A variety of distinctive political science courses this semester provides students a unique opportunity to explore careers in public service, experience life on the campaign trail and examine the dynamics of the 2024 election.
Rice’s Program in Politics, Law and Social Thought tackles ‘truly foundational questions’
It started with an idea jotted down on a napkin at a bar in the Houston Heights in 2014, but the Program in Politics, Law and Social Thought at Rice has evolved into the most popular minor offered in the School of Humanities.
Rice ranked No. 6 in WalletHub’s national college rankings
Rice is ranked No. 6 in the nation in WalletHub’s 2025 College and University Rankings released this week, making it the top university in both Texas and the entire Southern region.
STaRT@Rice goes international, boosting research skills and collaboration
STaRT@Rice is recognized for cultivating exceptional researchers and fostering community.
A philosophy degree offers more than just an exploration of life’s big questions — it equips students with critical thinking and communication skills that are valuable in virtually any profession.
Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact: Rice unveils new strategic plan
Under the leadership of President Reginald DesRoches, Rice has unveiled a new strategic plan to become the world’s premier teaching and research university by delivering unparalleled personalized education and propelling breakthrough discoveries to transform lives and better humanity. Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact serves as a road map for the next decade and reflects the collective contributions of the entire Rice community, capitalizing on the university’s size as a competitive advantage.
Rice in top 20 of US News ‘Best Colleges’ rankings
Rice is No. 18 in the 2025 U.S. News “Best Colleges” rankings and stands out in the top 10 for both best value and undergraduate teaching programs.
Rice hosted the Energy, Waste and the Environment in West Africa conference Sept. 12-13, an event that convened scholars, policymakers and artists to address pressing environmental issues in West Africa.
‘A natural bridge’: Science and technology studies connect scientists, humanists
As a freshman at Rice University, Anna Tutuianu ’23 knew she wanted to study how research in biomedicine and biomedical technologies intersected with society and history.
At a time when some states and public universities are eliminating gender, sexuality and related studies, Rice’s Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality stands strong as an example of interdisciplinary scholarship and advocacy.
Paris Center thrives as academic hub
In its first year of full programming, the Rice Global Paris Center has provided a hub for teaching, learning and research that has brought together participants from all over the globe.
Rice Shepherd School students have master class with Balourdet Quartet
Students from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music performed short musical excerpts and received coaching from members of the Balourdet Quartet during a Jan. 23 master class in Stude Concert Hall. The dynamic ensemble received Chamber Music America’s 2024 Cleveland Quartet and the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, as well as top prizes in international competitions.
STaRTing the school year right
For the third year in a row, Rice’s School of Social Sciences held STaRT@Rice, an innovative program that provides a snapshot of the research process coupled with professionalization training.