Online STEM Programs
Experience Rice University Before College
If you’re considering a future in STEM, Rice University might have the perfect option for you. Our Precollege Online Program offers STEM enrichment for teens. These 100% online courses include subjects such as genome engineering and physiology, with more to come. This is a great way to try out a variety of STEM 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 STEM 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
Genome Engineering
Genome Engineering: Changing the Future of Medicine
What role do genomes play in medicine?
What role do genetics play in diseases? What does your DNA tell you about your own genetic makeup? Delve into genome engineering and how the human genome can be edited to treat diseases, such as Sickle Cell and other hereditary blood disorders. Study the ethics surrounding genome editing and compare the design tools used, especially those in the medical field. If you see yourself pursuing this topic in college, or one day in a career, this course is a great place to start.
Physiology
Physiology: The Foundations of Medicine
Explore Physiology and its Importance in Medicine
Studying how the nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems work together is an important first step in understanding how the human body functions. Physiology is the foundation you’ll need if you aspire to a career in medicine. Plus, human anatomy and physiology are the basis for numerous jobs in allied health, emergency services, and the medical field.
Aerospace
Space Exploration: The Road to Mars
Delve Into The World of Space Travel
Think about human space exploration coupled with today’s tech innovations. Imagine the logistics needed to launch people from Earth to the Moon and Mars. Hear what some of today’s aerospace leaders have to say about the future of this compelling science. This course will examine space exploration from the early Apollo voyages to the Artemis program. You’ll learn about the evolution—and future—of space exploration, and discover if aeronautics could be in your future.
Psychology
In Our Everyday Lives
Understand Psychology’s Role in Everyday Life
Why do our brains interpret things so differently? Why is our health affected by our emotions? Psychology is the science that explains many “whys.” In this course, you’ll focus on how psychology is used to identify and address societal problems. You’ll learn how research and statistics provide answers to long-standing questions, such as why societies develop group-think, and how to use critical thinking and effective communication to grow in your personal life.
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.