SqueezeBox

Of course I've heard of Rice's much-vaunted natural science programs, but relative to schools of the same caliber, how strong are humanities at the school?

NYSkins1

I'm an English major (with political science), and I've taken a number of other humanities classes. Most of the professors are fantastic (especially in the history department). I'm not a huge fan of the Dean of Humanities, but the department doesn't suffer that much for it.

It's hard for me to say how humanities at Rice compare to other schools, since Rice is the only school I've attended, but I'll just say that they're strong and leave it at that.

jon314

Rice has one of the best Religious Studies programs in the country. Also, because of the Baker Institute, public policy-related programs are also very strong. The professors in the Baker institute range from economics to political science to history, so having a high caliber political think tank on campus leads to some really solid programs in the non-science area.

It's also something Rice has worked very hard to build up, since it does have a reputation for being just an engineering school. They have (in my mind) been very successful in doing that. I'm a natural sciences major, but I'm also looking at taking on some non-science study as well.

Cincinnatistudent

Rice has a strong philosophy program already, and they're looking to add two new endowed chairs and an assistant professor, I believe.

Antarius

"I'm not a huge fan of the Dean of Humanities,"

thats the general feeling. he may get replaced soon

But the humanities programs are good. Im an Engineer but have taken language courses that were great!