Rice University in the heart of Houston, Texas. Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business will graduate its first cohort of undergraduate business majors this May. Courtesy photo
Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business
Don’t let its name fool you. The Jones Graduate School of Business is a power player in the MBA ranks, finishing 18th in Poets&Quants’ composite ranking of the top 100 U.S. programs and sixth in our ranking of the best online MBAs.
But, as of fall 2021, Rice Jones also offers a undergraduate business major. Its first class will graduate this May.
“Rice undergrads are known for setting a high bar — rigorous academics, multiple majors and minors in STEM, research with faculty, and following the honor code,” says dean Peter Rodriguez.
“By taking these strengths and combining them with the business program and our location in Houston, we are creating a new kind of leader who can address critical issues in the world; accelerate opportunities in the energy transition, AI and other fields; and contribute to the vitality of urban communities, specifically our home city. Our undergraduate business students will be uniquely capable of doing that.”
P&Q INTERVIEW WITH PETER RODRIGUEZ
May 2024 is set to be a big month for Rice Business education. Not only will its first cohort of undergraduate business majors walk across the commencement stage, but it also marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the B-school.
“We think that shows our growth and reach in the best possible light,” Rodriguez says.
Of course, the proof in the business major pudding is in the metrics Rice Jones hasn’t yet had the chance to measure. Think employment rate after graduation, first year salaries and signing bonuses, and the companies and organizations who hire Jones graduates. We won’t know how the first class of Jones business undergrads fared until after they start entering the workforce this summer.
And we think that will be worth watching.
We reached out to dean Rodriguez to learn more about the new undergraduate program. Read the interview below.
Dean Peter Rodriguez, Jones Graduate School of Business
What are recent and upcoming program developments and innovations that will enhance the experience of future students?
We encourage students to pursue independent study, which is a research-oriented opportunity, and we now offer an Applied Business Experience course, which facilitates student internships. Because of the increasing interest in the major and the high demand for our undergraduate courses, we are considering new electives and are constantly innovating the registration process to ensure that all student requirements are satisfied. At the same time, we are improving the advising and communication platforms.
Any other notable news coming for 2024 that readers should know?
This May, we graduate the first cohort of business majors. It coincides with the 50th anniversary of the school’s founding. We think that shows our growth and reach in the best possible light.
We are also developing student awards to celebrate their academic and service contributions to the school.
What are your program’s two biggest differentiators from other top undergraduate business programs? How do these prepare students for their careers?
We pride ourselves on having cultivated an environment at the business school that is attentive, responsive and kind. These values reflect the way we treat our community, especially our students. Attentive, responsive and kind, which we sometimes refer to as ARK, characterizes the best of what Rice Business does. We demonstrate our respect for each other, empathy and generosity. By introducing it at the undergraduate level, we imbue these values into students as they prepare to lead or launch top organizations.
Another differentiator is our tight-knit community, meaning that professors know your name and are open to work one-on-one with students on various research projects. Our professors are the same research-backed academics who teach our MBA, MAcc and Ph.D. students.
What separates your graduates from other business school graduates?
Our graduates often have multiple majors or minors in various other areas of interest. This provides diversity of perspective that is valuable no matter what industry they choose to work in after graduation. We can’t wait to tell their stories once they’re out in the business world.
Explain the career services, programming, and extracurriculars that give your students an advantage in career outcomes?
Our Center for Career Development provides undergraduate business majors with industry nights, resume reviews, and mock interviews. Our Career Development staff also help students with case preparation to ensure their success on the job market.
Students participate in business-focused clubs that give them engagement and networking opportunities along with career support. Some of these clubs include: Rice Business Society, Rice Consulting, Rice Undergraduate Investment Fund, Rice New Energy Fund, 180 Degree Consulting, Rice Women in Business, Women in Finance and Investing.
When alumni look back on their time in your undergraduate business program, what would they consider to be their signature experience?
Since our program is new and growing (and we don’t have alumni yet), students have yet to name a signature experience. You’ll know when we do.
People walk outside the home of Rice Jones Graduate School of Business, McNair Hall. Courtesy photo
What is the most underrated feature of your undergraduate business program and how does it enhance the experience for your business majors?
Rice undergrads are known for setting a high bar — rigorous academics, multiple majors and minors in STEM, research with faculty, and following the honor code. By taking these strengths and combining them with the business program and our location in Houston, we are creating a new kind of leader who can address critical issues in the world; accelerate opportunities in the energy transition, AI and other fields; and contribute to the vitality of urban communities, specifically our home city. Our undergraduate business students will be uniquely capable of doing that.
Which employers are the biggest consumers of your undergraduate talent and what have they told you about your alumni that make them so special?
We graduate our first cohort of business majors this May and look forward to hearing from employers about what makes our students special over the next few years.
What else would you like readers to know about your program?
As I talk to people who are interested in Rice and the undergraduate business program, I like to remind them of the university’s signature financial aid program called The Rice Investment. As a loan-free institution, we invest in our students so they can graduate without the burden of student debt. As of today, 57% of undergraduates receive some kind of aid. Our need-based aid and merit awards meet 100% of demonstrated need for all students. That means if there’s a gap between what an admitted student’s family is able to pay and our total cost of attendance, we cover the gap. We’re so proud of this commitment, and we believe that every eligible student who wants to pursue a Rice education has the opportunity to do so.
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