MBA for Professionals

Invest in Your Career 

Your business career is in progress, and you’re ready to embrace new pursuits, greater responsibility, and command higher earning potential. Embark on the next phase of your professional endeavors with the comprehensive yet focused curriculum of the Rice MBA for Professionals program.

More than a part time program, the MBA for Professionals enables you to discover a wealth of knowledge and opportunities driven by a spirit of innovative leadership, all while maintaining your current work schedule. The flexibility of the MBA for Professionals program offers an evening or weekend option to meet the demands of today's career accelerators.

How do I apply? 
Apply online. 

What are the application requirements?

1. Completed online application.
2. Three personal essays submitted online.
3. Professional resume submitted online.
4. Official test scores submitted to the Jones School (GMAT, TOEFL or PTE Academic).
5. One confidential evaluation submitted to our office provided that this one evaluation is from your current, direct supervisor. If this one evaluation is not from your current supervisor, you are required to submit twoconfidential evaluations.
6. Official transcripts of all previous coursework mailed to our office.
7. $125 USD application fee paid online or by check mailed to our office (payable to Rice University).

Which of the admissions criteria are most important?
Applications are considered in their entirety. We seek students who possess strong academic and quantitative analytical aptitude, demonstrated management potential, and diversity of experiences.

How much is the application fee? 
$125 in U.S. dollars, payable by credit card, check, or money order to Rice University. Applications not accompanied by this fee will not be reviewed.

Do you waive the application fee? 
REEP applicants are not required to submit the application fee. The application fee is also waived for military personnel (active duty or veteran), Teach for America corps members and alumni, and Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Fellows.

What do the application deadlines and decision dates really mean if I am applying to the MBA for Professionals program?
Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee when all materials (including letters of recommendation, test scores, official transcripts, completed online application, etc.) are submitted and complete.  All applications for the MBA for Professionals program are reviewed on a rolling basis which simply means that as soon as your application is submitted and considered complete, you should receive a decision within four to six weeks. 

Do you require interviews as part of the application process?
Interviews are scheduled on an invitation only basis and will be extended when your application is submitted and considered complete.  Not all applicants will be granted an interview.  However, all admitted students will have gone through the interview process.  You are highly encouraged to come to campus for your interview.  Interviews should take 30 minutes.  Your interview will be conducted by an Admissions Counselor who is a 2nd year current student in the program and a member of the Admissions Committee.
 

Who should write my confidential evaluations? 
One confidential evaluation is required and should be from your current, direct supervisor. Your current, direct supervisor is one who has known you professionally and should be able to provide detailed insights into your administrative and/or academic performance. If this one evaluation is not from your current supervisor, you arerequired to submit two confidential evaluations. It would be helpful to include a note in your application explaining your choice of evaluators. Please do not use friends or family members. If you work in a family business, please ask a client or previous supervisor from outside the family business. Evaluations should be current and address your potential as an MBA candidate. 

Must confidential evaluations be submitted online? 
The online evaluation form is a requirement and must be submitted. You may submit an accompanying letter of recommendation as well, but the online form is a requirement.

What if I already started my application for the MBA for Professionals Evening program and now I want to switch to the MBA for Professionals Weekend program? Can I switch? 
Yes. You can make changes in the first section of your online application. Just select the schedule option that best fits your schedule and lifestyle. 

How many essays are required, and what are the topics?
All applicants must submit 3 required essays. Re-applicants must submit a 4th required essay. REEP MBA Pathway applicants must submit an additional required essay. Please see REEP for more details. All applicants may submit an optional additional essay if they choose. The essay topics are:

1. Describe your short-term and long-term career goals, and how the MBA will help you achieve those goals. Include in your discussion: How is pursuing an MBA while still a working professional the right choice, and why are you interested in obtaining a Rice MBA? (Maximum 750 words)
2. Describe a time when you successfully transformed an idea into action. How did your leadership and interpersonal skills contribute to this experience, and how will this experience impact your contribution as a team member at the Jones School? (Maximum 750 words)
3. Choose one of the following three essays (Maximum 750 words):
   • What is the best mistake you have ever made?  Include its impact on you and how it altered your view of the world.
   • Describe a defining moment or event that changed your life.
   • What historical event would you like to have witnessed or participated in, and why?
    
4. Required for re-applicants ONLY: Think about the time that has elapsed since you last applied to the Jones School. What actions have you taken to improve your candidacy? (Maximum 750 words)
5. Optional: You may use this essay to discuss anything else that you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you, or to provide information or clarification on one or more aspects of your application. (Maximum 750 words)