Approved Degree Programs

Degree Program	Approval Date
Artificial Intelligence, BSc Honours	November 15, 2024
Artificial Intelligence, BA Honours	November 15, 2024
Accounting & Economics, BA Honours	October 18, 2024
Master of Arts Management	October 18, 2024
Human Rights and Global Justice, BA Honours	January 26, 2024
Software Engineering, BSc Honours (Co-Op)	November 24, 2023
Interdisciplinary Aging Studies, MA	March 24, 2023
Data Science, BSc Honours	May 20, 2022
Climate Change Science & Policy, BSc Honours	November 26, 2021
Health & Behaviour, BSc Honours	November 26, 2021
Psychology, PhD	November 26, 2021
Dementia Studies for Registered Nurses, GDip (Type 3)	September 13, 2021
Logistics and Supply Chain Management, BA Honours	January 22, 2021
Criminology, BA Honours	November 27, 2020
Interdisciplinary Social Research, PhD	October 30, 2020
Financial Analytics, BSc Honours	November 22, 2019
Kinesiology, BSc Honours	November 22, 2019
Bioenvironmental Monitoring & Assessment, MSc​	April 26, 2019
Nursing Professional Practice Leadership, MScN (Joint with UOIT)	March 22, 2019
Policing and Community Well-Being, BA Honours	January 25, 2019
Educational and Community Leadership, GDip (Type 3)	June 11, 2018
Master of Bioenvironmental Monitoring & Assessment, MBMA	April 20, 2018
​Graduate Dip. in Bioenvironmental Monitoring & Assessment, GDip BMA	April 20, 2018
Master of Management, MMgt​​	March 16, 2018
Conservation Biology, BSc Honours	February 16, 2018
Instrumental Chemical Analysis, MICA	October 25, 2017
Forensic Science, MScFS	September 22, 2017
​Instrumental Chemical Analysis, GDip (Type 3)	September 11, 2017
​Mental Health and Addictions Nursing, GDip (Type 3)	August 25, 2017
Environmental Geoscience, BSc Honours	December 14, 2016
Child & Youth Studies, BA Honours & General	December 18, 2015
Education – Indigenous, BEd	November 27, 2015
Biomedical Science, BSc Honours	August 26, 2015
Communications & Critical Thinking, BA General	March 19, 2015
Water Sciences, BSc Honours	April 16, 2014
Educational Studies, MEd	April 16, 2014
Social Work, BSW	February 10, 2014

Artificial Intelligence, BSc Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – November 15, 2024

The BSc in Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides students with a broad knowledge of AI and Machine Learning (ML), covering concepts, techniques, methodologies, ethics, social impact, and their applications today and in the future. It will enable students to understand the foundation of AI and ML in computer science, statistics, and mathematics, develop skills in computer programming, system design, data processing, communication and research, and experience AI applications in areas of interest to them. The Program will also help students understand the ethics, limitations, biases, and human aspects of AI, as well as the economic implications of the technology. It will cultivate the necessary computational maturity for students to feel comfortable working in a wide variety of environments to implement, use, and analyze AI models and frameworks, meeting the growing demands for various career options related to AI and its applications.

Artificial Intelligence, BA Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – November 15, 2024

The BA in Artificial Intelligence (AI) will provide students with a firm understanding of the ethical considerations in the use of AI, including its positive and negative aspects and global impact, particularly regarding its limitation, biases, and privacy issues. Students will also become conversant in the history and sociopolitical implications of new technologies. The program will introduce key techniques, state-of-the-art AI, and Machine Learning (ML) tools and platforms, and their applications in various fields such as industry, finance, communication, social media, business organization, management, and education. Starting from the fundamental ideas behind how living beings learn, students will gain knowledge in AI-related areas including large language models (LLM), natural language processing (NLP), and human computer interactions (HCI), integrating ideas from computer science and behavioural science.  The experiential learning structure allows students to apply their knowledge and experience in several AI application areas at different levels.

Accounting & Economics, BA Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – October 18, 2024

The BA in Accounting and Economics is for students who are interested in studying economics and pursuing a CPA designation. The Program will provide students with an extensive knowledge and understanding of accounting concepts and applications, and will cover all accounting courses required for entry into the CPA’s professional education program. The Program provides students with the economic background to enable them to understand financial markets and the macroeconomic business environment. Students will not only be prepared for a career as an accountant, they will have a foundation in economic theory and in economic data analytics.

