School Details
Rivier University is a four-year Catholic institution offering degrees ranging from undergraduate through doctoral level. The teaching philosophy at Rivier University is guided by the faith heritage, intellectual tradition, and social teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Faculty and staff strive to educate the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in an open and inclusive academic community.
Online programs at Rivier University offer strong academic programming, individualized attention, and a focus on active learning. More than 20 programs of study are available fully online, in a variety of fields such as business administration, information technology, education, nursing, psychology, and more. Flexible degree options allow students to find a balance between education and life responsibilities.
Accreditation & Licensing
Rivier University is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies online with Rivier University. This customizable program is designed for students seeking to align studies with professional and personal goals. An online liberal arts degree will combine general education courses with a broad range of electives suited to a student's unique academic pathways. Studies may include but are not limited to:
- Humanities
- Mathematics and technology
- Social sciences
You will develop effective written and verbal communication skills and enhance research methodologies, enhancing problem-solving techniques and decision-making skills applicable in a variety of industries. Graduates with this bachelor’s in liberal arts may find pursuable pathways in business, government, health and human services, education sectors, and more. Explore how to apply transfer credits to this program, learn from high-quality faculty and staff, and take the academic step toward professional success with Rivier University online.
Business
An online BSBA is the best way to advance your knowledge and skill in industry today. This program is designed to propel students into a competitive marketplace or prepare them for graduate studies with Rivier University’s 4+1 option. Online bachelor’s degree in business administration studies will cover core business concepts, including but not limited to:
- Strategic management
- Economics and statistics
- Organizational behavior
Expand your skills in communication, critical thinking, information literacy, and more. Graduates with an online BSBA are prepared for a wide variety of in-demand careers, such as account management, business analysis, and entrepreneurship. Take the next step in your career with the tools and professional competencies to succeed with Rivier University online.
Earn an online Master’s degree in Information Technology Management from a reputable school with flexible learning opportunities. This program produces graduates with distinguished knowledge of core business functions, from accounting to computer security. Your information technology management degree online studies will capture the intersect of business and IT, covering topics such as:
- Leading virtual teams
- Database management systems
- Computer security
Strengthen your skills in critical thinking, communication, and evaluation. Graduates are prepared for more advanced career paths, including security management, resource management, business analysis, and more. With an online technology management degree master’s, you are given the tools and knowledge to move ahead professionally, in title, salary, and opportunity.
The ACBSP-accredited online Master in Business Administration (MBA) in from Rivier University offers four concentrations so you can stand out as a leader for the most in-demand positions. Choose from IT management, Healthcare Administration, Marketing, and Management.
Core coursework gives you a deep understanding of business across an organization so you understand how to communicate and collaborate successfully with stakeholders. You’ll also gain the cross-disciplinary skills of leadership, problem-solving, and strategic management.
Then, you’ll build on that knowledge with our industry or role-specific concentrations:
- Information Technology Management: Develop strategies to maintain and manage IT as a valuable resource.
- Healthcare Administration: Enhance operations to improve patient-centered care ethically.
- Management: Become a business leader who understands how to get things done effectively, ethically.
- Marketing: Lead your marketing, public relations, and sales teams to success.
Professors with real-world experience help you apply what you’re learning to real-world challenges so you’re prepared to overcome them. You’ll engage with them and your peers in courses that are intentionally kept small, focusing on powerful dialogue that expands on course content and enriches your learning experience.
At Rivier, we’re committed to providing you with an affordable education you can use. Our tuition rates are among the most affordable in the region, and learning online means studying where and when it’s best for you, so you don’t need to leave your current position. We start a new term every seven weeks, so you can enroll in your degree program sooner and advance your career faster.
A Marketing online degree is the best way to earn a better salary in today’s competitive marketplace. This graduate program is designed for the working adult, offering flexible benefits such as textbook-free education, content available on a variety of devices, and interactive learning simulations. Online marketing degree studies will cover core industry topics, including but not limited to:
- Public relations
- Brand management
- Marketing research
Expand your skills in analysis, leadership, and decision-making through engaging learning features. Graduates from this program are prepared for careers in public or private sectors, from advertising executive roles to sales management, research analysis, and more. Take a professional step forward with a master’s degree made for your success with Rivier University online.
