KAMLOOPS – Less than a month after it was inaugurated as BC’s newest provincial university, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has announced the launch of its first independent graduate degree, designed to produce managers and others who are well prepared for careers as corporate executives, consultants, or entrepreneurs in an increasingly competitive and global economy.

The first cohort of students aiming to earn the university’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree will begin the 16-month, continuous program in September, 2005. The degree is unique in that while most traditional MBAs require two years of work experience before entry to the program, TRU’s allows students to proceed straight out of the BBA program, or other degree programs.

“We are really excited about the opportunities that this new MBA program will open up for students and the possibilities for enhanced interaction with the community through their applied projects,” said TRU School of Business Interim Dean Brock Dykeman.

In keeping with the university’s global vision and practical mandate, the TRU MBA incorporates a strong international focus and will make considerable use of the case approach along with business simulations, company visits, guest speakers, and consulting projects to further develop students’ management skills. The final stage of the program will be followed by an applied management project in which students will apply their skills to solve business problems for companies in BC and around the globe.

“The local demand for the program, from banks and business organizations, is huge,” said TRU business professor and MBA director Shahriar Hasan. “It will also benefit the community indirectly by creating a pool of qualified graduates, by keeping businesses, and businesspeople, in the community, and by attracting others here.”

The program is targeted at entrants with limited or no business experience. Graduates of any degree are encouraged to apply, with some potentially receiving some course exemptions. All applicants must also successfully write a graduate management admissions test (GMAT). Enrollments for the program will be capped at 50 to allow faculty and students to maintain a close, supportive relationship throughout the program. A limited number of students will be accepted into the program on a part-time basis, so these candidates are encouraged to contact TRU as soon as possible.

For more information, please refer to the TRU MBA website at www.tru.ca/mba or contact Dean Murray Young at (250) 828-5217, myoung@TRU.ca.