Thompson Rivers University (TRU) General Science Degree

Interested in becoming a pharmacist, optometrist, biotechnologist, or a secondary school science teacher? These diverse careers are among the achievements from the graduates of Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU’s) Bachelor of Science, General Program. The four-year program offers you sound flexibility with the courses you can take, and you will finish your studies with a strong base of scientific knowledge no matter what you choose to specialize in.

With TRU’s online Open Learning system, you can complete your Bachelor of Science, General Program with your choice of specialization in one subject. Some programs you can specialize in include:

• Biology or Animal Biology
• Cellular, Molecular & Microbial Biology
• Computing Science
• Archaeology & Geology
• Chemistry & Environmental Chemistry

120 credits are needed to complete your Bachelor of Science, General Program, of which 18 credits in upper-level courses must be taken for your chosen specialization. Other upper-level courses you are required to take have requirements too – 30 credits must be taken in two or three consistent areas of science, and 15 credits are to be completed in upper-level elective courses. Additional flexibility for electives exists as 27 credits are available for your elective courses, whether they are science or non-science courses – though select mathematics courses are exempt.

Your chosen specialization can lead you down numerous professional paths, outlooks of previously mentioned careers in Canada are as follows (range of earnings varies based on location and amount of experience):

• Pharmacist:

Yearly earnings can range from CAD $54,000 – CAD $150,000. Pharmacists in provinces with lower population density tend to earn slightly more than the national average at any experience level. Three-year outlook for employment opportunities is good across Canada, though job openings could become more limited in years after.

• Optometrist:

Yearly earnings can range from CAD $24,000 - $168,000. Provinces with more populous urban communities (British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec) tend to earn more than the national average at any experience level. Three-year outlook for employment is very good across Canada, and it is expected that available jobs may exceed the number of eligible optometrists in the workforce.

• Biotechnologist:

Hourly earnings can range from CAD $15 - $38. Typically, provinces whose economies have a notable focus on agriculture (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) tend to pay more. Three-year outlook for employment across Canada is fair but otherwise limited in some provinces, with an expected balance of job seekers and available careers in years thereafter.

• Secondary School Teacher:

Hourly earnings can range from CAD $25 - CAD $50. Provinces with relatively more remote or rural communities tend to pay slightly more than the national average. Three-year outlook for employment across Canada is quite good, with a fair outlook for further available work in years thereafter, particularly for younger job seekers.

Depending on your status as a Canadian or international student, and before factoring living costs, you can expect to pay anywhere from CAD $750 – CAD $2,100 per-semester.

Sciences are an integral part of so many fulfilling careers. With TRU’s Bachelor of Science, General Program, you will be able to immerse yourself in a wide array of scientific courses as you decide on and work towards your desired career. Global Study Guide is here as you navigate your options and decide on your post-secondary studies. Register your free student account today.