Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) offers degree programs leading to a Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSc), Bachelor of Natural Resource Science (BNRS), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Computing Science (BCS), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) and a new dual credential in Respiratory Therapy and Health Science (RRT/BHSc). TRU also offers university transfer, diploma and certificate programs in forestry, engineering, animal health technology, horticulture and respiratory therapy.

The Masters degree in Environmental Science builds on the expertise of the BNRS degree. It is a thesis-based degree with three areas of specialization: Ecology and Evolution; Physical Sciences; and Policy and Management.

The BNRS degree is the only one of its kind in Canada. It gives students a range of resource management skills and extensive practical experience to prepare for jobs in planning and management of natural resources or further graduate studies. The degree includes a cooperative education component and students may complete five semesters of paid work experience during their studies.

TRU offers the BSc with majors in biology, animal biology, archeology and geology, ecology and environmental biology, chemistry, chemical biology, environmental chemistry, computer science, mathematics, mathematical sciences and physics.

Programs in cell biology and genetics, conservation biology, plant biology, marine biology, microbiology, biochemistry, geology and statistics are also available through a special arrangement with the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Students can also complete minors within science or in other areas such as business management. Cooperative education is a part of major programs offered in biology, animal biology, ecology and environmental biology, chemistry, chemical biology, environmental chemistry, computing science, mathematics, mathematical sciences and physics.

During their first two years, students take courses in English, chemistry, computing science, physics, math and either biology or geology. To advance to third year, students need at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Students may also complete BSc degree requirements that qualify them to apply for admission to professional schools in law, pharmacy, optometry, medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. In addition to their BSc, students can also earn an Associate of Science degree and specialize in a specific professional medical field. This option provides students with formal recognition on transcripts and resumes.

TRU offers both RN and degree (BSN) credentials in the nursing program. Admission is highly competitive and students often complete a first year of science before applying for admission.

The TRU program is fully accredited by the Canadian Association of Universities and Schools of Nursing.(CAUSN).The Bachelor of Health Science degree is designed to provide health care diploma graduates from recognized program institutions, including Massage Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Respiratory Therapists, with the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's degree related to their discipline. The program can be completed entirely by distance learning.

TRU offers the only respiratory therapy program in British Columbia and graduates' marks on the national registration exams (RRT) are consistently among the best in Canada. This is a professional medical program, with the third year devoted to clinical training. A new dual credential option allows students to complete both the Respiratory Therapy Diploma and the Bachelor of Health Science degree in a four-year program, with clinical training in the fourth year.

The university's Animal Health Technology (AHT) diploma program is unique in British Columbia and is fully accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. The program trains students for careers as veterinary paraprofessionals working in the animal health care profession. The program includes four semesters of classes, plus clinical practica, with more than 30 hours per week of classroom and laboratory work plus assignments and kennel duties. Graduates of the AHT program can also enter TRU's BSc program with a block transfer of 45 credits and complete the degree in five semesters.

The university's horticulture program provides students with basic training for jobs in horticulture, including landscaping and grounds maintenance. Seventy per cent of the 10-month program entails on campus work in conjunction with TRU's maintenance department. Students learn practical skills in grounds maintenance and on going landscape development.