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

TRU Start Dual Credit

In case you missed it, watch the recorded TRU Start Information Session:

TRU Start Information Session

High School Transition Opportunities

TRU Start provides an opportunity for students in our region to experience university life and earn post-secondary credits before high school graduation. TRU offers two options for students to consider during their grade 12 year – taking TRU Start Courses or a TRU Start Program.

TRU Start Campus Courses

Students have the opportunity to take up to two university courses during their grade 12 year, one in the fall and one in the winter semester.

Why take TRU Start Courses?
  • Experience life as a university student and jump-start your post-secondary education
  • Possibly receive dual credit for post-secondary and high school electives
Course Options

Biology

BIOL 1110 Principles of Biology 1 (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is designed for biology or science majors. Students examine the molecular basis of cellular processes including energy transfer and the storage and use of genetic information.
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 11 or Anatomy & Physiology 12 with a minimum grade of C+ , Chemistry 11 or CHEM 0500
Note: Students repeating a course may be exempt from the laboratory component of that course if they took the course within two years and obtained a grade of at least 70% in the laboratory component of the course. The grade they previously obtained in the laboratory component of the course will be used in the calculation of their course grade.
For more information, search for this course here.

Available in the fall semester only

BIOL 1210 Principles of Biology 2 (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students will explore evolution as unifying principle of biology: how it occurs, and how it leads to increasing biological diversity through speciation. They will develop an understanding of how evolutionary opportunities and constraints are reflected in the history of life on Earth and will examine the evolutionary conundrum of sexual reproduction (or lack thereof) in both plants and animals. They will develop important skills useful for biologists such as working in teams, finding and disseminating information, conducting research projects by developing and testing hypotheses, and communicating research results effectively.
For more information, search for this course here.

Available in the winter semester only

Chemistry

CHEM 1500 Chemical Bonding and Organic Chemistry (4,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course develops an understanding and historical context of atomic and molecular structure. Students will organize and synthesize existing knowledge of chemical structure, and engage in reflective review of their understanding. Topics include electron configurations, periodic trends, chemical bonding, Lewis structures, molecular shapes, valence bond and molecular orbital theory. The organic chemistry portion of the course focuses on the bonding and structure of organic compounds, functional groups, conformational and stereochemical features including applications to biochemistry. The laboratory stresses precision techniques in analytical chemistry. Students collect and analyze data and draw evidence-based conclusions. The laboratory provides opportunity for students to expand their existing knowledge and immerse them in challenging laboratory environment. Students receive weekly feedback and mentorship in the lab and lecture.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 11 or 12; CHEM 0500 or 0600; and Pre-Calculus 12 or MATH 0600/0610
For more information, search for this course here.

Available in the fall semester only

CHEM 1510 Fundamentals of Chemistry (4,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This is the second half of a fundamental first year chemistry course, designed for students who have completed CHEM 1500: Chemical Bonding and Organic Chemistry, and have a Chemistry 11 background. The topics include a brief review of stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, equilibrium and electrochemistry. Students are expected to become familiar with these topics, and demonstrate their proficiency in various laboratory techniques. The laboratory stresses fundamental precision techniques in quantitative analytical and physical chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1500 (minimum C-) and Chemistry 11 or CHEM 0500
For more information, search for this course here.

Available in the winter semester only

Early Childhood Education

ECED 1330 Child Health (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Holistic health and wellness principles to support children's development is the focus of this course. An emphasis is placed on strategies to promote children's understanding of good health and nutritional habits. Students explore the health and safety of children by examining health related agencies, health regulations, and children with exceptionalities. Additional topics include personal wellness, childhood illness, and hospitalization.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Early Childhood Education Program or permission from course instructor
For more information, search for this course here.

Economics

ECON 1900 Principles of Microeconomics (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students examine the interactions between individuals and firms in various types of markets. Topics include a definition of economics; demand and supply analysis; consumer theory; production and cost; market structure including perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly; market efficiency and market failure; resource markets; and international trade.
Prerequisite: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-calculus Math 11 with a minimum B OR MATH 0510 or MATH 0530 or equivalent. Completion of one Foundations of Mathematics 12, or Pre-calculus 12 is highly recommended
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both ECON 1900 and ECON 1901
For more information, search for this course here.

