Rice University – MBA@Rice

School Overview

Rice Business is known for its tight-knit community, emphasis on real-world impact and rigorous curriculum that equips students to lead effectively in evolving business environments. Nestled in Houston, one of the nation’s most dynamic and diverse cities (with the second most Fortune 500 headquarters), Rice graduates join a network of more than 86,000 alums in over 50 countries.

The school offers a range of MBA formats, all taught by the same world-renowned faculty, including full-time, professional, executive, online and hybrid options. Rice also offers deferred enrollment to the Full-Time MBA for undergraduate seniors, dual degree programs (MBA/PSM and MD/MBA), a Ph.D., a Master of Accounting, an undergraduate business major and minor, and an undergraduate entrepreneurship minor.

Additionally, Rice offers executive education programs designed to help experienced professionals strengthen their leadership skills or address specific organizational and management opportunities in their current roles.

Rankings

U.S. News & World Report: 29
Financial Times: 1 (Texas), 21 (U.S.); 42 (Global)
Part-Time U.S. News & World Report: 15

Location

Rice University is in the heart of Houston, the fourth-largest and most diverse city in the U.S. Rice’s campus is conveniently located between downtown, the museum district and the world’s largest medical center. Steps away from Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo and Rice Village, students are surrounded by art, culture and dining options. Combining affordability with opportunity, Houston boasts a 29% lower cost of living than the nation’s most populous metro areas. Rice’s location positions graduates for success in the country’s second-largest hub of Fortune 500 headquarters.

Facilities

McNair Hall, home to Rice Business, has everything students need in one place. All classes and professors are there, and there are places to relax after class as well, including Audrey’s coffee shop and the patio where the school hosts happy hour “Partios.”

Rice Business has also developed an entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) Lab. The Lilie Lab is a flexible, modern learning center and workspace where students prepare to become innovators in whatever industry they choose.

The school has also broken ground on a new school building. This impressive 112,000-square-foot structure is designed to accommodate the evolving needs of the community, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, modern office spaces and vibrant amenities such as dining areas, open gathering spaces and facilities for private events. The new building will seamlessly integrate with McNair Hall, enhancing the campus environment and continuing the collaborative culture.

Faculty

The faculty at Rice are highly accomplished, known around the world for their academic achievements and innovative research. There are over 200 faculty members working in the business program, with 65 tenured or tenure-track professors.

Student Body

The 2024 graduating class from Rice Business featured 430 students (156 Full-Time, 163 Professional, 57 Executive and 51 Online MBA students).

Our 2024 graduating class also featured the first class of students (60) at Rice to attain their bachelor’s degrees in business.

MBA Degree Offerings

Rice offers multiple MBA formats taught by the same faculty and anchored in the same curriculum. Program options include full-time, professional, executive, online and hybrid MBA, as well as a deferred enrollment option to the Full-Time MBA for undergraduate seniors. There are also two dual degree options available: MBA/PSM and MD/MBA.

Videos

Rice Business Dean Peter Rodriguez Named Poets&Quants’ 2025 Dean of the Year

Peter Rodriguez, dean of Rice Business at Rice University, has been named the 2025 Dean of the Year by Poets&Quants, a leading reporter in business education. Under Peter’s leadership, the school has seen growth in enrollment, faculty and staff and has launched new learning opportunities through the Hybrid MBA, Online MBA and, most recently, the Virani Undergraduate School of Business. To match the momentum, Peter is overseeing the construction of a new 112,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building set to open in spring 2026. Peter’s leadership has helped Rice Business soar both in numbers and in rankings, and his intelligence, attentiveness and kindness continues to inspire a culture of excellence. From our award-winning leadership to our growing alumni community, there’s so much that makes the Rice MBA exceptional. Discover why you belong here: https://business.rice.edu/dean-of-the-year

Professor, Ex-Bar Owner and Snoop Dogg’s Business Partner feat. Senior Associate Dean James Weston

In this special live episode of Owl Have You Know, James Weston, the senior associate dean for degree programs and Harmon Whittington Professor of Finance, reflects on his 25 years at Rice University. Join James and host Maya Pomroy ’22 as they explore his journey from the Federal Reserve to Rice Business, the evolution of the school over the past two and a half decades, and his vision for the school's future. They also dive deep into his groundbreaking research on racial disparities in auto loan pricing — a study that uncovered significant biases against minority borrowers. Plus, get the inside scoop on his experience running a bar in Rice Village. Learn more about Owl Have You Know: https://business.rice.edu/podcast #RiceBusiness #OwlHaveYouKnow #podcast Episode Guide: 01:20 James Weston's Career Journey 04:25 Early Career and Mentorship 08:56 Teaching Philosophy and Student Relationships 13:52 Research on Auto Loans and Discrimination 18:58 Linking Mortgage and Experian Data 20:14 Evidence of Discrimination in Auto Lending 22:48 Challenges in Passing Auto Lending Regulations 24:00 The Realities of Owning and Operating a Bar 30:24 Transition to Administration at Rice Business 33:47 Reflections on a Diverse Career ?Make sure you follow us on social media to learn more about Rice Business! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BusinessRice/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rice_business/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/jones-graduate-school-of-business-rice-university/ X: https://twitter.com/Rice_Biz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ricebusiness