Master of Arts Management

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – October 18, 2024

The Master of Arts Management is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in arts management and administration, or for professionals in the practice who wish to advance their skills and enhance their knowledge of the field. Students will develop the scholarly knowledge, applied skills, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving abilities that will provide a strong foundation for professionals working in arts organizations, the entertainment industry, government ministries, municipal departments, not-for-profit arts organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private and public foundations, and small social or cultural enterprises. The program will draw upon curriculum in various areas such as arts management, policy, culture and the arts, budgeting, marketing and leadership. A key component of the program will be the co-op (12 weeks; 420 hrs) which will provide students with direct experience in the field.  

Human Rights and Global Justice, BA Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – January 26, 2024

The BA in Human Rights & Global Justice is an honours program that focuses on the global and international dimensions of human rights, their dynamics, and reach, as well as their diverse forms and expressions in local, regional, and national settings. The Program will provide students with a wide-angled and yet determinate framework for the understanding of human rights in a global context. Students will receive a strong intellectual foundation structured by four main components, including:

• Legal instruments, norms, institutions, and mechanisms at an international level, and their translation into national and subnational contexts;
• Theories, historical background, philosophical and cultural underpinnings;
• Movements and advocates (including social movements, civil society organizations, labour unions, public sector organizations, etc.) that take up human rights norms and principles in their struggles for social justice, and multiple social and cultural practices that embody human rights as a cosmopolitan ethic.
• Limitations of human rights, particularly in failing to address economic injustice in the context of market-driven development and certain kinds of structural and historical injustices, as well as challenges to human rights from alternative cultural and philosophical foundations.

By emphasizing both the theoretical and practical aspects of human rights, the BA Human Rights & Global Justice will prepare students to become active and engaged citizens, equipped with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate and participate in ongoing struggles for social justice. Students will receive rigorous, interdisciplinary formation and practicum experience.

Software Engineering, BSc Honours (Co-Op)

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – November 24, 2023

Software engineering is the branch of computer science that deals with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications. Students in this program will apply engineering principles and knowledge of programming languages to build software solutions for end users. Students will learn how to design, implement, test, maintain, and document software solutions. Software solutions are typically large and complex; therefore, software engineering graduates must manage problem solving involving several levels of abstraction. Students must also draw on sound methodologies and practices to produce software, which is correct, robust, maintainable, and extensible. Graduates from this program will bridge the gap between the requirements of a client and the software solution to meet client needs. The co-op component of this program will ensure that our graduates have both the technical and interpersonal skills to work within the dynamics of a group. With a focus on teamwork and collaboration, students will gain experience and skills to meet the needs of today’s software creators and users.

Interdisciplinary Aging Studies, MA

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – March 24, 2023

The MA in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies is a thesis-based MA program designed to foster an understanding of key conceptual and methodological foundations of interdisciplinary aging studies, executed from both research-based and applied (e.g., experiential learning) approaches. The MA in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies degree offers graduate students training in social science and humanities fields related to the study of aging, including social-cultural dimensions of aging; systems, services and policy; cultural/literary studies, performance, and creative arts; social justice, especially equity, diversity and inclusion; and professional fields requiring expertise in aging. The MA program emphasizes the importance of developing skills in critical analysis of contemporary aging issues and practical approaches to aging-related challenges across different contexts – ranging from individual experiences of aging to the societal complexities of aging populations.

Data Science, BSc Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – May 20, 2022

Through the BSc Honours Data Science degree program, students will gain the knowledge and experience in data analysis, statistical and information management techniques, including programming, visualization, and predictive modelling in the digital and business world. Students will explore the evolution of data science, use statistical concepts and techniques to represent information received, apply data management systems and technologies in organizations, and predict trends and represent big data findings visually to key stakeholders. This degree is unique in that it requires students to pick an “area of focus” such as business, economics, environmental science, history, mathematics, or sociology, in which to apply their data analytics skills.  Students also have the opportunity to, with a few additional courses, complete a minor in the chosen focus area. This degree will prepare students for challenging opportunities in the field of data science and big data analytics across application domains.

