Department of Business Administration

Rivier College, Department of Business Administration History

Rivier College, founded in 1933, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church (Sisters of the Presentation of Mary). The 46-acre campus is located in a suburban area 50 miles north of Boston. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 2260.

The Department of Business Administration was founded in 1974 and is located on the main campus. The basic educational approach is varied and includes case studies, lectures, group problem solving, and projects.

Rivier College, Department of Business Administration Academics

The Department of Business Administration offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS), Master of Science in Human Resources Management (MSHRM), and Master of Business Administration in Health Care Administration (MBA). The strongest areas of study are management and marketing.

Forty-five total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 18 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Business, Society, and Ethics
• Managerial Finance
• Organizational Behavior
• Marketing Management
• Corporate Strategy
• Quality, Productivity, and Management
• 6 elective courses

Required courses for the MSHRM include:

• Interpersonal Communications
• Organizational Behavior
• Labor Relations
• Compensation Management
• Human Resources Management
• Benefits Management
• Human Resource Planning
• Corporate Strategy
• Independent Research Study

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements for up to 9 credits.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending part time is 2 years; maximum, 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 4 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 67% held a doctorate; there are 13 part-time faculty, of whom 15% held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated below average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of credit hours faculty teach is 9; average business class size is 14.

Rivier College, Department of Business Administration Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 91,000 volumes, 130,000 microform items, and 4000 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 450 periodicals. Students have access to such databases and networks as Academic Search Premier, CQ Research, Business Source Premier, Regional Business News, Lexis/Nexis, JSTOR, Value Line, and several on-line sources. Other opportunities for research consist of interlibrary loans, facilitated by the New Hampshire College and University Council.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The main computers of the college’s computer laboratory are a Wang VS 80 and a DEC PDP 11/84, with 40 terminals open daily for academic use from 8 a.m. to midnight. Student use may be limited depending upon the course for which students need to use the computer. PCs, Macs, and word processing equipment are also available.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services for alumni include those available to students.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts and proof of adequate funds.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 14 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the evening only and weekends.

Rivier College, Department of Business Administration Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.0. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, work experience, and letters of recommendation. A strong mathematics background is not required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 354; 325 were accepted; 305 enrolled. Transfers are accepted.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, a transcript, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, 2 letters of recommendation. An interview is recommended. The application deadlines are August 31 for fall entry; January 14, spring; May 18, summer. Students are notified on a rolling basis of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is August 31. Once accepted, students may defer admission for the semester.

Rivier College, Department of Business Administration Financial Aid

The FAFSA and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $421 per credit. Books and supplies cost approximately $200; and other fees, $25. Graduate student housing consists of a few dorm suites.

Rivier College, Department of Business Administration Students

Twenty-five percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 94% had an average of 9 of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students were from New Hampshire (73%). Sixty-two percent were women, 7% were minorities, and 6% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 35; ages ranged from 22 to 63. Six percent entered directly from undergraduate school; 7% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 54%, business; 16%, liberal arts; 14%, engineering; 14%, social sciences; 1%, economics; and 1%, math and science. About 16% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 58% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 53 graduate business degrees were awarded.