PROFESSIONAL & CORPORATE PROGRAMS

Frequently Asked
Questions

  • Who can take Continuing Studies courses?

    Continuing Studies classes are open to adults, with the exception of a few courses for high school students. A few courses have prerequisites indicated in the course descriptions, and some programs, including our degree programs, require a bachelor's degree (which does not have to be from Rice but must be from an accredited institution).

    See individual program pages for specifics.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent, Glasscock Instructor
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • What is the physical address of Rice University?

    6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent, Glasscock Instructor
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Can I attend the first class before I pay?

    You may only attend class if you have paid the full fee amount.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Do I have to be a Rice graduate?

    Continuing Studies classes are open to adults, with the exception of a few courses for high school students. A few courses have prerequisites indicated in the course descriptions, and some programs require a bachelor's degree (which does not have to be from Rice but must be from an accredited institution). See individual program pages for specifics.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Can I pay half of the fee up front and then the other half after I determine I want to stay in the class?

    You may only attend class if you have paid the full fee amount.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Can I see if I like the class before I pay?

    You may only attend class if you have paid the full fee amount.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • What is a CEU?

    The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized uniform unit of measurement of individual participation in non-credit continuing education. One Continuing Education Unit is defined as "ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience, under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualified instruction." CEUs provide the framework for individuals to document their efforts to update or broaden their knowledge or skills through a variety of non-credit educational options. CEUs are granted for classroom hours and are not granted for hours spent at such activities as performances, field trips or tours.

    Audiences: Lifelong Learner, Professional
    Categories:
    General Information
  • How do I request a refund?

    You can find information regarding refunds on our Policies page

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Cancellations & Refunds
  • Will I receive a refund if I decide not to take a course?

    Refund policies differ, depending on the type of course. Please find more information about refunds on our Policies page.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Cancellations & Refunds
  • If I miss a class, can I make it up in another section or in another semester?

    No, in most cases another section is not available, and we do not carry over registrations from one session to another. If handouts were distributed in the class you missed, you can request those handouts at the next class from the course attendant. Some individual programs, such as ESL, the Foreign Language Program and Center for College Readiness have specific policies on missed classes. Please call or consult the website.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Will I need books for my class?

    Some courses have required and/or recommended texts. For information on books for your course see individual program pages on our website or call 713-348-4803.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Is my course tax deductible?

    An individual may be able to claim a tax deduction or a tax credit for the cost of attending this continuing education program. However, we do not issue 1098-Ts. Non-academic credit programs such as continuing education courses do not require a 1098-T per IRS guidelines. Please keep a copy of your receipt and consult with your tax advisor about whether your payment meets the regulations that apply to tax deductions and tax credits. The University’s Federal Tax ID Number is 74-1109620.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Do you offer online courses?

    Yes, we offer a variety of online courses. Please visit our Online Learning page for more information.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Online Learning
  • Do you accept late registrations?

    We accept some late registrations depending on the course and space availability. If you would like to enroll in a course that has started, please call 713-348-4803 to inquire about late registration.

    Audiences: Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • I am worried about a course becoming full. Can I reserve a spot?

    We do not accept reservations for courses or trainings. You must complete the full registration process including payment.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Will I receive confirmation of my registration?

    You will receive an enrollment acknowledgment in the mail approximately one week after registration (although this varies by program). This will include classroom location, campus map, parking information, book requirements and other information relating to your particular class.

    Audiences: Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Where do I park for my Continuing Studies course?

    You will receive important information about parking in your enrollment acknowledgment; please read and retain all parking information. Visit our Parking & Directions for more information.

    Audiences: Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Parking
  • What are your business hours?

    Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent, Glasscock Instructor
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Where are the Continuing Studies offices?

    We are located in the Anderson-Clarke Center, the three-story building on the left as you come in Entrance 8 at the intersection of University Boulevard and Stockton Drive. It is building #74 on the campus map. Visitor parking spaces are available on the backside of the building.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent, Glasscock Instructor
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Can I earn college credit for Continuing Studies courses?

    Continuing Studies courses do not confer college credit with the exception of the Graduate Liberal Studies programs and Education programs. Some Continuing Studies programs confer professional continuing education credit, which is indicated in the course description. All courses grant participants Continuing Education Units (CEUs) – one unit for every ten hours of classroom time.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • What is the deadline for registration?

    In general, we accept registrations up until the first class session, as long as there is space available in the class. Many classes fill quickly; we recommend that you register as early as possible. Some lifelong learner and professional development courses have an early registration discount. See course pages for details. If you have waited until the day a class starts to register, please call us at 713-348-4803; if you register online at the last minute you risk not getting course location or parking information. 