Computer Science & IT
The online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems of Rivier University is designed for working professionals seeking leadership roles in a variety of organizations. This program combines current business trends and innovative technologies to increase professional competencies and bolster technological skill. Online CIS degree components include but are not limited to:
- Economics
- Project management
- Computer security
This master’s in computer information systems program offers an internship track providing essential hands-on experience in business solutions. You will expand upon essential skills in critical thinking, communications, leadership and organization. Highly qualified faculty bring years of industry experience to the virtual classroom. Don’t hesitate to take an academic step toward a lucrative career in a rapidly expanding field with RU’s computer information systems online degree.
Education
Become a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning through Rivier University’s distance learning program. This program may be utilized by a variety of professionals who want to affect change on the leadership levels of their organizations, from counselors and college faculty to policy leaders and administrators. Online leadership doctorate studies will encompass subjects such as:
- Cultural competency
- Instructional technology practices
- Statistical analysis and quantitative research
You will join a cohort of peers upon entry to this program, growing with a group of diverse learners and expanding a professional network which could last for years. Studies will aid in the development of research practices, communications, program design and development, and more. Work with Rivier University to build an exceptional and positive leadership practice with an online doctorate in leadership and learning.
Explore methods for supporting students who are struggling with social, emotional, and educational challenges by earning an online Master of Education in School Counseling degree from Rivier University. Through a combination of classroom and internship experience, you will learn and immediately use advanced intervention strategies and develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
This 55-credit-hour degree program is taught online by expert faculty with experience in the field. Your courses will cover topics in group counseling, collaboration, psychopathology, ethics, cultural foundations, and more, ensuring you will be prepared to better the lives of students as a professional school counselor. Learn more and apply today.
Healthcare
The online Bachelor of Science in Public Health program provides students with the skills needed to help them address health related issues in the community and beyond. The curriculum develops skills that allow students to practice in multiple health-related areas, including public health services, environmental services, epidemiology, and social and public policy. Graduates can pursue employment in government agencies or nonprofit organizations, or are prepared for graduate studies.
Become a more competitive business candidate in Healthcare Administration with this Rivier University online MBA program. The degree is designed for working professionals seeking professional leadership positions. Your online master’s in healthcare administration will cover topics that intersect industry and the medical field, including but not limited to:
- Healthcare law
- Information management
- Policy development
Expand your skills in critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and more. Graduates from the healthcare administration degree online are prepared for a variety of careers ranging from insurance or pharmaceutical organizations to public health and education. Learn how to work within healthcare facilities and systems to best serve the medical field and reach organizational goals with Rivier University online.
Create positive change in community health initiatives and policies with the skills you learn in this online Master of Public Health degree program. Graduates will be able to pursue leadership positions in public and private organizations at local, state, national, and international levels.
Students will learn how to work in diverse communities to promote health, advocate for policy change and social justice, and conduct research. Courses cover topics in healthcare administration, epidemiology, global health, and more. Upon completing this online Public Health degree, individuals will be prepared to plan, implement, and evaluate community health programs.
Career options available to graduates include:
- Biostatistician
- Epidemiologist
- Clinical trial researcher
- Global public policy director
- Environmental health director
Nursing
The clinically focused DNP with a concentration in Professional Practice prepares students to lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams while improving healthcare systems, patient outcomes, quality, and safety. There is a great need for nursing leaders, not only to serve patients as doctors and nurses, but also to advocate for change to improve the healthcare environment, and this online nurse practitioner degree meets this need.
Designed for advanced practice nurses who have earned an MSN and passed a certification exam, this program builds on previously completed practicum hours as students complete an additional 500 hours while completing their DNP Scholarly Project. This project is completed over four clinical practicum semesters and is designed to address complex practice issues that affect groups of patients, healthcare organizations, or healthcare systems utilizing informatics, technology, and in-depth knowledge of the clinical and behavioral sciences. Each student chooses a topic of interest and then develops a sustainable, evidence-based project designed to improve patient safety and quality of care in a complex healthcare system.
