Our precollege online courses are the place to start. Featuring experts in the field and taught through dynamic, engaging videos, our courses provide firsthand knowledge in a variety of fields to get you one step closer to college. Study anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. Finish a Capstone Project and earn a Certificate of Completion for your college application.
Rice is a community of curious thinkers, passionate dreamers and energetic doers who believe that improving the world demands more than bold thought and brave action. It takes unconventional wisdom. Our goal in creating Rice University's Precollege Online Program is to provide an experience for students ages 13+ that embodies these values. Our program is designed for high school students who wish to dive deeper into a subject that piques their interest, such as genome engineering or physiology.
Current Courses:
Space Exploration: The Road to Mars
Does space exploration hold a fascination for you? In this course, you’ll look at how commercial companies are changing aeronautics. Learn the history and milestones of the space program, the future of moon landings, and the scientific reasons for going to Mars. Go behind the scenes through compelling videos, plus interviews with space exploration leaders and astronauts. If the science, technology, and future of space travel spark your interest, this course is your launchpad.
The Business of Economics
What happens to businesses when markets fluctuate? Why is it essential for industries to know how economics relates to business? In this course, you’ll hear from experts in the field. You’ll learn why firms must be able to anticipate production disruptions, consider energy and labor markets, and understand policy changes that come from the government. If you see yourself pursuing a career in business, knowledge of economics is a great place to start.
Engineering: Solving Real-World Problems
Engineering is as old as the pyramids, and as new as our robotic workforce. This field’s trail of innovation has taken us from the beginning of time to modern-day advances. In this course, you’ll learn how engineers work to solve real-world problems, learn the fundamental concepts, and explore the many engineering disciplines. Finally, you’ll complete a Capstone Project where you'll explore how various engineering disciplines work together to solve real-world problems.
Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech
For entrepreneurs, digital disruptions in financial markets create growth and financial gain opportunities. Financial technologies, like cryptocurrencies and blockchain, are among the innovations that are changing payment processing, investing, and financial services. Explore how these entrepreneurial disruptors are capturing revenue, democratizing access, and impacting economies the world over. Thinking of one day launching your own business in finance or technology? Start here.
Genome Engineering: Changing the Future of Medicine
Are you fascinated by the role genetics play in disease? Have you ever wondered how your DNA works to create your genetic makeup? This course allows you to delve into genome engineering and how the human genome can be edited to treat diseases, such as Sickle Cell and other hereditary blood disorders. Study the ethics surrounding genome editing and compare the various design tools utilized, especially as applied in the medical field. If you see yourself pursuing this topic in college, or one day in a career, this course is a great place to start.
Global Affairs: Exploring Changing Political Systems
Do you live in a democracy? Do you believe that your government protects your civil liberties and political rights? In this sought-after course, you’ll learn to think critically about the differences between democracies, semi-democracies, and authoritarian regimes. Plus, you'll explore the decline of democracies over the past few decades, using data on each country’s economic, cultural, and political science profiles.
Law: Shaping a Just and Equitable World
How does the practice of law support the rights of people? What role does the law play in creating equal opportunity throughout society? In this course, you’ll explore the mechanics of the legal system; and the complexities of ownership rights, employment law, and access to education. Learn about the crossroads between civil rights and the law, and discover how the law can shape and protect an equitable society.
Medicine: Diagnostics, Treatment, and Patient Care
Are you curious about a future in medicine and how doctors and other medical professionals work together to address a patient’s needs? In this course, you’ll explore the patient-care procedures, from initial exam and evaluation of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. You’ll study disorders of the heart, the lungs, the spinal cord, and the endocrine system. You’ll learn about the basic science of each disorder, how it is diagnosed, and recent breakthroughs that are improving treatment options.
Physiology: The Foundations of Medicine
Are you fascinated by how the human body operates? Do the inner workings of various organ systems intrigue you? Physiology is the study of how the systems work together in a healthy body, and what can go wrong. This course provides a deep dive into the nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems and how they work in harmony. Hear from practicing physicians who will describe the pathological complications they may encounter.
Psychology In Our Everyday Lives
Ever wonder why psychology matters? In this fascinating course, you’ll take a deep dive into the variety of specialties and career paths available in the field. You’ll explore how basic tools, such as research and statistics, support insights that are possible when you apply the methods of psychology. You’ll learn to use tools that are vital to success no matter what your future holds, skills like critical thinking and creativity—the stuff of everyday lives.
Currently offering courses in Aerospace, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Genome Engineering, Global Affairs, Law, Physiology, and Psychology with more to come.
See all course options on our website!
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