Online Law and Government Programs
Experience Rice University Before College
If you’re considering a future in law or government, Rice University might have the perfect option for you. Our Precollege Online Program offers law and government enrichment for teens. These 100% online courses include subjects such as global affairs and law, with more to come. This is a great way to try out a variety of law or government 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 law or government 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
Global Affairs
Exploring Changing Political Systems
Understand the World of Global Affairs
Do you live in a democracy? Do you believe that your government protects your civil liberties and political rights? In this sought-after course, you’ll learn to think critically about the differences between democracies, semi-democracies, and authoritarian regimes. Plus, you'll explore the decline of democracies over the past few decades, using data on each country’s economic, cultural, and political science profiles.
Law
Shaping a Just and Equitable World
Explore the Role of Law in Shaping a Just and Equitable Society
How does the practice of law support the rights of people? What role does the law play in creating equal opportunity throughout society? In this course, you’ll explore the mechanics of the legal system; and the complexities of ownership rights, employment law, and access to education. Learn about the crossroads between civil rights and the law, and discover how the law can shape and protect an equitable society.
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.
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.
Hear from Rice University
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.
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.