Courses emphasize:
- Direct care of patients
- Care of patient populations, including community health nursing
- Practice that supports patient care
Rivier University’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a concentration in Systems Leadership for rising leaders in healthcare. The Systems Leadership track is designed for students working to bridge the gap between a BS in nursing to a DNP, or those who currently have an MS in nursing, or the post-master’s to DNP option. Online nursing administration degree studies will cover subjects such as:
- Safety
- Individual patient care
- Community health
You will deepen your understanding of critical evaluation, clinical decision-making, diagnostic techniques, and technological competencies. This curriculum includes practical hands-on studies in the form of clinical practicum semesters, wherein students will work with faculty and external experts on subjects of interest. Become an advocate for high-quality healthcare with the skills and knowledge to push forward a challenging industry with Rivier University online.
The Post-Master’s Certificate for aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners of Rivier University is offered in a flexible online format. Upon completion of this certificate and clinical education, you are qualified to sit for the FNP-BC national exams, certifying you in family practice. This online nurse practitioner program offers several tracks for speciality certification, including:
- Family nurse practitioner track
- Nursing education track
- Psychiatric/Mental health track
Faculty are active scholars and practitioners, bringing real-world industry experience to the virtual classroom. Graduates who complete this program are prepared for nurse practitioner careers in family nursing, adult nursing, adult-gerontology primary care, and more. Discover your place in family practice, treating illnesses, caring for patients, or providing education services, with an online nurse practitioner certificate from Rivier University.
Are you ready to advance your nursing career while gaining greater autonomy? The Family Nurse Practitioner program online, an MSN concentration from Rivier University, provides the skills and knowledge needed for RNs to become primary care providers.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, you will provide primary care to patients of all ages in a variety of settings. FNPs are able to diagnose and treat patients’ medical problems, prescribe medication, and improve the patients’ health outcomes and quality of life. Your other role is one of researcher, educator, advocate, and counselor. Through such topics as pathophysiology, health assessment, family nursing theory, quality healthcare improvement, and health policy, students are able to competently perform these tasks.
Students in Rivier’s online FNP programs benefit from strong academics, individualized attention, and a focus on active learning. The qualified and dynamic faculty offer personal advising and are committed to helping students be successful in both their academic and professional lives.
Family Nurse Practitioners work with patients of all ages and focus on the health and wellbeing of the whole person. Registered Nurses who complete the online MSN / Family Nurse Practitioner degree program are qualified to sit for national exams to become certified in family practice (FNP-BC).
In this RN to MSN program online, students learn how to diagnose and treat patients’ medical issues and prescribe medications, as well as research, educate, and counsel as necessary in medical practice. The program incorporates critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration skills along with advanced competencies for the healthcare field. Graduates will be prepared to deliver a full scope of primary care in a variety of settings.
Courses cover a wide range of topics including:
- Community and public health nursing
- Leadership and management in healthcare
- Advanced family nursing theory
- Quality healthcare improvement
- Biostatistics for the health sciences
Concentrate in Leadership in Health Systems Management through an online MSN with Rivier University. This program focuses on moving students toward senior administrative roles in a variety of healthcare settings. This online nurse administrator degree will cover subjects such as:
- Finance
- Policy development
- Risk management
Develop skills in assessment, analysis, planning, organization and management. Graduates with this degree may find pursuable pathways as information managers, nursing administrators in hospitals and medical homes, care coordinators, and more. With mentorship from faculty bringing years of scholarly research and experience in the field to the virtual classroom, online nurse administrator students are prepared to enter a competitive and challenging marketplace with the knowledge and skills to succeed.
An online MSN focusing on Leadership in Health Systems Management can open the door to senior leadership roles across the healthcare profession. Registered nurses gain the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance patient care and guide fellow nurses with this RN to MSN online.
Nurse leaders can use their expertise to help transform healthcare delivery systems to improve population health and patient outcomes. Graduates can find employment in a number of settings, including medical facilities, insurance companies, regulatory agencies, schools, and industry. Practicum experiences for this online Master of Science in Nursing program can be arranged within the student’s local area.
A sample of course topics in this degree program includes:
- Healthcare finance
- Healthcare administration
- Compliance and risk management in healthcare settings
- Quality healthcare improvement
- Advanced health policy
Rivier University’s online MSN offers a track in Nursing Education to the working adult student. This flexible program prepares you to enter educational roles in a variety of settings, from universities and hospitals to health agencies, clinics, and other settings. Become an experienced instructor and clinician through online nursing education program studies such as:
- Curriculum development
- Health assessment
- Instructional technology
Faculty bring years of scholarly and professional industry experience to the virtual classroom. You will develop skills in nursing research, health literacy, planning, and more applicable to careers as college professors, nursing program directors, and other instructional positions. Enhance the future of patient care by supporting the next generation of nurse practitioners through an online master’s in nursing education with Rivier University.
