Rivier’s business and security studies programs deliver a high-quality, hands-on education that prepares students for leadership roles. Faculty guide students as they develop broad business knowledge, hone their critical thinking and decision-making skills, and learn ethical and social sustainability business practices.

Vision

The Division of Business and Security Studies at Rivier University strives to be a premiere program for producing critical thinkers who effectively apply intellectually rigorous methodologies to address global business and security concerns.

Mission

The Division of Business and Security Studies of Rivier University educates students to become future leaders and productive members of the global community, who are inspired to serve the world.

Strategic Goals

• Develop and deliver comprehensive programs that prepare students to succeed in competitive global environments
• Help students understand the interconnectedness of multiple disciplines and focus their knowledge to become leaders
• Instill in students a holistic view of international business and security with an emphasis on ethics, unwavering integrity, and social responsibility
• Connect core concepts with understanding of competitive corporate intelligence, national, and international security
• Facilitate the learning process by using multimodal communications, online tools, and advanced methodologies rendered by emerging technologies
• Educate students on the intricacies of cross-cultural competence and its impact within the organization, nationally and globally
• Instill in students the values of service before self, work, dedication, and achievement

ACBSP Accreditation

In addition to the University’s accreditation by New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), the Business Programs offered by the Division of Business and Security Studies are fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

11520 West 119th Street
Overland Park, KS 66213
Phone: (913) 339-9356
Website: www.acbsp.org

View Student Outcome Data

The Division of Business and Security Studies is committed to excellence in teaching and offering high quality, innovative competency-based courses to meet the changing needs of business, as well as the needs of business professionals. The Division of Business and Security Studies prepares students for leadership positions in small businesses, corporations, non-profits, state and local government, and other organizations through the development of broad business knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, as well as social and ethical values. The primary advantage of the business programs offered at Rivier is the flexibility of scheduling and course choice. Students may be full-time traditional day students working towards a Bachelor of Science in business or security studies disciplines or working professionals who want to advance their career by obtaining a Master of Business Administration. Students can build individual specializations and balance core courses in business fundamentals (i.e. Finance, Marketing, Sport Management, etc.).

All programs are systematically assessed, using qualitative and quantitative methods that include internal and external perspectives, that are appropriate for the programs and reflect the mission of Rivier University. The Division of Business and Security Studies demonstrates the use of the assessment methods in program evaluation, providing proof of specific changes made to programs in light of the assessment process.

The Division of Business and Security Studies offers both bachelor and master degree programs designed to provide students with the skills and competencies to successfully meet the challenges and opportunities of the business world. Business graduates are currently employed by major corporations in the Greater Nashua area (Fidelity Investments, BAE Systems, UniFirst, TD Bank, St. Joseph Hospital, etc.) and other industries such as health care, government, insurance, banking, real estate, and technology, as well as entrepreneurial ventures.

Assessment Techniques

Assessment techniques will vary among the different courses within the discipline:

• Individual and team papers
• Individual and team presentations
• Team projects
• Case studies
• Role-playing exercises
• Objective testing
• Vulnerability assessment evaluations
• Internship and optional study abroad evaluations
• Business simulations
• Cybersecurity simulations

Undergraduate Programs

The Division of Business and Security Studies offers bachelor degree programs designed to provide students with the skills and competencies to successfully meet the challenges and opportunities of the working world.

Our undergraduate programs provide a broad overview of the fundamental areas of business as well as in-depth specialization within the chosen field. Students build skills in critical thinking and decision-making on substantive issues in their field. Highly academically and professionally qualified faculty experienced in real-world issues guide students through an educational experience that provides lasting benefits.

Students majoring in these business programs have the potential to be employed by large corporations, small businesses, non-profits, professional practices, financial institutions, governmental agencies, or to become entrepreneurs. Students must fulfill at least one internship, with two additional internships available, to be better prepared for future careers.

Academic Advantages in Undergraduate Business Programs

• Programs designed, developed, and monitored with the cooperation and assistance of local industry leaders
• Access to the Cybersecurity Computer Lab, designed for collaborative learning
• Excellent study abroad opportunities tailored to fit the Rivier academic program
• Courses designed around experiential education, providing state of the art preparation for the real world
• Global focus that prepares students to engage cultures and excel in international business
• Global faculty with business experience in over 70 countries
• Rivier business bachelor degree graduates have the opportunity to enter a 4+1 MBA degree program, and Cybersecurity Management graduates have the opportunity to enter a 4+1 MS in Computer Science program

Student Learning Outcomes for Undergraduate Division of Business and Security Studies Programs

Division of Business and Security Studies programs prepare students to:

• Think logically, analytically and creatively about complex, contemporary, local and global problems
• Assess and communicate effectively in a range of progressively more challenging strategic business environments
• Determine personal and social responsibility in response to new settings and complex problems
• Develop an understanding of the diversity and complexity of human cultures and relationships involved in an organization
• Compare and contrast the social, ethical, and global responsibilities within management positions with special attention to the Catholic social teaching

Undergraduate students will be assessed in their senior year in a capstone course. Graduate students will be assessed in their capstone course. An exit survey questionnaire is administered for informational purposes.

