For the seventh year in a row, Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business has been ranked among the top 10 graduate programs in entrepreneurship in the United States. Announced recently by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine, the Jones School placed No. 6 for entrepreneurship programs in the U.S.
The 2015 ranking, which evaluated more than 300 undergraduate and graduate schools with entrepreneurship programs, was based on a survey conducted from May through August. The survey looked at a number of different factors- over three dozen- to determine each school’s success, including the number of mentorship programs, scholarships/grants offered for entrepreneurial studies, and the percentage of faculty and alumni involved in successful entrepreneurial projects.
Part of the reason for the Jones School’s success in entrepreneurship may be the launch of the Rice Entrepreneurship Initiative, a cross-disciplinary program which offers the chance for students across the university to gain the necessary skills for success in a world with increasing need for entrepreneurial abilities. Another important feature of the school is the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, which hosts the world’s largest student startup competition. In addition, the Alliance’s managing director, Brad Burke, was recently given the title of executive director for the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers. Finally, the Rice student start accelerator OwlSpark provides students and alumni with funding, mentorship and space to launch new companies.
The Jones School of Business’ entrepreneurship program was founded by nationally recognized faculty, and currently offers over 30 courses taught by faculty that have significant experience in entrepreneurship.