Online Business Programs

Experience Rice University Before College

If you’re considering a future in business, Rice University might have the perfect option for you. Our Precollege Online Program offers business enrichment for teens. These 100% online courses include subjects such as entrepreneurship and economics, with more to come. This is a great way to try out a variety of business subjects before you commit to a college major. Learn with acclaimed Rice University professors and even get insights from experts in your field of interest. Our flexible format lets you study anywhere, anytime at your own pace. If you’re thinking about testing out a business enrichment program, find your fit with Rice.

Program Dates

Multi-length courses available throughout the year

Eligibility

For students ages 13 and up

Individual Course Fees

$1495

Current Courses Available

A digital world with various international financial symbols

Entrepreneurship

From Ideas to Impact In Fintech

Discover the Digital Transformation of Financial Services

For entrepreneurs, digital disruptions in financial markets are creating opportunities for growth and financial gain. Financial technologies, like cryptocurrencies and blockchain, are among the innovations that are changing payment processing, investing, and financial services. Explore how these entrepreneurial disruptors are capturing revenue, democratizing access, and impacting economies the worldover. Thinking of one day launching your own business in finance or technology? Start here.


Money behind an inflation graph

Economics

The Business of Economics

Understand the Economic Impacts That Drive Business

What happens to businesses when markets fluctuate? Why is it essential for industries to know how economics relates to business? In this course, you’ll hear from experts in the field. You’ll learn why firms must be able to anticipate production disruptions, consider energy and labor markets, and understand policy changes that come from the government. If you see yourself pursuing a career in business, knowledge of economics is a great place to start. 


How You Will Benefit

  • Help narrow your focus on what interests you to better determine subjects you might choose to study in college.
  • Experience what it’s like to take a course designed by Rice University faculty while you’re still in high school.
  • Flexible learning: lectures by professors are delivered through dynamic videos, so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows
  • Work with mentors who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience.
  • Complete a capstone project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
  • For each course, earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University for your college application.

Teenage boy working on a computer

Three Learning Advantages Designed for You

Capstone Project

All courses culminate in a special capstone project that allows you to:

  • Demonstrate what you’ve learned in a presentation.
  • Get feedback from your mentors on your work.
  • Choose from a variety of topics covered in your course to show what you’ve learned. 
  • Use any media you prefer—text, video, photography, PowerPoint.

Mentoring

You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:

  • Expertise in your course’s particular field.
  • Encouragement and direction on all assignments. 
  • Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies. 
  • Brainstorming to help you prepare for your capstone project.

Flexible Learning

  • 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
  • Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures. Tune in anytime that works for you.
  • Multiple courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience.
  • 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and activities per course, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.

Teenage girl working on a computer

How to Apply

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.

Note: Please submit all application materials in English.

Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Want to Know More?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.

Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:

  • Haven’t applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
  • Applied to the program and didn’t fill out a scholarship request, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
  • Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollege.rice.edu for assistance.