Thompson Rivers University
School of Business and Economics
TRU’s Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses are located on the traditional territory of the Secwepemc peoples, in British Columbia’s southern interior. In Kamloops (from the Secwepemc word for “meeting of the waters”), the main campus overlooks the junction of the North Thompson and South Thompson rivers, from which the university gets its name. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) was founded in 1970 as Cariboo College, one institution in a network of two-year community colleges created in British Columbia to improve access to post-secondary education and training. In 1989, Cariboo College became the University College of the Cariboo (UCC) as part of a new provincial effort to provide greater access to full university degrees.
The School introduced its first graduate program, a General MBA, in 2005. That year TRU also received full university status and the BC Open Learning Agency merged with the university college to create Thompson Rivers University. With this merger TRU became a leading distance education university with one of the largest online business schools in Canada. TRU was accepted as a member of the Research Universities’ Council of B.C.
With a student body that is half international, a high proportion of faculty with overseas experience, and a growing number of international partnerships and exchanges, the School is on the verge of being able to offer a truly encompassing global educational experience. The School’s future has no boundaries.
Our programs
At the undergraduate level, the School offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). In addition to an array of majors and minors, students can take an honours option following either a course or thesis route. A 4-month Cooperative Education Option is also available to undergraduate students.
Post-baccalaureate diplomas are also available in areas of Accounting, Business, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management that would allow students with a non-business degree to specialize in a specific discipline in order to find employment and pursue a professional designation in the field of interest.
At graduate level Thompson Rivers University offers three master’s degree programs:
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA): MBA is structured as a general 18 month program available both on-campus and online. The MBA experience at TRU is a training ground for preparing students for future and the limitless opportunities with thesis, project and course-based completion options.
- Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management (MScEEM) provides graduates with an understanding of the business environment, specialized knowledge in the emerging area of sustainability as well as academic and applied research expertise through the completion of a graduate thesis or project.
- Master in Environmental Economics(MEEM) and Management is a two-year, course-based program, providing graduates with a broad knowledge of the business environment, advanced management skills and specialized knowledge in environmental economics and sustainability.
The TRU School of Business and Economics is committed to expanding educational opportunities for Indigenous students through programs relating to First Nations governance; improved laddering opportunities; and enhanced student support.
Our city
The name “Kamloops” means “meeting of the waters” because it is where the North and the South Thompson Rivers come together. Now, it can be where you come together with us for your future success. A city of about 85,000, Kamloops is conveniently located at the junction of three major highways and an airport, and is just hours away from major hubs in BC, Alberta and the United States (and maybe even the place you call home). A few more things you may find interesting about Kamloops:
Warm and dry: Kamloops has the third lowest annual rainfall in all of Canada and over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
Affordable living: Students can enjoy affordable living (as on average, Kamloops has a much lower cost of living than larger cities).
Outdoor activities: Great skiing, great lakes, great hikes and also known as a summer paradise for water-skiing, boating, camping and much more.
The Kamloops region is enriched by the culture and traditions of more than 15 First Nations including the Secwepemc, on whose territory TRU is established. Ethnic and diverse communities from virtually every continent have also settled in Kamloops, and enrich the city with their traditions and cuisine.
Why study here?
TRU is a tapestry of cultures. We welcome over 1,750 students from more than 75 countries to campus each year. Students can use the co-op program to get first-hand experience in a variety of industries. They enter the work force with experience and a network to help them go a long way. Our Bridge to business is ground breaking program for graduate students is designed to enhance the experience and knowledge gained in the classroom by Thompson Rivers University. Participation in this program ensures that students have access to a complement of development options focused on three main competency groups: foundational, leadership, and professional. TRU offers flexible options on both on campus and online while also allowing students to expand their knowledge and expertise and pursue their passions. Our world- class faculty are known to be some of the most approachable, and are here to support you with your projects and case work.
School of Business and Economics at Thompson Rivers University
