Business ethics key part of new Rivier degree programs

Rivier College is introducing two new programs designed to serve the needs of professionals seeking to earn an MBA or finish a bachelor’s degree.

Beginning in January 2005, the college will offer an accelerated executive MBA program in organizational leadership that can be completed in 20 months as well as a bachelor’s degree completion program. A key component of both programs will be inclusion of an “ethics across the curriculum” approach, meaning that all classes will address business ethics.

“Daily headlines about the Tycos and Enrons of the world point to a real need to address values and ethics in the workplace,” said Joseph Allard, vice president for academic outreach at Rivier, who will oversee both programs. “This approach fits with Rivier’s mission to examine social justice issues and uniquely positions our program in the region.”

He said that while many colleges and universities offer a single business ethics or corporate values course, Rivier will offer applied ethics throughout the program.

Classes in the accelerated MBA program will meet three hours a week for six weeks or eight weeks and will have a Web component, allowing students to hold synchronous or “real-time” on-line discussions with other students and professors, as well as to log into bulletin boards at their convenience.

Faculty will offer on-line office hours. As the program develops, some courses will be offered entirely online, Allard said.

Rivier’s new bachelor’s degree completion program will allow students to transfer a minimum of 60 and a maximum 78 college credits from any discipline and complete a bachelor of business administration degree in as little as 18 months.

Both new programs have been designed for adults who have business or organizational experience. “Adult learners come to us with many points of reference and with valuable work and life experience. Our goal is to engage them in the learning process,” said Allard, adding that the classes will incorporate case studies, teamwork and an experience-based approach.

“Our new programs are more flexible to accommodate the scheduling needs of busy adult learners,” Allard said. “At the same time, we will continue to focus strongly on the quality people have come to expect from Rivier’s academic programs.”

For more information, call 897-8219 for the MBA programs or 897-8504 for undergraduate programs.