Skip to main contentSkip Navigation or Skip to Content
Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

Admission Requirements

Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA)
Education Requirement

Acceptable three- or four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline with a minimum B average (GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.33 or local equivalent) in the last 60 credits

Language Requirement

Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is the primary language should have:

  • A minimum TOEFL score of 587 with a TWE of 5.0 or higher (paper-based test), or a minimum score of 94 with no section below 20 (IBT), or
  • A minimum IELTS score of at least 7.0 (with no band below 6.5), or
  • Completion of TRU ENGL 1100 or 1101 and CMNS 1290 or 1291 with a minimum B
Quantitative and Computing Skills Requirement

Applicants should possess adequate quantitative skills assessed through successful completion of specific undergraduate courses in quantitative subjects. Applicants should have adequate computing skills which include having a strong background in word processing presentation and spreadsheet software.

Applicants who do not meet the education or language requirements or do not have adequate quantitative and computing skills will be asked to undertake approved developmental activities prior to the commencement of the program to upgrade their skills.

Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice
Education Requirement

An acceptable four-year undergraduate baccalaureate degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline (for example, sociology, political science, history, anthropology) from an accredited institution.

A minimum GPA of a 3.3 (on a 4.3 scale) in the last 60 credits at the undergraduate level (exceptions are made on a case- by-case basis if you can demonstrate academic or relevant experiential growth since graduation in the fields of human rights or social justice).

Language Requirement

Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree in an English language university in a country where English is the primary language, should have one of the following:

  • A minimum TOEFL score of 587 with a TWE of 5.0 or higher (paper-based test), or minimum score of 94 with no section below 20 (IBT), or
  • A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (with no band below 6.5), or
  • Completion of TRU ENGL 1100 or 1101 and CMNS 1290 or 1291 with a minimum B.
Program Requirements

Applicants must submit a letter of intent highlighting experience and enthusiasm related to issues of human rights and/or social justice.

Applicants must submit a CV or resumé.

Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Academic

Applicants should possess a three or four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline with a minimum B average (GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.33 or local equivalent) in the last 60 credits. Applicants with a 4-year business degree from an acceptable institution may be eligible for accelerated entry directly into the 6000-level courses.

A GMAT score is not required, but candidates may be asked to submit a GMAT score to aid the degree committee in assessing their application when deficiencies are identified.

Exceptions may be considered.

Language Proficiency

Applicants should demonstrate their language proficiency. Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is the primary language should have a recent minimum academic IELTS score of 7.0 (with no band below 6.5) or institutional equivalent.

Quantitative

Applicants should possess adequate quantitative skills assessed through successful completion of specific undergraduate courses in quantitative subjects or an optional GMAT score. Those deemed to be deficient in these areas may be accepted but required to undertake other approved courses or developmental activities to upgrade their quantitative skills.

Resume and Letter of Intent

Applicants should demonstrate the maturity, motivation and communication skills to be successful in the program. This will be assessed by means of a letter of intent and resume.

Master in Environmental Economics & Management (MEEM)
Education Requirement

Applicants should have:

  • An acceptable three or four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline. Applicants should have a minimum B average (GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.33 or local equivalent) in their last 60 academic credits of study.
  • SSuccessfully completed each course in the GDBA with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00.
    • GDBA course waivers may be granted based on previous academic record.
    • Applicants with an undergraduate degree in business from an acceptable institution may be exempt from this requirement.
    • Students required to complete BUSN 5040/5041 must achieve a B or better.
Language Requirement

Applicants should demonstrate their language proficiency. Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree in an English language university in a country where the first language is English, should have a recent minimum academic IELTS score of 7.0 (with no band below 6.5) or institutional equivalent.

Interview and References Requirement

Applicants should demonstrate the maturity, motivation, and communication skills to be successful in the program. This will be assessed by means of a personal written statement of purpose of study, a resume, and two letters of reference from academics or professionals. An interview and/or additional documentation may be required.

Quantitative Skills Requirement

Applicants should possess adequate quantitative skills assessed through successful completion of specific undergraduate courses in quantitative subjects.

Those deemed to be deficient in these areas may be accepted but required to undertake other approved courses or developmental activities to upgrade their skills.

Exceptions to the admissions requirements may be considered.

Master in Environmental Economics & Management
Master of Science, Environmental Economics & Management (MScEEM)
Education Requirement

Applicants should have:

  • An acceptable three or four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline. Applicants should have a minimum B average (GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.33 or local equivalent) in their last 60 academic credits of study.
  • SSuccessfully completed each course in the GDBA with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00.
    • GDBA course waivers may be granted based on previous academic record.
    • Applicants with an undergraduate degree in business from an acceptable institution may be exempt from this requirement.
    • Students required to complete BUSN 5040/5041 must achieve a B or better.
Language Requirement

Applicants should demonstrate their language proficiency. Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree in an English language university in a country where the first language is English, should have a recent minimum academic IELTS score of 7.0 (with no band below 6.5) or institutional equivalent.

