The Open Learning Division of Thompson Rivers University (TRU), a fully accredited and degree granting public university, offers over 550 courses and 55 programs through online and distance studies.

Thompson Rivers University's Open Learning (TRU-OL)’s programs and courses are of interest to professionals in today’s wavering economy looking to ensure job security and increase vocational marketability by advancing their education and qualifications.

In fact, from February 2011 to February 2012, 11,238 Canadian students were studying online and distance courses through TRU-OL and, on average, over one-third of TRU-OL’s students enrolled in such courses for career advancement.

As an “open” university, TRU-OL offers learners the choice and opportunity to pursue their educational goals on their own terms and on their own time. The “open” mandate provides learners with an opportunity to successfully engage in and complete their education and subsequently grow their careers, in the most efficient and effective manner possible. TRU-OL helps to ensure success by removing barriers blocking a learner’s entrance and advancement throughout the post-secondary process.

Minimal entry requirements as well as flexible scheduling offered through TRU-OL, allows learners to study anywhere, anytime and at a pace that suits their work, home and general life schedule. At TRU-OL, 51% of students are working full-time while 30% have children at home.

Students of TRU-OL may also be eligible to receive academic recognition for knowledge they have gained through formal and non-formal education such as life and work experiences, and apply it to their credential. This credit for practical learning is achieved through the process of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

PLAR can help individuals finish their program quicker and can also reduce the cost as fewer classes may be required.

At TRU-OL, 90% of surveyed program students successfully applied previous credit from education, work and life experiences to accelerate their educational progress.

For more information go to www.tru.ca/distance.