Welcome to the Adventure Studies Department!
In-Person and Telephone Information Sessions are held throughout the year. Pre-registration is required for In-Person Sessions AND Telephone Sessions; please contact us.
The Adventure Studies Department at Thompson Rivers University offers the finest and most extensive adventure studies training in the world.
Faculty and Sudent Body
With a faculty of internationally known adventure experts, researchers, and visionaries, and a student body of energetic, creative thinkers, the Adventure Studies Department makes and shapes careers. Compressed and modularized classroom instruction, a high percentage of time spent on field courses, and instructor to student ratios of 1:4 to 1:6 ensure a valuable and rewarding educational experience. International students are welcome - our student body comprises students from virtually every continent.
Mission
The Adventure Studies Department is committed to the process of creating exceptional educational experiences to foster students' physical, mental and emotional development so as to be of service to the global commercial adventure industry.
Disciplines
Historically, adventure involved exploration of unusual, exotic, remote or wilderness destinations—travellers embarked on voyages of discovery as individuals, as guides, or as the guided. In the twenty-first century, adventure studies have expanded exponentially from travel tourism to a wide range of interdisciplinary pursuits, career options, and sport activities. Many opportunities for career and adventure pursuits exist, and TRU adventure students and graduates can be found engaged in the following disciplines:
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ADVENTURE CAREER PATHS |
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college instruction |
youth camp work |
business degree |
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entrepreneurship |
team building |
tourism degree |
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skills instruction |
graduate studies |
management diploma |
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environmental studies |
school teaching |
eco-design |
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equipment design |
travel writing |
adventure insurance |
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adventure law |
guiding |
avalanche technician |
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studies abroad |
expedition leader |
photo journalism |
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art |
film production |
film rigging |
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exploration |
science & research |
backcountry ranger |
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public safety warden |
park warden |
industrial rigging |
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mountain guide certification |
fire department rescue squad |
wilderness first aid response |
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adventure specialist |
adventure consulting |
communications |
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international development |
search & rescue response |
community development |
Programs of Study
The Adventure Studies Department now offers six diverse programs of study, from eight-month certificates to four-year bachelor degrees. Each program enables students to obtain the knowledge and qualifications required for employment and careers in the eco and adventure tourism industry. The Adventure Studies Department provides excellent
resources and support to students and graduates as they work to achieve their goals.
- Adventure Sports Certificate
- Adventure Guide Diploma
- Adventure Management Diploma
- Canadian Mountain and Ski Guide Certification Program
- Adventure Studies in the Bachelor of Tourism Management degree
- Adventure Studies in the Bachelor of Business Administration degree (pending)
Adventure Sports Certificate - an introduction to adventure sports and the adventure industry with extensive time on field activity courses and compressed and modularized classroom course instruction. This is the ideal program for entry-level adventure students and students wishing to explore their career interest in adventure-related fields.
The Adventure Guide Diploma - the best known guide training program that attracts worldwide scrutiny and sets the standard for training whitewater, ocean, climbing and ski guides in Canada.
The Adventure Management Diploma - a program of studies that provides students with a broad background and understanding of the management of adventure activities and the opportunity to develop proficiency in their personal adventure sport skills. Can be applied as the first two years of the Bachelor of Tourism Management degree if students wish to continue their studies.
The Canadian Mountain and Ski Guide Certification Program - a collaborative program between the Adventure Studies Department and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). The program includes industry-recognized certifications to the standards of the ACMG and International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA). The highest level of training in the CMSG program is the Mountain Guide, recognized by the IFMGA in 19 countries worldwide.
Adventure Studies (Major and Minors) in the Bachelor of Tourism Management - a unique combination of theory and practice, both local and abroad, that produces competent graduates who quickly apply their skills to their careers as consultants to businesses, organizations, communities and governments as research assistants, tourism product developers and tourism industry professionals. May include International Field School.
Adventure Management Major and Minors in the Bachelor of Business Administration (pending) - an integration of adventure operations with business studies that expands the options for BBA graduates to work in an applied industry. This combination of studies, complementary and ground-breaking, will provide the adventure industry with a higher level of business management and entrepreneurial skill.
Course Descriptions
Please visit Course Descriptions to see the courses offered by the Adventure Studies Department.
Nepal Expedition 2010
In May 2010, 12 students from the Adventure Studies Department will be heading to Nepal on a paddling expedition. The students plan to paddle the Sun Kosi, Bhote Kosi and Tamur rivers during their one-month expedition. In addition to organizing and planning their paddling trip, the students from the program are raising funds in order to help Nepalese Sherpas receive tourism training. This will allow the Sherpas to participate in the high alpine tourism industry for which the country is famous.
If you have questions or would like to help students in their fund raising efforts please contact Sharman Learie at slearie@tru.ca or visit their website at www.nepal2010.com.