Interview and References Requirement

Applicants should demonstrate the maturity, motivation, and communication skills to be successful in the program. This will be assessed by means of a personal written statement of purpose of study, a resume, and two letters of reference from academics or professionals. An interview and/or additional documentation may be required.

Quantitative Skills Requirement

Applicants should possess adequate quantitative skills assessed through successful completion of specific undergraduate courses in quantitative subjects.

Those deemed to be deficient in these areas may be accepted but required to undertake other approved courses or developmental activities to upgrade their skills.

Exceptions to the admissions requirements may be considered.

Master of Science, Environmental Economics & Management
Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (GCES)
  • Four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
  • GPA of 2.5 on a 4-point scale in the last 60 credits
  • Language requirements (for international students only): IELTS 5.5, or TOEFL 530 with a TWE of 4.0 (paper-based test), or 213 with an essay of 4.0 (computer-based test), or 80 (ibt)
  • Letter of intent
  • Three letters from professional or academic referees
Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies
Master of Education (MEd)
  • Four-year baccalaureate degree or equivalent, with a minimum B average (GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.33) in the last 60 credits. Applicants with a four-year baccalaureate degree or equivalent who have a GPA below 3.00 (but not below 2.50) may take TRU’s Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies to gain admission into the MEd program.
  • Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree from an English language university normally must have one of the following to enter the MEd program:
    • a minimum TOEFL score of 570 with a TWE of 4.5 or higher (paper-based test)
    • a minimum TOEFL 230 with an Essay of 4.5 or higher (computer-based test)
    • a minimum TOEFL (IBT) 88 with no section below 20
    • IELTS of at least 6.5 with no bands below 6.5
    • CAEL of at least 70 with no subtest below 60
    • Successful completion (or exemption) of TRU ESAL Level 5
  • Official transcripts for all post-secondary education (in the original language and a certified copy in English) or a letter of permission (LOP) from your home institution
Master of Education
Master of Nursing (MN)
  • Evidence of licensure (practicing, non-practicing or temporary) as a Registered Nurse in Canada or international equivalency
  • Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or valid student permit issued by Canada (indicating TRU as a place of study)
  • Official copies of all post-secondary transcripts
  • Two letters of reference: one academic and one professional
Post-Baccalaureate Entry Criteria
  • Completed bachelor/baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.33 point scale, equivalent to 73% or B) in final two years (or 60 credits) of an undergraduate degree. Normally candidates for the MN program will hold a completed baccalaureate degree in nursing or equivalent
  • Program applicants will be required to provide evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate introductory statistics course with a minimum C+ grade taken within five years prior to admission to MN program
  • ENGL 1100 with a minimum C+ grade (or equivalent)
Post-Diploma Entry Criteria
  • Completion of a diploma nursing program (preparatory for registered nursing)
  • Program applicants are required to provide evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate introductory statistics course with a minimum C+ grade taken within five years prior to admission to MN program
  • ENGL 1100 with a minimum C+ grade (or equivalent)
  • Fifteen core required credits (five courses) from an approved Post-RN BScN courses from TRU or equivalent transferable courses with an grade-point-average of 3.67 (A-) on a 4.33 scale. Fifteen credits are to include the following five core courses from the former TRU Post-Diploma BScN program (or equivalent)
    • NURS 3170 Reflections on Caring Practice
    • NURS 3500 Health Promotion and Community Development
    • NURS 3600 Nursing Research
    • NURS 4300 Nurses Influencing Change
    • HLSC 3830 Global Health
English Language Proficiency

Students who have completed studies in a country where English is not the official language must also submit English language test scores.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    a minimum score of 7.0 and the following sub-test scores: Speaking 7.0, Writing 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT
    a minimum score of 100 (iBT) with no section below a 20
    Paper-Based: 600 with a TWE of 5.0
Master of Nursing
Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner (MN-MP)
  • Evidence of active registration as a nurse in British Columbia. Note that annual evidence of current, practicing BCCNM licensure is required while enrolled in the program.
  • Evidence of a minimum of two years of relevant full-time (or equivalent to full-time) registered nursing practice within the last five years.
  • Completed bachelor/baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited institution with a grade point average of 3.00 (B or 73%) in the final two years (or 60 credits) of program.
  • An academic transcript showing a completed undergraduate or graduate course in statistics with a minimum C+ grade taken within five years prior to admission to MN program.
  • Two letters of reference: preferably including one academic and one professional.
  • Official copies of ALL post-secondary transcripts.
  • Nursing practice résumé or curriculum vitae.
  • A statement of interest.
    • Your statement of interest will be uploaded during the application process, so have it prepared before beginning the application.
    • The statement of interest is intended to be a scholarly submission that best reflects the applicant, including their writing skills.
    • The statement of interest should be concise but include:
      • Motivation to applying to a graduate level NP education program.
      • Overview of background and preparedness to embark upon a graduate level NP education program.
      • NP practice interests and goals for entering the NP profession, including potential geographical area of practice.
      • Description of a desired topic of academic study related to NP practice.
    • The statement of interest should be no more than 500 words in length, with 12- point Times New Roman font, and double-spaced, on standard letter-sized document, in PDF format.

