Coursera for rice

Prep Courses Offered

• Pre-MBA Quantitative Skill: Data Analysis

• Pre-MBA Quantitative Skill: Accounting

• Pre-MBA Quantitative Skill: Finance

About the Prep Courses 

These courses were designed to equip students with a basic understanding of business finance, accounting, and data analysis. Whereas they aren't required to complete prior to starting the MBA@Rice program, the JGSB has put together these three courses with the intent of helping students prepare for the rigors of this prestigious MBA program. In addition, students are introduced to and refreshed on basic knowledge and skills for aspiring business leaders. 

Having taught at Rice for nearly a combined 40 years, JGSB faculty have found that newly enrolled students often lack confidence in some fundamental quantitative skills, as well as struggling with accounting and finance mechanics and terminology. As a result, these courses include a varying series of lectures, practice opportunities, and instructional video walk-throughs that will allow students to confidently take a seat at the leadership table. 

Instructors: 

• Brian Rountree,  Associate Professor of Accounting Jones Graduate School of Business 

• James P. Weston, Harmon Whittington Professor of Finance Jones Graduate School of Business 

How to Access the Prep Courses 

• Access Coursera for Rice via this link. 

• Click "Login" 

  • Choose "Login With Rice University"

• Sign-in with Rice credentials

• Happy learning!

• Refer to this document for step-by-step instructions.

FAQs 

Are these prep courses mandatory? 

• The prep courses are an optional resource for students. 

How long does it take to complete a course? 

• Courses are self-paced. You can take as much time as you need, but most courses are designed to be completed in 4-6 weeks if you’re investing 3-6 hours per week. However, this online material also works well as a supplement to your current coursework and/or interests. 

Do I need to take the courses in any specific order? 

• No, these courses may be taken in any order.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person or live online? 

• This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device. 

Who has access to Coursera for Rice? 

• All current students, faculty, and staff can enroll in any Rice course offered on Coursera. 

Do I receive academic credit for completing courses through Coursera for Rice? 

• No, academic credit is not awarded for courses taken on Coursera. The courses offered on Coursera are created and taught by Rice faculty, but are not official academic courses. If you complete a course on Coursera, you earn a certificate offered by Coursera. 

What’s the difference between taking a course through Coursera for Rice and taking a course through the main Coursera site (coursera.org)? 

• Coursera for Rice gives you free access to the same courses you would have to pay for if you accessed them on the Coursera site. While anyone can audit a course for free on the Coursera site, auditing students don’t have access to some learning activities, assignment grading and cannot participate in the course discussion forums. Through Coursera for Rice, you have complementary, premium access to all Coursera courses Rice offers. This student benefit allows you to fully participate in the courses, and even earn certificates for successfully completing courses. 

What does the workload entail to complete each individual course?

• Students will complete end-of-week quizzes, averaging around 10-15 questions that are auto-graded

• A cumulative course-particular final. 

• For 'Finance for Non-Financial Professionals' course, students will fuflill a capstone project in order to complete the course.

Is there a TA or another way for students to get assistance with the material? 

• Not currently. For any questions related to the course, please reach out to riceonline@rice.edu. 

What if I have technical issues while enrolling or navigating courses? Who can I contact for support? 

• Contact riceonline@rice.edu with any questions regarding Coursera for Rice and a member of the Rice Online Learning team will assist you.