless of their major or background.

How can I find out when registration opens for Rice University summer courses?

Registration dates for rice university summer courses are published on the rice university academic calendar, typically available on the university's website. Students can also receive notifications about registration periods through their university email accounts.

Can international students take Rice University online courses?

Yes, international students can enroll in Rice University online courses. However, those on student visas should consult with the Office of International Students and Scholars regarding any restrictions on the number of online credits they can take each semester. 

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