ECON 1950 Principles of Macroeconomics (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students examine economic behaviour at the aggregate level, and the measurement and determination of national income. Topics include an introduction to economics; measuring macroeconomic variables including gross domestic product, unemployment, and inflation; the Keynesian model; aggregate demand and supply; money and banking; the money market; fiscal policy; monetary policy and the central bank; exchange rates and the balance of payments; and economic growth.
Prerequisite: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-calculus Math 11 with a minimum B or MATH 0510 or MATH 0530 or equivalent. Completion of one Foundations of Mathematics 12, or Pre-calculus 12 is highly recommended
For more information, search for this course here.

English

TRU Start students applying for a TRU English course must submit an essay for assessment by TRU’s English and Modern Languages Department.

ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore the practices of reading and writing in scholarly contexts by investigating a chosen topic or issue. Students read, critically analyze, and synthesize information and ideas found in appropriate secondary sources and coming from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. They also develop their abilities to communicate knowledge by composing in the genres and sub-genres of scholarly writing, including the incorporation of research and documentation while using a clear, persuasive, grammatically-correct style.
Prerequisite: English Studies 12 /English First Peoples 12 with a minimum 73% or equivalent
Note: students cannot receive credit for both ENGL 1100 and ENGL 1101
For more information, search for this course here.

ENGL 1110 Critical Reading and Writing (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students develop skills in close critical reading comprehension, written composition, and argumentation through the exploration and evaluation of a variety of creative narrative texts. Students learn critically and creatively to articulate complexities of various perspectives, techniques and rhetorical strategies, and assumptions employed by writers to convey a given subject matter or social issue. They also practice critical reflection and clear, persuasive, and grammatically-correct communication by building on scholarly writing and documentation skills. Students develop critical reading and writing skills, which are keys to success in any academic discipline and transfer directly to the workplace.
Prerequisite: English Studies 12 /English First Peoples 12 with a minimum 73% or equivalent
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both ENGL 1110 and ENGL 1001.
For more information, search for this course here.

Business

MNGT 1710 Introduction to Business (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of many business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resource management, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. Students will engage with community business experts for example guest speakers, who will share their business experience dealing with a wide range of issues. Students will simulate, adapt, and respond to a variety of business challenges, expanding their knowledge of business. Throughout the course students will be encouraged to set goals, reflect on their learning and plan for their futures. Topics include multiple perspectives on business, management functions, forms of business ownership, the importance of entrepreneurship, and Indigenous business.
Prerequisite: English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 with a minimum of 73% or equivalent; or ENGL 0600 with minimum C+; or completion of ESAL 0570 and ESAL 0580 with a C+.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of MNGT 1711, MNGT 1701 or MNGT 1710
For more information, search for this course here.

Police & Justice Studies

JUST 1310 Introduction to Criminal Justice Services in Canada (4,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course offers a complete overview of the Canadian criminal justice system. Students begin by examining the legislative, structural, and operational components of the criminal justice system, and reviewing the roles and responsibilities of the professionals who work within this system. Next, students follow the process and discuss the rights of an accused person as they travel through the system, from the commission of an offence to conviction and sentencing. Students also examine the rights of the victims of crime and their impact on the sentencing of adult and young offenders. Finally, alternatives to the criminal justice court process and their affects on the system as a whole are considered.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Police and Justice Studies diploma progra
For more information, search for this course here.

Psychology

PSYC 1110 Introduction to Psychology 1 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore how psychology has informed our understanding of human thought and behavior from historical to contemporary times. They examine the ways in which psychological research methods differ from other ways of knowing; investigate how psychological science can identify limits to human knowledge including their own; explore common misconceptions about the causes of human behavior; and consider the real-world consequences of not addressing such misconceptions. Students skillfully apply insights from psychological research concerning heredity and experience, neurobiology, consciousness, sensation and perception, learning, and memory to everyday situations so that they are equipped to achieve their goals in adaptive ways.
Note: Students cannot get credit for more than one of PSYC 1110, PSYC 1111
For more information, search for this course here.

PSYC 1210 Introduction to Psychology 2 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore selected topics in contemporary psychology, including intelligence, development, personality, social psychology, emotion, motivation, and psychopathology.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of PSYC 1210 , PSYC 1211.
For more information, search for this course here.

Sociology

SOCI 1110 Introduction to Sociology I (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students learn the core concepts of the discipline of sociology by examining key topics (such as culture, socialization, social interaction, social roles, and social structure) that allow us to locate ourselves within society. Students also explore theoretical perspectives within sociology and the fundamentals of the sociological research methods.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both SOCI 1110 and SOCI 1111.
For more information, search for this course here.