Graduates of the online MSN / Nursing Education program can influence the next generation of nurses as an experienced clinician and instructor. Nurse Educators help ensure the quality of nursing education and future patient care.
Nurses in this program can use their knowledge and skills to help combat the critical need for nursing educators in the United States. This RN to MSN program online prepares nurses to take on educator roles in a variety of environments. Graduates can find employment in settings such as colleges and universities, hospitals, community health agencies, and other practice settings.
The curriculum includes topics such as:
- Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare
- Curriculum development in nursing
- Quality healthcare improvement
- Advanced health assessment for nurse educators
- Assessment and evaluation in nursing education
Concentrate in Psychiatric Mental Health with an online MSN from Rivier University. This rigorous program provides students with the skills and knowledge to work with those struggling with psychiatric and mental health diagnosis. Online MSN studies from RU will include but are not limited to:
- Health policy
- Health assessment
- Research design
Faculty are active scholars and practitioners, bringing real-world industry experience to the virtual classroom. Graduates who have completed clinical education along with this coursework are qualified to take Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner examinations. Apply skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, assessment, and evaluation to a career as a nurse practitioner, specialist, advanced practice psychiatric nurse, and more through Rivier University online.
The online MSN / Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program allows Registered Nurses to gain the advanced skills and hands-on experience necessary to advance their career into the specialty field of mental health services. Students in this degree program learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and groups with psychiatric disorders and other mental health needs.
PMHNPs create treatment plans for their patients, including providing psychotherapy and prescribing medications. Students in this RN to MSN specialty program online gain the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice healthcare roles. In addition to clinical expertise, students gain valuable critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
Coursework covers topics such as:
- Psychiatric nursing theory
- Pathophysiology
- Health assessment
- Quality healthcare improvement
- Health policy
- Research design
Take your career to the next level with the Nursing Education Post-Master's Certificate from Rivier University. If you already have a master’s in nursing degree but want to branch out into another area of specialization, this online nurse educator degree may be for you.
The curriculum takes your previous education and experience into account, building on your past as you work toward advancing your future. The courses prepare you to use these experiences along with your knowledge of nursing to guide the next generation of nurses. These skills can also be used to help patients and their families have a better understanding of healthcare, healthy habits and disease prevention, and more. Graduates are prepared for careers in academic settings, such as colleges and universities, hospitals, and community health agencies, as well as clinical practice settings. Possible careers include:
- College professors
- Clinical nursing instructors
- Nursing program directors
- Medical-surgical instructors
Students in Rivier’s online nurse educator programs benefit from strong academics, individualized attention, and a focus on active learning. The qualified and dynamic faculty offer personal advising and are committed to helping students be successful in both their academic and professional lives.
Rivier University offers an online psychiatric nursing program, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate. If you already have a master’s degree in nursing but want to take your career on a different path or just further your education, this program can help you.
You will not only enhance your career and credentials, but you will gain advanced nursing knowledge and clinical skills in the mental health niche of nursing. With this degree you will be able to assess, diagnose, and treat patients, both in groups and individually, with mental health illnesses and disorders. This includes prescribing medications and other treatments as you act as the primary psychiatric care provider. Possible careers for graduates include:
- Advanced practice psychiatric nurses
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Nurse practitioners
Students in Rivier’s mental health nursing online programs benefit from strong academics, individualized attention, and a focus on active learning. The qualified and dynamic faculty offer personal advising and are committed to helping students be successful in both their academic and professional lives.
Advance your nursing career and the quality of care you can provide to your patients. The online, ACEN-accredited B.S. in Nursing — RN to BSN from Rivier is designed for working nurses to learn advanced nursing and leadership skills. You can immediately improve the quality of care you provide to patients each day as you apply what you learn in coursework.
Topics of study include policy and politics, research, assessments, evidence-based practice, treating the whole patient, and more.
As a BSN-prepared nurse, you’ll enjoy a broad scope of practice and develop the skills necessary to help save more lives. In being better prepared to serve patients, you’ll benefit from the potential for better jobs with better salaries.
