The School of Social Sciences serves the largest number of undergraduates, with over a third of Rice undergraduates choosing a major in the social sciences. There is a strong commitment to undergraduate education in the Social Sciences. The school strives to create a rich and meaningful educational experience.
Interdisciplinary Programs
In addition to our stand alone majors, we offer three undergraduate programs which span across multiple departments; Cognitive Sciences, Managerial Studies, and Social Policy Analysis.
The Gateway Program
The Gateway program provides social sciences undergraduates with opportunities to put what they learn in the classroom to work in the real world through professional practica. By participating in Gateway, students will be able make informed decisions about what they would like to do after they graduate.
Professional Master's Programs
We offer four professional Master's degrees in Energy Economics, Human Factors and Human Computer Interaction, Social Policy Evaluation, and a co-sponsored program with Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy in Global Affairs.
Ph.D. Programs
At the graduate level, five of our departments have Ph.D. programs. All of these programs achieve excellence by concentrating on selected areas for education and research.