SOCI 1210 Introduction to Sociology II (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students critically examine social stratification and inequalities based on dimensions of class, race, gender, and sexuality in both the Canadian and global contexts. In this second introductory course, students apply a sociological analysis to the study of major social institutions including: education, work, politics, media, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. Students investigate questions and debates concerning our modern world, in particular, those around consumer culture, globalization, and the role of social media.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both SOCI 1210 and SOCI 1211.
For more information, search for this course here.

Tourism

TMGT 1110 Introduction to Tourism (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course introduces tourism as an industry and a phenomenon. Topics will include the economic, social, environmental and political environment in which tourism operates at a global and local level. Students are introduced to tourism products and experiences in B.C. and given the opportunity to identify career paths in the tourism industry.
Prerequisite: English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 with a minimum of 73% or equivalent
Note: Students can only get credit for one of CONV 1010, CONV 1011, TMGT 1110
For more information, search for this course here.

EVNT 1100 The World of Events (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are introduced to the exciting world of events with a global snapshot of the modern events sector. Students gain insight into various genres and types of events, current trends, technology, management challenges, and best practices in delivering meaningful and memorable events.
Prerequisite: English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 with a minimum of 73% or equivalent.
For more information, search for this course here.

Admission Criteria

In addition to meeting the TRU course requirements prior to the start date of classes, students are required to meet the following TRU Start Admission Criteria as documented on their high school report card:

  • Minimum overall average of ‘B’
  • Exemplary attendance record and attitude towards learning
Application Process

Applications for fall 2025 and winter 2026 will open in December 2024.

  1. Discuss your TRU Start options with your high school Trades and Transitions Coordinator.
  2. Review possible course offerings and ensure you will meet the high school pre-requisites. Meet with your school counsellor if you need to change any course planning for your second semester of grade 11.
  3. Submit your completed application, with required application fee, in person to your high school's Trades and Transitions coordinator or contact tnt@sd73.bc.ca for questions about applying.

*Please note: Course selection will occur after students have received their admissions offer.

So you’ve applied... what happens next?

Once your application is submitted to your school’s Trades and Transitions coordinator, they will ensure it is delivered to TRU for assessment. But where do we go from here?

Early-May

TRU admissions offers are sent to TRU Start students via email.

Mid-May

TRU Start students receive list of official course offerings from TRU.

Late-May

TRU Start students submit course choices.

June

TRU will register students in their class(es).

July

TRU Start students receive email with TRU Start Orientation video.

Sept. 6

First week of classes begins.

Frequently Asked Questions about taking TRU Start Courses

Can I apply online for TRU Start?

No, you must apply using a TRU Start paper application.

Do I have to pay the tuition deposit?

No, as a TRU Start Course taker you are not required to pay the usual $300 tuition deposit.

How do I pay for my TRU Start course(s)?

Tuition, fees, books and supplies are your responsibility. However, TRU will be funding the cost of tuition for students with demonstrated financial need. After applying to TRU Start Courses, all students will be invited to submit a short application to be considered for tuition funding.

TRU Start students whose parents/guardians currently work at Thompson Rivers University can also explore the use of the tuition waiver.

TRU Ancilliary fees, books, and supplies are not included in the funding mentioned above and will need to be paid before the start of each term.

What if I’m taking English 12 course in the fall semester, can I still apply for TRU Start English?

Yes, you may still apply to a TRU Start English course, but only for the winter semester. Students must have completed their English 12 class prior to the start of their TRU Start course.

The only exception to this is that some student’s English 12 class may slightly overlap the first couple classes within the TRU winter semester (students will still be finishing up the last little bit of their English 12 class, but their TRU start course will commence in early January. They may be working on both at the same time for a very short period, perhaps 1-2 weeks). In this case, students must submit an interim grade/transcript to TRU in mid-November to show that they are on course to be successful in their English 12 class (with at least a 73% grade).

I’m receiving emails about registration dates. When do I register for my classes? Do I register myself?

No, TRU Start students do not register themselves for their courses through their myTRU student accounts. The TRU Admissions office will register you in your TRU Start course(s) and will notify you once this has been done (sometime in June).

Can I take TRU Start courses online?

Yes, you may take courses online, but the application process is different. More information can be found by selecting the TRU Start BC (distance) tab.

