No, the MLS program does not require its applicants to have taken the GRE or any other standardized test. You must complete the application form in its entirety. See How To Apply.
Yes. After completing a core course in each of the three areas – social sciences, humanities, and science – students can choose to take courses (or a majority of courses) in one of those tracks to complete their degree.
No. Like most graduate-level programs, the MLS program is a stand-alone program. All courses must be taken within the program.
No. As stated above, all courses must be taken within the Rice MLS program.
No.
Classes are held on the Rice campus and meet once a week for three hours. Most courses will also meet on an occasional Saturday morning.
No. Classes meet during weekday evenings and an occasional Saturday morning.
The program stresses small classes and most classes will have 20 students, although some classes may be slightly smaller or larger.
The program is designed for working adults, and we realize you have other commitments in life. Our sessions are scheduled to give you the time off you need during the year. For instance, our fall session will end before Thanksgiving and courses are not held in December; there will be a break between the winter and spring sessions to accommodate the traditional spring break time; and there are no courses scheduled for most of June and all of July and August.
If you take one course per session, you can earn your degree in 11 sessions. With three sessions held per year (fall, winter, and spring), you could earn your degree in a little less than four years. You could earn it sooner by taking two courses per session. Students are required to take only one course during their first session, but may take up to two courses per session after that. Given that scenario, you could finish in two and a half years. It is the policy of the MLS program that you must finish your degree requirements within seven years from the date you first began the program.
Yes, but you must take at least two courses per academic year. Students who fail to take courses in two or more consecutive sessions must reapply to the program.
No, but a lengthy paper or project will be required in the capstone (final) course. Also, research papers will be required in all courses.
Please see the Tuition page. For students entering this year and completing their degree within four years, we estimate the program will cost approximately $28,000 in tuition and fees.
Continuing Studies has supported the Rice community through various tuition discounts for our general programs. We would like to continue this practice with our first degree program and are offering a 10 percent tuition discount for benefits-eligible Rice staff. The MLS is not eligible for Rice tuition reimbursement or tuition waiver.
Yes. MLS program graduates will be able to attend graduation ceremonies with all other Rice graduates.
No. However, you may choose to apply for a student loan through a private lending agency. Be sure to choose only those loans which do not require the school or university to "certify" the loan. The MLS program currently cannot offer scholarships but is actively seeking individuals or corporations who could underwrite a scholarship fund to help worthy students pursue their degree.
To take any classes in the MLS program, you must first be admitted into the program. When a course enrollment is reaching capacity, priority will be given to students pursuing a degree.
The MLS program is a part-time program designed for adults, not full-time students. Classes meet in the evenings and some Saturdays as opposed to the traditional schedule of weekday classes. If you are interested in completing the program quickly, you may take two courses per session (following your initial session), in which case you could graduate in two and a half years.
No. The F-1 student visa requires a full-time course of study. Because the MLS program is part time only, international applicants requiring a student visa cannot enroll. International applicants who are legally in the United States (such as permanent residents) may enroll in the program since a student visa will not be required.