Staff photo by Adam Urquhart A few construction crew members were working to demolish a former science building, Mendel Hall, to make way for their new 30,000-square-foot Science Center. It’s anticipated that construction will be complete in the fall of 2020.

NASHUA – Rivier University is continuing to build upon its success, quite literally, as there will be a groundbreaking for a new athletics facility next week, while officials are preparing for two new business degree programs.

These new programs, beginning in fall 2019, are bachelor’s degrees in Sport Management and in Cybersecurity Management. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in these two disciplines will grow up to 29 percent by the year 2026.

“Rivier’s new degree programs are a reflection of student interest and projected U.S. employment demands,” Rivier President Sister Paula Marie Buley said. “Jobs are growing in these fields, and Rivier graduates will be prepared to build rewarding careers in support of New Hampshire’s and the nation’s economy.”

Students enrolled in the sport management program should be prepared to pursue occupations such as game and event coordinators, athletics administrators, sport marketing directors, financial and contract analysts and more. The degree focuses on sport administration and management, marketing, accounting, finance and communications.

Moreover, the cybersecurity management program prepares graduates for

occupations such as information security officers and analysts, forensic computer analysts, positions with local and federal law enforcement agencies and more. This program features curriculum concentrated in cybersecurity management, business, computer science and homeland and international security.

“We view these new programs as natural extensions of the university’s current offerings, faculty expertise and the university’s strategic plans for growth,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Douglas Howard said.

Additionally, the university recently unveiled large-scale plans to invest in a new 30,000-square-foot, high-tech Science Center, which will support students, and provide learning opportunities for those involved with the cybersecurity management program. Officials anticipate completion of the center in fall 2020.

Adam Urquhart can be reached at 594-1206 or aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.