Climate Change Science and Policy, BSc Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – November 26, 2021

Building on previously acquired entry to practice Registered Nurse competencies, this graduate diploma in Dementia Studies is designed for Registered Nurses who wish to become leaders in the development and delivery of specialty care for individuals affected by dementia. Participants will engage in a five course program of study distributed over five semesters. The primary method of delivery is asynchronous online learning using the Blackboard learning platform, with readings, online discussions, and assignments distributed over five 12 week semesters. In each semester, learners will participate in one or two eight hour workshops, either online or in-person led by a faculty member. Workshops will include a variety of active learning and simulation experiences.

Health and Behaviour, BSc Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – November 26, 2021

Building on previously acquired entry to practice Registered Nurse competencies, this graduate diploma in Dementia Studies is designed for Registered Nurses who wish to become leaders in the development and delivery of specialty care for individuals affected by dementia. Participants will engage in a five course program of study distributed over five semesters. The primary method of delivery is asynchronous online learning using the Blackboard learning platform, with readings, online discussions, and assignments distributed over five 12 week semesters. In each semester, learners will participate in one or two eight hour workshops, either online or in-person led by a faculty member. Workshops will include a variety of active learning and simulation experiences.

Psychology, PhD

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – November 26, 2021

Building on previously acquired entry to practice Registered Nurse competencies, this graduate diploma in Dementia Studies is designed for Registered Nurses who wish to become leaders in the development and delivery of specialty care for individuals affected by dementia. Participants will engage in a five course program of study distributed over five semesters. The primary method of delivery is asynchronous online learning using the Blackboard learning platform, with readings, online discussions, and assignments distributed over five 12 week semesters. In each semester, learners will participate in one or two eight hour workshops, either online or in-person led by a faculty member. Workshops will include a variety of active learning and simulation experiences.

Dementia Studies for Registered Nurses, GDip (Type 3)

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – September 13, 2021

Building on previously acquired entry to practice Registered Nurse competencies, this graduate diploma in Dementia Studies is designed for Registered Nurses who wish to become leaders in the development and delivery of specialty care for individuals affected by dementia. Participants will engage in a five course program of study distributed over five semesters. The primary method of delivery is asynchronous online learning using the Blackboard learning platform, with readings, online discussions, and assignments distributed over five 12 week semesters. In each semester, learners will participate in one or two eight hour workshops, either online or in-person led by a faculty member. Workshops will include a variety of active learning and simulation experiences.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management, BA Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – January 22, 2021

The BA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management will equip graduates with the ability to take up positions of responsibility in purchasing, planning, production, logistics and distribution. The program is designed to produce managers for a career in supply chain management; managers who will play a decisive role in attaining a higher degree of efficiency and immediacy in the provision of a service or making a product competitive on the market. It will also prepare students to achieve the Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP) designation. The program will provide an interdisciplinary breadth of knowledge including accounting, economics, modelling, computing and statistics with a focus to providing students with a foundation in the theory, practice and analytical techniques required to understand, model, and solve complex supply chain problems in the modern world of business.

Criminology, BA Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – November 27, 2020

This degree emphasizes a critical interdisciplinary approach to the study of criminalization and practices of social control and punishment. Learning will focus on progressive law and policy reforms such as restorative justice that are rooted in Indigenous knowledge, critical aging, and feminist anti-violence research. Students will become knowledgeable in alternative responses to harm and reparation. With experiential learning opportunities in years three and four, graduates will develop skills in digital competency, analytical approaches to law and policy focused research, interpreting criminalization and punishment data, and the development of and engagement with community based responses to violence, harm, and social disadvantage.

Interdisciplinary Social Research, PhD

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – October 30, 2020

The PhD in Interdisciplinary Social Research will require candidates to draw on multiple disciplines simultaneously for a holistic approach to addressing social issues of the past, present and future. The program will provide the theoretical, methodological, and experiential training ground for the development of comprehensive research and analysis skills. The program emphasizes social inquiry, interdisciplinary research, and professional scholarship as the foundation for understanding and addressing complex social issues. Key themes include entrepreneurship and social innovation; education and learning sciences; environment and sustainability; health and aging; leadership and management; socio-cultural contexts, social justice and community engagement, and international contexts.

