Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Requirements

54 Credit Hours of Coursework

• 36 required core course credits

• 13.5 elective course credits

• 4.5 Intensive Learning Experience credits

  • 1 On-Campus: Rice Core Residential 

  • 1 International: Global Field Experience
    
    

Successful completion of the Masters of Business Administration degree requires the following:

1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

2. A minimum of 54 earned credits, completing and passing all required core and elective coursework.

3. Courses completed and passed with a minimum grade of C to count towards earned credit.

4. Attendance of two (2) Intensive Learning Experiences, 1 on-campus and 1 globally (4.5 credits total).
   
   

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Course Sequence

The MBA@Rice online program consists of a 24-month curriculum. The 54 required credits are traditionally completed over eight consecutive 12-week quadmesters over a two-year period. 

There are 4 quadmesters annually and their start months:

• Winter - January

• Spring - April 

• Summer - July

• Fall - October 

Each quadmester begins on the 1st Monday of the respective start month. Students will follow a dedicated academic plan each quadmester to fulfill the curriculum requirements listed above.

In order to complete the degree in the standard timeframe of two years, students typically register for 6 credit hours per quadmester and may add 1.5-3.0 additional credits for an Intensive Learning Experience or to complete the one additional elective required outside of the standard 6-credit hour cadence.

Students must receive approval through their Student Success Advisor to extend their program timing to a 3- or 4-year track. Approved students must register for courses each quadmester based on their standard degree plan.  Students must complete the program within 5 years of matriculation.

Intentsive Learning Experiences (ILEs)

Hosted both on the Rice University campus and in locations around the world, Intensive Learning Experiences allow our students to connect in-person with peers, faculty and mentors. Students are required to attend two (2) Intensive Learning Experiences throughout their time in the program: 1 in Houston on the Rice University campus and 1 via a program-chosen international location. Review the ILE page for further information.