What if my TRU class is during a time when I have other commitments?

TRU Admissions puts a lot of behind-the-scenes effort into organizing TRU Start courses and making sure appropriate TRU faculty are teaching these classes. As such, there is often only one course day/time offering for each TRU Start courses per semester (keeping in mind also that not every TRU Start course is offered each term). If the course you are registered in does not work with your schedule, contact admissions@tru.ca to switch to a new class (see below), or you can simply drop the class.

What if TRU registers me in a course and then I decide I’d like to switch into a different course?

If you’re unhappy with the course you’re registered in, you can contact admissions@tru.ca to see if changing courses is an option. Provided it is before the posted registration deadline and there is still space in your preferred class, they may be able to make course changes for you.

If I do not want to attend TRU after graduating, are my TRU Start courses transferable to other post-secondary institutions?

Potentially. TRU cannot advise on the transferability of their courses and cannot advise on what courses other institutions will accept into their programs. We encourage students to use the BC Transfer Guide, or to contact the school directly to confirm transferability.

What if my course is offered while I am in school?

If you are offered admission to TRU Start, you can expect your classes to run Monday to Friday between the hours of 3:30 p.m. - 8:50 p.m. Course schedules will vary but are offered 1 to 3 times a week in 1-, 1.5- or 3-hour blocks. So, TRU Start courses will never be offered during regular high school hours.

Do I still have classes during Spring Break?

Yes, classes will still run during SD73’s Spring Break and TRU Start students are expected to attend. However, you will not have class during TRU’s mid-semester breaks.

Can I take two courses in one semester?

No, students are only permitted to take one TRU Start course per semester. You are however allowed to take one course in each semester (i.e., one in the fall semester and one in the winter semester).

What if I need to drop my class?

Students may drop their TRU Start course (and get a full refund for those who are not using the part-time studies grant for funding), if they do so by the TRU add/drop deadline. This deadline is usually within the first 2 weeks of classes.

If you believe you are not going to complete a course successfully, you may be able to formally withdraw to avoid a low or failing grade.

You can withdraw from a course after the add/drop deadline up to the withdrawal deadline (which is usually sometime in the last week of October) without a refund. A grade will not be issued, but a "W" will appear on your transcript. This will not affect your Grade Point Average (GPA).

If you do not drop or withdraw from a course within the above deadlines, your final grade will always remain on your official TRU transcript.

What if my high school is on the linear system and not semester?

If your high school is on a linear system, you may still be permitted to take TRU Start courses, as long as you have completed the required course prerequisite. In some cases, you may have had to complete these courses in your Grade 11 year.

Are TRU Start courses considered dual credit?

No, they are not considered dual credit courses. But you can contact your high school to see if TRU Start courses can be used as your high school electives. Only your high school can approve/allow this; it does not involve TRU.

Is there someone who can help me with my application?

Yes, the Future Students office is always available to assist students with their applications, as well as to answer any questions that you may have about TRU Start (even when you are in the course).

I am an engineering Transfer student, should I take TRU Start Courses?

If your goal is to apply for the Engineering Transfer program at TRU, we strongly advise against taking TRU Start. Our agreement with UBC prevents students from taking any advanced credit and all courses in the program must be taking within the same year. Taking a TRU Start course will void the transfer agreement that we have in place (for your application). Similarly, if you were looking to transfer to UVic with our guaranteed transfer agreement, there is a possibility that advanced credit courses may impact your transferability.

If you’re applying to TRU’s Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering, TRU Start is a great option and there are no restrictions.


Student Testimonials

TRU Start student Noah Fischer

"My name is Noah Fischer, and I was a student at South Kamloops Secondary School when I first began my university experience through the TRU Start Program. I began with a single introductory psychology course and I am now in my 4th year of the Bachelor of Arts program majoring in psychology at TRU.

I cannot say enough good things about the TRU Start program. It helped to ensure a smooth transition between high school and university, which can often be difficult for a lot of people. This program allowed me to acquaint myself with the campus, the people on it, and gave me a taste of what I could expect during my first semester, which ultimately took a lot of stress and pressure off me.

I would certainly recommend this program to all other high school students who may or may not be nervous about university life. This program reduced my stress about this transition, and I believe it would be beneficial to any student about to make the same change. It provides a wonderful opportunity to look ahead and see what’s coming before you get there and provides countless advantages in the long run."

