No, the MIS program does not require its applicants to have taken the GRE. You must complete the application form in its entirety.

Students admitted to the MIS program are expected to take all courses within the Rice MIS program; however, up to 6 hours may be transferred in on a case-by-case basis.

MIS and DLS classes are held in person on the Rice University campus. There is no standard online or dual delivery option. In-person instruction is important for fostering robust class discussions, building community, and creating an engaging, collaborative learning environment. Classes typically meet once a week for three hours. In some cases, individual professors may offer certain courses or class sessions via Zoom at their discretion. However, students should plan for a primarily in-person experience.

No. Classes meet during weekday evenings.

The program stresses small classes and most classes will have 12 students, although some classes may be slightly smaller or larger.

Yes, but you must take at least two courses per academic year and submit a leave of absence form prior to the start of the semester you will miss.

Benefits-eligible Rice staff who demonstrate a financial need can receive a 50% tuition discount. The MIS is not eligible for the Rice tuition waiver, but students may be eligible for Rice tuition reimbursement.

Yes. MIS and DLS program graduates will be able to attend graduation ceremonies with all other Rice graduates.

We do not offer fully online courses. Classes are typically held in person, and in some cases students may be permitted to attend remotely via Zoom. The format and delivery of each course are determined by the individual faculty member.

For part-time students, the answer is no. The F-1 student visa requires a full-time course of study. International applicants requiring a student visa must enroll full-time. 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.

Students seeking admission to the MIS program who completed coursework and/or degree(s) at institutions outside the United States must present a professional course-by-course evaluation of the foreign official transcript. The professional evaluation must verify that the degree obtained is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. academic institution and must include an explanation of credits earned (including U.S. semester hour equivalents), grade equivalents, and course levels (lower or upper level). Two reliable services with course-by-course evaluations that include this required information are:

• The Evaluation Company (evalcompany.com/) and
• Education Credentials Evaluators (ece.org).

All professional evaluations should be obtained from one of these two recommended credential services and submitted to the MIS Program. Payment for the professional evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant.

Yes, we prefer e-Trancripts! The Rice University Master of Interdisciplinary Studies and Diploma in Liberal Studies programs accept electronic transcripts from U.S. institutions via secure electronic transcript providers. Consult with your institution to see if they are part of a secure e-delivery network. All electronic transcripts should be sent to mis@rice.edu. Please note transcripts are not accepted by fax or personal email. Official transcripts mailed must arrive in the original, sealed envelope issued by the institution.

For students entering this year and completing their degree within four years, we estimate the program will cost approximately $36,000 in tuition and fees.

Part-time students who take one course per semester can earn the degree in 10 semesters or in a little less than four years. Students can earn it sooner by taking two courses per semester and/or in the summer. Part-time students are required to take only one course during their first semester, but may take up to two courses per semester after that. Given that scenario, you could finish in two and a half years. 

Full-time students who take three courses (9 hours) in the fall and spring semesters and at least 2 courses (6 hours) in the summer can earn the degree in two years.

It is the policy of the DLS program that you must finish your degree requirements within seven years from the date you first began the program. 

In some cases, a student may want to take a course outside of the DLS program to gain knowledge in one or more focus disciplines.  Please coordinate with the GLS program office.

Yes. After completing a core course in each of the three areas – social sciences, humanities, and natural science – students can choose to take courses (or a majority of courses) in one of those tracks to complete their degree. Additionally, certified High School English and History teachers can focus all of their electives in these subjects to meet Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing requirements.

Applicants who are foreign nationals and those whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency.

Tuition Reimbursement

The University’s tuition reimbursement program supports employee development of current and future job-related skills and knowledge. The tuition reimbursement program is available to all employees who are benefits eligible and have completed the six-month employee probationary period. Employees are required to complete the Tuition Reimbursement Application, and submit it to Human Resources (HR) prior to the course start date. If approved, upon completion of the course, employees must submit to HR both proof of payment and evidence of successful completion of the course (grade of C or higher) will receive 75% of their course tuition up to $5,250.

Tuition Reimbursement Application Form

The employee must forward the signed application to Human Resources via campus mail (MS-92), or by email to benefits@rice.edu for final approval.

The employee will receive a copy of the approved application.

Yes. After completing core course requirements in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, students may pursue one of the program’s designated tracks or select courses in a particular area in consultation with the Program Director.

MIS and DLS students who are benefits-eligible faculty and staff with 6 months or more of service may apply for tuition reimbursement. Visit the HR Tuition Reimbursement website for additional details and requirements.