Frequently Asked Questions

Specializations allow on-campus MBA students to demonstrate specialized knowledge of a particular business function or industry based on career direction. The healthcare specialization consists of 12 credits hours of coursework, including a 3-credit project. Learn more about our MBA specializations.

No, courses are available to students in the Full-Time, Professional, Hybrid and Executive MBA programs. Contact our recruiting and admissions team for more information.

In the last few years, students have had offers from companies including: McKesson Specialty Health, Memorial Hermann Health System, Harris County Health System, IDEV Technology, Methodist Hospital System, TMC Orthopedic, DaVita, Medtronic, John & Johnson, Merck, Praxair and Humana.

No, the program length will remain the same at 22 months. Learn more about our MBA programs.

No, returning to school for an MBA is often an opportunity for students to move into a new industry. We encourage you to speak with one of our student ambassadors. 

There are no additional admission requirements to specialize in healthcare. Visit our admissions guide to learn more about the admission requirements to our MBA programs.

No, however you may indicate your interest in healthcare on the Rice admissions application. Please review our MBA admissions guide.

With strong support from career services, alumni and peer mentors, Rice Business prepares students to thrive in the healthcare industry. Individualized coaching and exclusive recruiting events help students secure internships that offer hands-on experience and early exposure to leadership and innovation. These opportunities often lead to full-time roles at top organizations like McKesson, Memorial Hermann, MD Anderson, Medtronic, Merck and Johnson & Johnson — proof that a Rice Business healthcare education is a powerful launchpad for a successful, purpose-driven career. We encourage you to explore our healthcare community to see how the Rice MBA has helped their careers.

When you specialize in healthcare in your MBA program, you may be eligible to earn the healthcare certification. You must meet the MBA specialization requirements plus the healthcare project that is required for the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. We encourage you to email healthcare@rice.edu for more details. 

Please reach out to our Recruiting and Admissions team with any questions — we’re here to help you every step of the way. We also encourage you to request more information to receive more information about our MBA programs and attend an admissions event.

While healthcare experience is strongly preferred. We welcome applicants with prior leadership experience and a demonstrated passion for healthcare. Learn more about our certificate.

No, GMAT or GRE scores are not required, but you’re welcome to include them with your application if available. Read more information about application requirements.

No, you do not need to be an MBA student to enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management.

Yes. Up to nine credits can roll over to any of our on-campus MBA programs. To qualify, candidates must apply and be admitted into our MBA programs. Learn more about our graduate healthcare certificate program.

No. You will need to apply and be admitted into our MBA programs. The admissions team will review your coursework taken during the certificate program as input into your application. Learn about the MBA application requirements.

Please reach out to healthcare@rice.edu with any questions or complete the request for information form above. We’re here to help you every step of the way. We also encourage you to request more information to receive more information about our graduate healthcare certificate program and attend an admissions event.

Yes, healthcare classes are open to all Rice MBA students. Learn about our healthcare electives.

See a full list of the courses available here.

Classes take place throughout the day ranging from weekday mornings and evenings to weekends. Students from all MBA programs have the opportunity to take all of the classes as their schedules permit. Classes open to healthcare certificate students are conveniently scheduled in evenings and on weekends.

No, but you must be registered as a Rice graduate student to take the classes. Rice also offers Executive Education for people interested in taking classes without obtaining a degree.

Rice Business offers hands-on opportunities to explore healthcare beyond the classroom. Through strong connections with Houston’s Texas Medical Center, students engage in real-world experiences like consulting projects, faculty-led research, hospital site visits, and networking with industry leaders — all designed to deepen knowledge, build connections and apply skills in a healthcare setting.