Complementing its undergraduate Cybersecurity Management program, Rivier University will be launching an MBA program in Cybersecurity Leadership in 2024. Courtesy photo/Rivier University

NASHUA – In response to the rapidly growing cybersecurity industry, Rivier University will be launching an MBA program in Cybersecurity Leadership in May 2024. In addition to the MBA, the university will offer a 4+1 program enabling students to receive their cybersecurity undergraduate and Masters Degrees in just five years.

“Cybercrimes and malware cost companies millions of dollars and oftentimes threaten their survival,” said Dr. Chari Henry-Wilson, director of Graduate Business Programs. “Organizations’ increasing use of technology makes the defense of their data and computer systems crucial to ongoing operations. Rivier’s new MBA in Cybersecurity Leadership will develop and support practitioners and leaders in the field to advance digital protections, cybersecurity strategies, and the use of emerging technologies.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a career as an information security analyst is one of the Top 10 Fastest Growing Occupations. Those jobs are expected to grow by 32 percent during the next eight years, significantly faster than the average for all occupations, which is projected to be 2.8 percent.

Courses will be held throughout the day (starting at 10 a.m.), evenings and on some weekends at Rivier’s Nashua campus. Online courses will be available as well. The MBA in Cybersecurity Leadership is designed to be completed in 12-24 months. Classes are led by industry experts who help students succeed academically and advance professionally.

“One factor contributing to the demand for cybersecurity professionals is the vulnerability of current systems and infrastructures, often designed and built before cyber threats emerged,” says Russ Norris, director of Security Programs. “It’s not just about data breaches; today, hackers can cause catastrophic events. There is a vital need for educated, highly trained leaders in the field.”

This program follows recent investments in the university’s business facilities with the complete renovation of Sylvia Trottier Hall. The newly-remodeled Division of Business and Security Studies features cybersecurity labs that mirror a professional security operations center, collaboration spaces, a technology hub and office suites.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 summer semester. Additional information is available online at rivier.edu/gradprograms. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Admissions at admissions@rivier.edu or at 603-897-8507.