    Audiences: Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • When are courses offered?

    Lifelong learner courses are offered in two major sessions a year, beginning in January and August. Language courses are offered year-round. Professional development courses are offered at various times of the year, but typically begin in spring or fall. Please see the Master of Liberal Studies and Master of Arts in Teaching program for our degree program schedules.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Do you offer financial aid for Continuing Studies courses?

    Financial assistance information can be found on Rice Financial Aid's Visiting and Continuing Education Students page.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • How do I know if a course is full?

    Courses are indicated as full on the registration website page. If available, an option to be added to the waiting list is stated on the same registration website page.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Educator, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • How do I transfer to a different course?

    Please contact us in writing at gscs@rice.edu with any changes to your registration.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • I am on a wait list for a course. What does this mean?

    If space becomes available, you will receive an email to ask if you would like to attend. Once contacted, you must respond within 24 hours, or the space will be offered to the next person on the waiting list.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • I lost my certificate. How do I obtain a copy?

    Please contact us at gscs@rice.edu to receive a copy of your certificate.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional
    Categories:
    General Information
  • If I am on a wait list and not offered a spot, will I receive a refund of my tuition?

    We do not require payment to be placed on a waitlist.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • What forms of payment are accepted?

    We accept payments via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express) or check. 

    Checks

    Please make checks payable to: RICE UNIVERSITY. Checks submitted to Rice University for payment may be converted into an electronic funds transfer from your account. There is a $30 charge for all checks returned for insufficient funds. 

    Wire Transfers

    Wire transfers are accepted for our Center for College Readiness Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) and International Baccalaureate (IB) workshops. There is an additional charge of $25.00 per transaction in addition to their registration to cover the costs of fees incurred by the university for wire transfers.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • What if I have accessibility needs?

    Most classrooms are accessible for all participants; however, some classrooms and seating in older buildings may be inaccessible for people who use wheelchairs and/or other aids for mobility. Rice shuttle buses are handicapped accessible. Please notify us at gscs@rice.edu if you require accommodations. For information on Rice's Disability Support Services office, visit dss.rice.edu.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • How do I cancel my registration?

    Cancellations can be made from your Student Account. Cancellation deadlines differ by program. Please consult your receipt for additional information.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Cancellations & Refunds
  • What supplies should I bring to the course?

    You may refer to your subject-specific course description for items if requested by your instructor. Course cost of attendance includes all supplies and/or textbooks that you will need for your course unless specifically stated otherwise.

    For Educator Workshops
    We recommend comfortable attire and walking shoes, as trainings typically involve walking around Rice University's campus. Science teachers must follow Rice University's lab safety rules by wearing closed-toe shoes (no sandals), long pants or skirts, laboratory coats, and goggles during all lab activities.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • When will I receive confirmation that I am registered?

    You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes after completing an online registration. If you do not receive your confirmation email, please check your junk mail/spam folder.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Where should I mail my payment?

    Please mail your payment to:

    Rice University, Attn: Registration Services
    P.O. Box 1892, MS-550
    Houston, TX 77251-1892

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Who do I make my purchase order payable to?

    Please make your purchase order payable to Rice University.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Will I receive a receipt confirming the tuition paid for a course?

    You will receive your receipt via email shortly after registering.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Are scholarships available?

    Degree Seekers
    Fellowships and additional financial assistance may be available for our degree programs. Please consult the appropriate degree program webpages for more information. 

    Professionals, Educators, Lifelong Learners, K-12 Students & Language Learners
    Currently, we do not offer financial assistance for any of the courses beyond our advertised discounts. There are bundle discount opportunities and discounts available for participants who are members of the following professional organizations: AFP, AASP, Apra, ESCH. There may be scholarship opportunities available for those interested in our certificate programs. Details for these scholarships can be found on the individual certificate pages.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Can I audit a course?

    Courses are not eligible for audit. Registration is required for all courses and certificate programs.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Can I transfer my course(s) to a degree program?

    Degree Programs
    All of our courses in our degree programs are available for academic credit. These courses are offered only to those accepted into the degree program.

    Non-Degree Programs
    At this time, all of non-degree courses are for continuing education purposes and do not provide academic credit; therefore, they cannot be transferred to a degree program.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Do philanthropy & nonprofit courses count toward the education requirement for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification? Where can I obtain more information about obtaining CFRE certification?

