Business Studies at Thompson Rivers University

Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University is a different kind of university. TRU is a primarily undergraduate, teaching-focused university with the distinct advantage of offering students a complete range of programs, from Masters and Bachelor degrees to diplomas, certificates, technology and trades and distance education programs.

What makes TRU truly distinct is its extensive services for international students and a mandate to provide degree access to graduates of two-year diploma programs through "laddering" options into university degrees.

"Apart from the amazing landscape, it is the people that really make the difference," says former TRU student Katharina Pohl of Leipzig, Germany. "May it be your friends, teachers, support staff, or the girl at the supermarket, you will reserve them a place in your heart and never let them go."

TRU offers many services for international students, both on and off campus. International Student Advisors (ISAs) provide information and assistance with any aspect of life in Canada, while International Admissions Officers assist students with admission and registration. International Academic Advisors help students plan their program of study, while the International Student Activity Program provides planned outings and activities all around the Kamloops region.

TRU is a teaching-focused university, offering students smaller classes where all of the teaching is done by qualified faculty. Students have direct access to their instructors on a regular basis, so the learning experience is personal and supportive.

More than 100 different programs are available for international students, including four-year degrees in over 40 disciplines, and a growing number of post-graduate specialties. TRU has made international programmes and student exchange opportunities a top priority. The university's current enrolment of approximately 11,000 students includes more than 1,200 international students from more than 70 countries.

TRU's School of Business is a perfect example of a school striving to develop programmes with an international focus in mind. The school features a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and a range of specialized undergraduate and post-graduate diplomas. Many courses are taught with an international focus, an emphasis on applications of technology, and other innovative themes.

The Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (BBA) is a four-year degree program that provides a broad base of business and non-business course options, along with the option to specialize through a number of program majors and minors.

In the first two years of the BBA, students pursue a strong foundation of introductory business courses and non-business electives. In the third and fourth years of the program, BBA students may choose one or more of the following major and minor programs: Accounting, Business and Regulatory Policy, Economics, New Venture Creation (approval pending), Finance, Human Resource Management, Information Technology (Major only), International Business, Marketing, and Public Relations (Minor only).

BBA students also have the choice of a double-degree program that combines the BBA with TRU's Bachelor of Technology in Applied Computing Science Degree (BTACS). Double degrees in both computing and business will provide graduates with a strong platform from which to launch a successful career in the Information Age. Whether it is working as a web applications manager at a major marketing company, an information systems consultant at a major accounting firm, or the CEO of a new software start up, BTACS/BBA students will posses the combined management skills and computing expertise needed to be successful in an increasingly high-tech business environment.

To earn double degrees, students must meet the requirements of both programs. Through careful course selection, it is possible to complete two degrees in just five years.

Outside of the School of Business and Economics, other popular program choices among TRU's international students include Tourism Management, Computing Science, and Arts. An increasing selection of courses is now available via distance education through TRU's innovative Open Learning Division.

Students from around the world have also discovered that TRU offers an outstanding campus environment. The spectacular landscaped grounds of the TRU campus are located in the heart of the city, and offer students modern classrooms, computer labs, studios, recreation and student support facilities.

"Everything is (very) modern and comfortable," says Pohl. "All the different buildings are easily reachable and within walking distance. Computer labs and different coffee places are also spread out conveniently over the campus. Studying at TRU was the best time of my student life."

In addition, TRU has made international programs and student exchange opportunities a top priority. Along with the many opportunities for students to come to TRU to attend university, TRU's Study Abroad Centre manages student exchange programs with institutions throughout Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and the U.S.

The TRU website includes detailed information on programs and services for international students, including housing and admissions details. For more information, please visit www.truworld.ca or contact TRU International Admissions at welcome@tru.ca.