Rice Online Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

RICE FACULTY

How can I develop a course with Rice Online Learning?

Rice University welcomes the opportunity to support faculty in offering their Rice courses on the Coursera, edX or Canvas platforms. We accept proposals for online courses through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Proposals are reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee of Rice faculty members and given final approval by the Vice President for Global and Digital Strategy. Email RiceOnline@rice.edu for more information.

How can I use a Rice Online Learning course in my own classroom?

Rice faculty and departments regularly use Rice Online Learning courses and materials in their classrooms. For more information on using Rice Online Learning courses in your classroom, please direct your inquiry to RiceOnline@rice.edu.

RICE GRADUATE STUDENTS

Does Rice University offer graduate degree programs online?

Yes, Rice University currently offers four top-ranked online master’s programs:

RICE UNDERGRADUATES

Does Rice Online Learning offer courses for Rice credit?

Yes, Rice Online Learning currently offers about 20+ Rice courses online for credit, and we work on adding more each year. The Rice Course Schedule provides a list of 100% online courses (labeled “Fully Online”) offered to Rice students each semester.

STUDENTS: REGISTRATION

How do I register for a Rice Online Learning Course?

Rice Online Learning offers courses with several platform partners, as well as courses through the Rice University Registrar’s office, so registration is a bit different for each:

  • Professional Education, Certificates, Lifelong Learning, and On Demand courses on Coursera: Each of our online course pages links to the corresponding course page on the Coursera platform. To enroll in a course, you’ll be prompted to register for the platform via a simple web form asking for basic details.

  • Professional Education, Lifelong Learning and High School AP Courses on EdX: Each of our online course pages links to the corresponding course page on the edX platform. To enroll in a course, you’ll be prompted to register for the platform via a simple web form asking for basic details.

  • Professional Education, Graduate Prerequisite courses on Rice University’s Canvas platform: Each of our online course pages will link you to a simple web form, requiring basic details and payment for the course. Once you have paid and registered, Rice Online Learning will be in touch with your access details for the Canvas platform.

  • Summer School Courses for Credit: Registration for these courses is run by the University’s Registrar– current Rice students register as usual through ESTHER, and any visiting students or graduated high school seniors must complete an application. Session dates, application materials, and deadlines can be found on the Registrar’s Summer Sessions website.

STUDENTS: OPEN ACCESS

What is open access?

Rice Online Learning offers many courses that are open to the public at no cost. An important part of our mission is to broaden access to the quality education and stellar faculty here at Rice University.