Graduates in the online RN to BSN program can pursue roles as medical-surgical floor nurses, pediatric nurses, specialty nurses in oncology, and more. Graduates are also prepared for leadership positions and master’s level studies.
Professors with real-world experience help you apply what you’re learning to real-world challenges so you’re prepared to overcome them. You’ll engage with them and your peers in courses that are intentionally kept small, focusing on powerful dialogue that expands on course content and enriches your learning experience.
At Rivier, we’re committed to providing you with an affordable education you can use. Our tuition rates are among the most affordable in the region, and learning online means studying where and when it’s best for you, so you don’t need to leave your current job. We start a new term every seven weeks and accept up to 90 transfer credits — you can finish your degree sooner and advance your career faster.
Psychology & Human Services
Rivier University offers an online psychology degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. This program will help students fully understand and explore the science of human behavior. They will develop strong analytical skills, become effective communicators, and learn to solve problems creatively. The online bachelor’s in psychology prepares students to succeed in a number of different career fields immediately after graduation or to pursue graduate study.
This degree combines the quality of an established academic program with the flexibility of online learning. Faculty serve as mentors, helping students choose the career path that suits them best. You can choose courses that fit your interests to personalize the degree program. In addition to a substance abuse track, there are several specialized study topics, including:
- Drugs and Behaviors
- Counseling Theories and Practice
- Human Sexuality
- Social Psychology
Launch your career in human services. The online B.A. in Psychology from Rivier University gives you an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of individualized and societal human behavior. It also offers a Substance Use Disorders track to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC).
Topics of study include drugs and behaviors, counseling theories and practice, human sexuality, and social psychology so you graduate with an understanding of how the mind and body work.
MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION STUDIES TRACK
This program meets the educational requirements necessary for licensure to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. You’ll learn how to improve the quality of life of those suffering from substance misuse, addiction, alcoholism, and drug dependence with a robust curriculum that focuses on theory, research, and current perspectives on prevention and treatment. By graduation, you’re well-positioned for graduate study and a competitive job market for career titles in counseling, recovery services, advocacy, or public health
Professors with real-world experience help you apply what you’re learning to real-world challenges so you’re prepared to overcome them. You’ll engage with them and your peers in courses that are intentionally kept small. You’ll focus on powerful dialogue that expands on course content and enriches your learning experience.
At Rivier, we’re committed to providing you with an affordable education you can use. Our tuition rates are among the most affordable in the region, and learning online means studying where and when it’s best for you, so you don’t need to leave your current job. We start a new term every seven weeks and accept up to 90 transfer credits — you can finish your degree sooner and advance your career faster.
The Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Rivier University is an online human services degree. This program was designed for working individuals, preparing them to address social and public health challenges to make positive changes. You will gain the skills needed to make informed, ethical, and effective decisions that allow you to implement appropriate interventions in service delivery. Not only will you learn to create genuine and emphatic relationships, you will also learn creative problem-solving and decision-making skills. Students will become effective communicators and collaborators that are trusted voices in the community. With this online human services bachelor's degree, students are prepared to work with individuals who have differences in their own values, personalities, reaction patterns, and limitations. Graduates are prepared for success in a variety of positions in the job market or to begin advanced study in the human services field. An optional track is available in Substance Use Disorders.
An online BS in Human Services is available to the working adult interested in Addiction Studies through Rivier University. This program is designed to impart the intercommunication and decision-making skills which can aid students in their development into effective professionals in the field. Online human services studies may include but are not limited to:
- Psychology
- Human behavior
- Counseling theory
Faculty bring industry-level experience to the virtual classroom, where courses are career-focused and offered in a flexible format. Graduates with this online human services bachelor’s degree are prepared for entry-level employment in a variety of areas, such as disability support services, child protective services, grant writing, veteran’s services, and more. Pursue advanced studies in human services, increase professional competencies, and become workforce-ready with Rivier University online.
Gain the skills necessary to find a career as a counselor with an online Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Rivier University. This 63-credit hour program will prepare you for a variety of counseling jobs in the industry with instruction from expert faculty and up-to-date course material. Topics of study include clinical counseling, group counseling, psychopathology, ethics, and more.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is taught fully online, so you will have the opportunity to study at your own pace from wherever you are. Upon graduation, you will have cultivated skills for helping others and their mental health as they work through their academic journeys. Learn more and apply today.