    Philanthropy & nonprofit courses and certificates can count toward the education requirement for CFRE credentials. Each course page on the website indicates the number of CFRE points that can be earned. More information on CFRE certification can be obtained from CFRE International.

    Audiences: Professional
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Do you have an admissions process?

    Noncredit Courses & Certificates

    Our courses operate on an open-enrollment basis except for the select certificate programs, which have prerequisites and/or an application process. Details about the application process for each program is available on the specific program page. 

    Degree Programs & Credit Certificates

    Our degree programs and credit-bearing certificates have admissions processes specific to each program. Please visit the specific program pages for more details.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • Do you offer job-searching assistance after I complete a course or certificate?

    At this time, we do not have a formal career center or job placement component to the center. We are able to share information including job descriptions and current executive search details with our current and past participants at the request of organizations and firms seeking to connect with our alumni. Please contact our office at gscs@rice.edu or 713-348-4803 for individual assistance and questions.

    Audiences: Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Professional
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Where does my course meet?

    The majority of our courses take place in the Anderson-Clarke Center on Rice University’s campus. You will receive an enrollment acknowledgment through postal mail along with an email when your registration is processed. This acknowledgment will include course location and parking details. If you register on the Web, your schedule and classroom location will be available on your online account under “My Enrollment History/My Class Schedule.”  If it is not available right away, please continue to check back. If you register close to the start of the course, you should contact the CPNL program coordinator at 713-348-4803 or at gscs@rice.edu for parking and location details. See the Rice campus map.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • How do I pay for my registration?

    Non-credit courses
    There are multiple ways to pay for a course. If you want to register on the Web, you will be required to pay for your course with a credit card on the Web. You can pay with a credit card over the phone by calling 713-348-4803, or you can pay in person at the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies (see "Anderson-Clarke Center" on the Rice campus map) during normal business hours. Credit cards or checks are accepted. Please make checks payable to: RICE UNIVERSITY. Note: checks submitted to Rice University for payment may be converted into an electronic fund transfer from your account. You can mail a check (be sure to include the course number in the “notes” section) to:

    Rice University
    Glasscock School of Continuing Studies – MS 550
    Attn: Course Payment
    6100 Main Street
    Houston, TX 77005

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • How do I register for a course?

    You can register online for most courses (with the exception of ESL, credit programs, and some professional development programs). You can register on the Web by clicking on a specific course and following the REGISTER NOW button. You can also register by phone by calling 713-348-4803 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.). Finally, you can register in person at the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies during normal business hours. See "Anderson-Clarke Center" on the Rice campus map.  Please note some programs have an application process. If payment via check is accepted, please make checks payable to: RICE UNIVERSITY.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Enrollment & Registration
  • What is the refund policy?

    Information regarding the refund policy and process can be found on our Policies page.

    Audiences: Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    Cancellations & Refunds
  • Will I receive anything showing that I completed a course or certificate?

    Certificate participants who successfully meet the established criteria will receive paperwork from Rice. Individual course participants may request an electronic certificate from gscs@rice.edu verifying enrollment, CEU, CPE and/or CFRE credit.

    Audiences: Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent
    Categories:
    General Information
  • Do you give discounts for senior citizens, alumni or any others?

    We do not have a senior citizen discount. Some courses feature discounts for members of a co-sponsoring organization. Association of Rice Alumni members are eligible for a reduced fee for many non-limited enrollment courses. Visit our Policies page for more information.

    Audiences: Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional
    Categories:
    General Information
  • How do I use a course gift certificate issued by the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies?

    To use a gift certificate to register for a course, the registrant must call the program coordinator and reference the number on the top right of the gift certificate. Each certificate may be used only for what is stated on the gift certificate, and it may only be used for a course that begins prior to the expiration date listed. Gift certificates have no cash value and may not be used for a discount on a course which costs more than the amount listed on the certificate. For additional inquiries, please email:  gscs@rice.edu.

    Audiences: Lifelong Learner, Professional
    Categories:
    General Information
  • I have a concern or wish to file a complaint. Whom should I contact?

    You may contact us directly through postal mail, e-mail, fax or phone.

    Mailing Address: Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
    MS 550, Rice University,
    P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251
    E-mail: gscs@rice.edu
    Fax number: 713-348-5213
    Main telephone number: 713-348-4803

    If you have a complaint about parking, please e-mail gscs@rice.edu.

    Audiences: Corporate Partner, Degree Seeker, Educator, Language Learner, Lifelong Learner, Professional, Youth/K-12 Student or Parent, Glasscock Instructor
    Categories:
    General Information
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