Academic Advantages in Graduate Business Programs

• Academic Excellence: Graduate courses are taught by professors with solid academic credentials in their professional fields. They are also recognized business practitioners. Courses are designed for professional adult learners and use a case-study approach so that learning is not just theory, but is readily applicable to business situations. And the graduate programs include a STEM MBA option.
• Personal Attention: Small class sizes allow faculty members to know each and every student and to be their mentors for meeting their educational and career advancement goals.
• Program Flexibility: Course selection allows for an individualized educational experience built on core courses giving solid business fundamentals and individual electives. Core courses provide students with general competencies in a broad range of business disciplines including management, finance, marketing, operations, and strategic planning. The scheduling of courses in the evenings, on weekends, and online offers flexibility for working people who have to balance courses with job responsibilities and other personal/family obligations. Courses are offered in 7-week terms. There are a total of six 7-week terms per year (two terms in each of the fall, spring, and summer semesters). Students may take one or two courses during each 7-week term. Programs are designed to accommodate individual student timelines for completion. For example, students may complete their MBA degree in 12 months (two courses per term) or 24 months (one course per term).
• Student Population: Rivier offers part-time evening and online graduate programs specifically designed for diverse populations. About 80% of the Rivier MBA students are employed full-time and doing their studies part-time. Some employers, through tuition reimbursement, may support the cost of their education.

Student Learning Outcomes for Graduate Business Programs

After having completed the degree requirements in a specific graduate business program, the student should be prepared to:

• Synthesize critical thinking logically and analytically about complex local and global problems
• Evaluate and communicate effectively in a range of strategic business environments
• Assess individual and societal responsibility when encountering new environments and complex challenges
• Analyze and reflect upon the diversity inherent in one’s personal beliefs and biases to understand their role in contributing to the complexity of human interactions within an organization 
• Compare and contrast the social, ethical, and global responsibilities within management positions with special attention to the Catholic social teaching

The Degree Programs 

Undergraduate Day Programs
Undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs are offered in business disciplines, including Business Management, Finance, Marketing, and Sport Management. These Undergraduate Day business programs offer a pathway to the MBA 4+1 program. These programs provide a broad overview of business fundamentals, as well as in-depth specialization in a chosen field. Students learn to communicate effectively with professional colleagues and make sound business decisions. Faculty have real-world experience and guide students to apply business concepts to the workplace.

The Cybersecurity Management bachelor’s degree is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare undergraduates with the knowledge and hands-on experience to gain employment in the cybersecurity management field or to pursue an advanced degree. The program is divided between Cybersecurity, Business, Computer Science, and Homeland and International Security courses. The Cybersecurity Management program offers a pathway to the MS in Computer Science 4+1 program.

The interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree program in Homeland and International Security allows students to examine global security issues and the policy responses to those issues, with special emphasis on emerging transnational threats and emergency management.

100% of students in the Undergraduate Day Programs fulfill internships!

Graduate Programs
The Division of Business and Security Studies offers a Master of Business Administration Management, Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity Leadership (a STEM MBA) Master of Business Administration in Information Technology Management (a STEM MBA), Master of Business Administration with Marketing Concentration, and Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration. These programs are designed for applicants with a successful academic record in any undergraduate specialty, not necessarily business. Because previous work in economics, management, and accounting is of particular relevance to graduate study in business administration, the programs are designed so that the non-business undergraduate major can fulfill these undergraduate prerequisites at the graduate level. The programs are supported by a state-of-the-art computer center, multi-media classrooms, and the collaborative learning setup of the Cybersecurity Lab.

Rivier Advantages

• Academic Excellence: Our credentialed faculty members are recognized as leaders throughout the region.
• Personal Attention: Our small class sizes allow faculty to get to know students and provide a high level of interaction. Faculty serve as mentors to help students achieve their career and educational goals.
• Hands-on Approach: Students learn through individual and team projects, role-playing, and case study evaluations; and build resumes through practical training and internships at area businesses.
• Large Alumni Network: The University’s alumni network is diverse with graduates working in the region, throughout the country, and around the world, in both the public and private sectors, as well as in nonprofit organizations.
• Active Business Advisory Council and Security Studies Advisory Council to guide, assist, and support the Division of Business and Security Studies on the most current trends, employers’ needs in the foreseeable future, curricula update recommendations, course offerings recommendations, etc.
• Division of Business and Security Studies Students Association: This active organization brings business speakers to campus and plans informational trips throughout the year. Students have had behind-the-scenes learning opportunities at Fenway Park, UPS, Stonyfield Farm, Foxwoods Casino, and other locations throughout the region.

Our undergraduate programs provide a broad overview of the fundamental areas of business and security studies as well as in-depth specialization within the chosen field. Students build skills in critical thinking and decision-making on substantive issues in their field. Highly qualified faculty experienced in real-world issues guide students through an educational experience that provides lasting benefits.