Rice's Rodriguez: 'The online MBA has grown enrollment and contributed to the culture of the school'

The fifth anniversary of Rice University's online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is being observed this month. The online MBA has become the fastest growing program at the Houston, Texas university's Jones Graduate School of Business since its 2018 launch.  

"Ranked No. 12 for online programs by U.S. News and top 5 for online programs by Princeton Review and Poets & Quants, the online MBA is recognized for its rigor and service to students – which includes a large portion of veterans," Rice University's Office of Public Affairs states in July 11 press release.

Rice reported in November that the program had been recognized by Princeton Review and Entrepreneur as the top graduate entrepreneurship program from 2020 to 2022. Out-of-state students are 25% of the program’s currently enrolled students, 24% are veterans, and the average age is 38 years, according to the release. 

The online MBA program’s success has contributed to the 40% growth of its business tenure-track family, according to the university. “Here, you’ll build the confidence to grow and take risks, backed by the support of best-in-class faculty and your fellow ambitious students,” the university states on its website. “We challenge you to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit, boldly pursue innovation to solve complex business problems, elevate your career and create value for your organization.”

It takes two years for students, most of whom possess more than half a decade of work experience, to complete MBA@Rice, the university states.

“The online MBA has grown enrollment and contributed to the culture of the school through student government and club roles,” Peter Rodriguez, Jones dean and professor of strategic management, said in the release. 

“And alumni from this program are contributing, too," Rodriguez said. "The newest alumni board president, for instance, hails from Boston via the online MBA program. It shows that having an online MBA serving working professionals who may not have the option to study on campus allows us to broaden our reach and impact."