Rivier University Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Rivier University offers an online master of business administration (MBA) with four concentrations: management, marketing, information technology management, and healthcare administration. The online MBA is designed to be completed in one year on a full-time basis or two years on a part-time basis.

Key skills foci include critical thinking skills, effective communication, the evaluation of current circumstances and issues, and solutions development—all in an applied learning environment. Additionally, although each concentration comprises 36 credits, the course makeup is specifically focused to convey the desired skills and knowledge necessary for each focus area.

In addition to low tuition costs, Rivier University utilizes textbook-free learning, allowing students to significantly reduce textbook and materials costs for the program. In many courses, all materials are found online, or through the online learning management system.

The MBA in management, marketing, and information technology management has similar course courses covering concepts such as accounting, risk management, new product development, global finance, economic analysis, and innovation strategies. Additional courses may cover project management, business research, business communication, organizational structure, and operations management, depending on the courses chosen. Students in these concentrations then choose nine to 12 credits of electives depending on the concentration.

Students in the MBA in healthcare administration follow a specific set of courses focusing on healthcare information systems, healthcare finance, facilities planning, healthcare administration, risk management in healthcare settings, and crisis management. Other concepts covered include conflict resolution, healthcare law and ethics, and healthcare policy. The curriculum covers a wealth of information related to healthcare administration, producing graduates with extensive knowledge and skills in this focus area.

The Rivier University online MBA begins twice each in the fall, spring, and summer with seven-week courses. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply. The GMAT/GRE and work experience are not required.

Graduates of the Rivier University online MBA may go on to positions such as marketing manager, human resources manager, healthcare administrator, hospital administrator, risk analysis management specialist, sales manager, project manager, or IT manager.

Rivier University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc (NECHE). The online MBA is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Rivier University is located in Nashua, New Hampshire.

What to Expect from the Rivier University Online MBA

Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The GMAT/GRE is not required, nor is work experience. Application materials include an online application, official transcripts, a personal statement, and one letter of recommendation. An interview may be necessary. Applicants with less than a 3.0 minimum GPA may be considered for admission after evaluation.

Study Plan: Rivier University students can complete the online MBA in one year on a full-time basis or two years on a part-time basis. Courses last seven weeks each and run twice per semester. Start dates land twice each in the fall, spring, and summer. Courses are 100 percent online with no campus visits or internships required. Courses are taught in an applied learning environment allowing students to have hands-on skills at graduation through case studies and projects that apply their learning to real-world situations.

Online MBA in Management Curriculum: The Rivier University online MBA in management comprises 36 credits, including nine credits of electives. Core courses may include accounting for managers; marketing and new product development; global finance for managers; economic analysis; project management; risk management and decision making; and strategies of innovation.

Students then choose two of the following courses: business research and communications; organizational dynamics; and operations and quality management.

Finally, students complete nine credits of electives chosen from an extensive list of upper-level business courses. Some examples of electives include negotiation skills for managers; digital marketing and analytics; public relations and decision making; marketing research and analysis; ESG investing; business aspects in cyber law; human resource management; healthcare law and ethics; and facilities planning.

Online MBA in Marketing Curriculum: The online MBA in marketing comprises 36 credits including nine credits of electives. Courses follow those listed for the MBA in management, except for the electives. Students choose nine credits of electives from the following courses: digital marketing and analytics; sales management; public relations and decision-making; marketing research and analysis; and strategic brand management.

Online MBA in Information Technology Management (STEM) Curriculum: The online MBA in information technology management (STEM) comprises 36 credits including 12 credits of electives. Core courses include accounting for managers; marketing and new product development; global finance for managers; economic analysis; risk management and decision making; and strategies of innovation.

Students then choose two of the following courses: business research and communications; operations and quality management; project management; and organizational dynamics.

Finally, students complete 12 credits of concentration courses including leading projects through virtual environments; database management systems; computer security; and data mining.

Online MBA in Healthcare Administration Curriculum: The Rivier University online MBA in healthcare administration comprises 36 credits through a set of required courses. These may include healthcare finance; healthcare administration; healthcare information systems; organizational dynamics; healthcare policy: development and implications; crisis management and conflict resolution; compliance and risk management in healthcare settings; human resources management; healthcare law and ethics; facilities planning; strategies of healthcare administration; and healthcare marketing strategies.

Online Experience: Rivier University utilizes the Canvas online learning management system (LMS) to deliver asynchronous online courses. An Online Learning Orientation and a Canvas Orientation are available and recommended. Typically students spend 16 hours a week or more on coursework for seven-week online courses.

Online student services include a bookstore, the Career Development Center, the Counseling and Wellness Center, a Success Coach, Disability Services, the Regina Library, and veteran services. As well, students have access to technical support and faculty office hours.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the Rivier University online MBA is 100 percent online.

Paying for the Rivier University Online MBA Program

The Rivier University online MBA tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include fees. Additionally, many courses are textbook-free, reducing book and materials costs significantly. Rivier University graduate students may wish to apply for graduate student loans through the FAFSA. As well, students may check with their employers as to the existence of an employer tuition reimbursement program.

Finally, online MBA students may wish to seek outside funding through private loans and organizational and community scholarships and grants. Interested students should inquire with the Rivier University Financial Aid Office for current tuition costs and financial aid information.

Rivier University Online MBA in Management

  • Graduate in just one to two years with accelerated 7-week courses
  • Take advantage of textbook-free online education
  • Courses focus on critical thinking skills, effective communication, situational evaluation, and solutions development all in an applied learning environment
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Six start dates - 2 each in Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 36
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 1 year.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 3.0 or Greater
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 36
Average Cost Per Credit $691.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $24,876

Rivier University Online MBA in Marketing

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Six start dates - 2 each in Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 36
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 1 year.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 3.0 or Greater
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 36
Average Cost Per Credit $691.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $24,876

Rivier University Online MBA in IT Management

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Six start dates - 2 each in Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 36
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 1 year.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 3.0 or Greater
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 36
Average Cost Per Credit $691.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $24,876

Rivier University Online MBA in Healthcare Administration

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Six start dates - 2 each in Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 36
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 1 year.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 3.0 or Greater
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 36
Average Cost Per Credit $691.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $24,876

* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out- of- state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about entrepreneurial and general business topics, and providing detailed information on online MBA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.