TRU will accept up to 15 students each year. Approximately three seats per entry are allocated to self-declared Indigenous applicants who meet all entry requirements. Preference is given to applicants who reside within the BC Interior region.

Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Data Science (MScDS)
Education Requirement

Acceptable four (4) year bachelor degree or equivalent in a discipline of science, or a related discipline, with a minimum B average (GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.33) for project option students and B+ average (GPA of 3.33 on a scale of 4.33) for thesis option students, in the last 60 credits.

Prospective students are expected to demonstrate working knowledge of statistics, data structures and algorithms, databases and R/Python software packages. These prerequisites are equivalent to the following courses that are offered at Thompson Rivers University: MATH 2110 (Calculus III) and MATH-2120 (Linear Algebra), STAT 2000 (Introduction to Statistics), COMP 1231 (Computer Programming II)

Language Requirement

Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree in an English language university in a country whose first language is English must have one of the following:

  1. A minimum TOEFL score of 570 with a TWE of 4.5 or higher, or
  2. A minimum iBT score of 88 with no section below 20, or
  3. IELTS of at least 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or
  4. CAEL of at least 70 with no subsets below 60.

Applicants must arrange for two letters of reference from academics or professionals to come directly to TRU.

We will include an option of a preparation term for students who do not meet the admission requirements for computer programming and MATH/Stats/CS knowledge. MATH, STAT, CS knowledge can be confirmed through the TRU PLAR process, or through completion of undergraduate, graduate or certificate courses related to the required skills. Students who do not meet the admission requirements may be required to take prerequisite courses. The Program Coordinator in consultation with the graduate committee and the proposed supervisor (if in Thesis option) would determine the courses that would need to be taken to meet the admission requirements and to enroll into the program.

The MScDS Graduate Committee may approve students for admission to the program based on individual assessment of their previous academic record at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Master of Science in Data Science (MScDS)
Master of Science, Environmental Science (MSc_ENSC)
Identify a thesis supervisor

The MSc program is based heavily on students conducting research that will lead to their written thesis. A faculty member at TRU must be interested and willing to supervise, and quite often, fund the research. An applicant is expected to contact and discuss potential supervision before they apply. Applicants will not be admitted into the MSc unless a supervisor has been confirmed. View eligible faculty

Education Requirement
  • Applicants must be graduates of a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent (in an appropriate discipline), from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.3 on a scale of 4.33, in the last 60 credits.
  • Students with a lower GPA may be considered if the applicant can demonstrate significant academic growth and training since their graduation.
  • Satisfactory completion of an introductory statistics course, or ability to show equivalency, prior to application or within the first semester of the program.
Language Requirement

Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is the primary language should have one of the following:

  • A minimum TOEFL score of 570 with a TWE of 4.5 or higher (paper-based test, or minimum score of 88 with no section below 20 (IBT)
  • IELTS of at least 6.5 with no bands below 6.0
  • CAEL of at least 70 with no subtest below 60
  • MELAB of 81+
  • CanTest of 4.5+ with no component score below 4.0
  • completion of TRU ESAL Level 5
  • completion of TRU ENGL 1100 and CMNS1290 or equivalent
Application and Supporting Documentation Requirements
  • Application for Admission
  • Cover letter of 350 words or less. The cover letter should clearly state why you are pursuing an MSc at TRU. This should include an indication of the type of thesis topic being targeted, i.e. particular field of study, and why a certain faculty member is appropriate for supervision.
  • Attach evidence that a TRU graduate approved faculty member is willing to act as your supervisor (email or signed letter).
  • Personal resume.
  • Attach evidence of language proficiency if your first language is not English.
  • Official copy of educational transcripts for all post-secondary education (in original language and a certified copy in English).
  • Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional references). Please use the forms provided by the Admissions office. Please note: a proposed supervisor cannot act as a referee; however, they may provide a letter of support, in addition to the required two letters, if they wish to highlight the applicant’s circumstances and/or qualifications.

Note: Applicants will be considered at any time, but there is no guarantee for applications received within 6 weeks of proposed semester start date that they will receive an admission decision with enough time to complete arrangements they may need to begin on-campus studies. Students not accepted or students who did not attend last year, must submit a new online application.

Master of Science, Environmental Science
Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning (Open Learning)

One of the following:

  • A Bachelor of Education, or
  • A bachelor’s degree in another discipline with teaching qualifications or experience, or
  • Permission of Academic Director or designate
Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning
Search To Top