Two new graduate programs approved

TRU has received approval from the Ministry of Advanced Education to launch two new graduate programs, with more soon to follow.

The province officially approved the Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management (MScEEM) — which is a thesis- or project-based program — and the Master of Environmental Economics and Management (MEEM), which is course-based. Program delivery begins in September 2017.

The graduate degrees will both be managed by the School of Business and Economics, and are closely aligned with the Master of Business Administration program.

“We are quite excited about this. The programs focus on the strengths we have in our faculty, both in economics and in science,” said Dr. Mike Henry, Dean of the School of Business and Economics.

These degrees have been developed by by a team of committed faculty from across disciplines, and it has taken at least five years to get to this stage, he explained.

“They really play to our strengths — we are a unique university and we are able to look at programming from a holistic fashion and seek knowledge wherever it comes from, regardless of the discipline,” said Henry.

TRU has offered graduate programming for 11 years, providing a firm foundation upon which to build, said Dr. Will Garrett-Petts, Associate Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies.

“Over the next three years we expect to see an exciting array of graduate offerings in nursing, mathematics, tourism and arts,” he said. “Increasing our graduate programming contributes to our already active research culture, and helps us to recruit top faculty and to build the next generation of scholars right here in the Interior of BC.”

The thesis-based Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management is ideal for those interested in careers in consulting or academia, while the Master of Environmental Economics and Management is designed for those who wish to develop as managers in the emerging area of sustainability at the local, national and global levels.

“Over the next 30 years I think there will be a huge demand for managers with these specialities given the problems the world is facing due to climate change,” said Economics Professor Dr. Peter Tsigaris, who was one of the main drivers of the new programs.

Background

Graduate Programming at TRU

• Thompson Rivers University began offering graduate programming in 2005
• The first graduate program offered at TRU was the Master of Business Administration, followed by the Master of Science in Environmental Science and the Master of Education in 2007
• Between 2005-2006 and 2014-15, there have been 452 students graduate with a Masters Degree from TRU
• As of 2014-2015 there were 332 graduate students enrolled in on campus programming, with another 78 enrolled in graduate programming through TRU-Open Learning

Master of Science in Environmental Economics Management & Master of Environmental Economics Programs

• Both options begin with eight mandatory core courses
• MScEEM students must complete a project or thesis prior to graduation
• MEE students will complete four additional courses from the current MBA program that are connected to the degree, including sustainable development, leadership, organizational theory and supply chain management
• The program is unique in that it will be offered on-campus, online, or blended, on either a full- or part-time basis

More information

Dr. Mike Henry, Dean
School of Business and Economics
[email protected]
250-852-6290

Dr. Will Garrett-Petts, AVP
Research and Graduate Studies
[email protected]
250-828-5410

Dr. Peter Tsigaris, Professor
School of Business and Economics
[email protected]
250-371-5732