Noah Fischer
South Kamloops Secondary School
Psychology 1110


TRU Start student Royden Cooke

"I am currently finishing my last year of Electrical Engineering at UBCO, which I transferred to after my first full year in TRU’s Engineering Transfer program. Back when I was in my last semester of high school at South Kamloops Secondary School, I had a rather chill course load which gave me some extra time, and when I heard that I could take one less class in my first year I signed up right away. Also, it was completely paid for!

I took first year English with a really cool professor who made the class really interesting! I really enjoyed how it showed me that university isn’t that much different to high school but taught me that I’m in charge of my education, and that I get to choose what I do after high school.

Advice I’d give to a student considering this program? I’ll be honest, I was scared that I would have so much homework on top of my high school homework, but I really enjoyed it! It gave me an idea of what the rest of my university degree could look like without having to pay any money! So, if you are interested in what university is like and think taking a TRU Start course can make your next year easier, I’d say to try it!"

Royden Cooke
South Kamloops Secondary School
English 1110

TRU Start students interested in engineering should contact the Future Students Office prior to applying.


TRU Start student Cassidy Jean

"To this day, being a part of the TRU Start program was the best decision I ever made. TRU Start allows high school students to enroll in university courses while in their grade twelve year. It was such a fabulous experience for me, and I cannot recommend it enough.

I had the chance to "test out" two university courses, and I figured out what I wanted to do in university before I had even graduated high school. Plus, when I started coming to TRU full-time, I didn't even feel like a new student. I had already figured out the expectations of a university class, where everything was, and I made friends that I've continued to have classes with every year since then.

I think anyone can benefit from TRU Start, even students who don't think they want to go to TRU full time once they graduate high school. Even if you decide to go to another university, TRU Start will put you one step ahead of your first-year classmates.

One thing that really helped me when I was in TRU Start was organizing my high school courses so that I could have a study block, just to give me that extra time to work on my university course. One thing I wish I'd known before starting TRU Start is how nice the profs (and other students) are at university. My high school teachers made it sound like university professors were super tough and wouldn't care about you, but I found that my profs were so nice and supportive, especially if they know that you're technically still a high school student.

My advice to someone considering TRU Start: go ahead and give it a try. You'll grow so much through this program and bridge the gap between high school and university. You won't regret it."

Cassidy Jean
South Kamloops Secondary School
English 1110 & Psychology 1110

TRU Start Campus Programs

Students in School District 73 have the opportunity to apply for TRU’s Police & Justice Studies Diploma, Early Childhood Education Diploma or the Health Care Assistant Certificate to start their post-secondary journey during their grade 12 year.

Why TRU Start Programs?

  • Complete* a university program before high school graduation
  • Have your tuition funded by SD73
  • Employable right out of high school*
  • Dual credit program – the program counts towards both high school and university graduation

*Police & Justice and Early Childhood Education are two-year programs. Therefore, you will have one additional year of school after high school graduation.

Application Process

Students interested in the TRU Start Program need to apply directly through their school's Trades and Transitions Coordinator. For more details and the application package, visit the School District 73 Transitions website.

For more information on this opportunity, contact Kerry Gairdner, District Vice-Principal Trades and Transitions, SD#73. At kgairdner@exc.sd73.bc.ca or 250-299-4111.

TRU Start BC (Distance)

Admission Criteria

In addition to meeting TRU prerequisites prior to the start of the course(s) or program, students are required to meet the following criteria as documented on the student’s high school report card:

  • Minimum overall average of 'B'
  • Exemplary attendance record
  • Exemplary attitude towards learning — i.e., no 'N's in the effort column
Application Process

Students interested in taking a Dual Credit Course must:

  • Research course requirements
  • Check to see if course(s) fit into their school timetable
  • Talk to the Transitions Coordinator about their options
  • Complete the application form
    TRU Start BC Application
  • Receive a signature from the school Principal or designate
  • Receive a parent/guardian signature
  • Complete the Letter of Intent
  • Attach their current secondary school transcript

Questions about TRU Start?

TRU Start Courses
TRU Future Students Office
futurestudents@tru.ca
250-828-5006

TRU Start Programs
Kerry Gairdner, District Vice-Principal Trades and Transitions, SD#73
kgairdner@exc.sd73.bc.ca
250-299-4111

TRU Start BC (Distance)
Strategic Partnerships, TRU Open Learning
trupartners@tru.ca
250-852-6852

Search To Top