Financial Analytics, BSc Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - November 22, 2019

The BSc Financial Analytics program enables students to obtain a foundation in the theory, practice and analytical techniques required to understand, model, and solve complex financial problems in the modern world of finance. Students will understand the role of financial theory for the functioning of modern business and society, grasp the mathematical basis for financial models, and understand the limitations of financial theory and models. The program provides students with an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach based in quantitative sciences, drawing from accounting, economics, finance, mathematical modelling, computing and statistics. Students will use real-time market data to work on implementing financial models; they will come to understand financial models as they gain hands-on experience through the application of quantitative skills, economic reasoning, computational expertise, and numerical modelling skills.

Kinesiology, BSc (Honours)

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - November 22, 2019

The proposed Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (BScKin) is a four-year honours degree based at Trent University: the focus of the program is on “Human performance and function across the life span”. The multidisciplinary approach to physical activity and health across the lifespan, including the aging population and the inclusion of clinical practice in the fourth year of this program will be a distinctive feature of this program. Students will study exercise, health, disease prevention and the integration of nutrition, and will be encouraged to further specialize in one of outdoor education, Indigenous health, or rural health. Graduates of this proposed program will be eligible to complete the written examination, and if successful, register in the General Class with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (https://www.coko.ca/).

Bioenvironmental Monitoring & Assessment, MSc

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - April 26, 2019

The Master of Science in Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment degree is a thesis-based program that provides graduate-level training in the field of environmental monitoring and assessment with a focus on biological systems. Through state-of-the-art technologies, students will determine innovative methods of addressing challenges in the monitoring and assessment of biological systems. The primary thematic foci for this graduate program include habitat quality assessment; population trend and viability analysis; biological change and species adaptation monitoring; biological informatics applications; gene expression and bioinformatics; ecological time series analysis; ecosystem services and sustainable yields evaluation; and biomarker development. Distinct features of the program include the analysis of existing or synthetic datasets, development of professional and technical skills, and the completion of a placement.

Nursing Professional Practice Leadership, MScN (Joint with UOIT)

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - March 22, 2019

Trent and UOIT have formed a partnership to offer a MScN in Professional Practice Leadership. The MScN program will prepare graduates to contribute to an increasingly complex health care sector by providing an education that includes mentorship, interdisciplinary opportunities and experiential learning through research, project and class assignments. Professional practice leaders are responsible for ensuring and implementing expert practice, the facilitation of professional development, research and providing leadership; they are often charged with quality assurance and safety as well and the program is designed to develop expertise in these areas. The program is largely online and will begin with a 1-week face to face residency component to ensure that current professionals with high working demands are able to pursue the program. Graduates of the program will be granted a MScN by UOIT in collaboration with Trent University or a MSN by Trent University in collaboration with UOIT.

Policing and Community Well-being, BA Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - January 25, 2019

Policing and Community Well-being at Trent provides graduates an understanding of the main theoretical concepts and practices by police and other social agencies and organizations as they relate to complex social issues impacting community safety and well-being. Graduates will develop a wide range of skills, from interpreting crime and social disorder data, to contributing to a multi–disciplinary approach to social development in order to reduce and prevent the incidence of crime and social disorder. Graduates will be prepared for the modern police service, as well as service in other social agencies and municipal governance (law, community research, conflict mediator, policy analyst), that collaborate across sectors in order to achieve the goals of community safety and well-being for all. 

Educational and Community Leadership, GDip (Type 3)

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - June 11, 2018

The Graduate Diploma (Type 3) in Educational and Community Leadership is a part-time program aimed at professionals interested in education issues and leadership roles in education. Participants will engage in a five-course program of study distributed over four semesters. The method of delivery is a hybrid of the first and last courses being face-to-face in block format, and the three middle courses being either online learning or face-to-face courses. Grounded in Trent’s commitment to environmental sustainability, social justice and community development, the program will encourage and develop students’ research skills, Educational and Community Leadership skills and their capacity for critical analysis. 

Master of Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment, MBMA

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - April 20, 2018

The Master of Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment (MBMA) program is a 1-year (3 semesters) course-based program that integrates biological monitoring and assessment concepts and issues within an environmental context, designed to prepare students for the environmental workforce upon graduation. This degree will emphasize practical and applied course-based education, along with experiential learning, to give students professional skills and experience that are crucial for success in the competitive environmental employment sector in Canada. This is accomplished by providing practical knowledge and experiential learning through a professional work placement, or placement. Students will complete a total of nine courses/six credits. The coursework for Terms 1 and 2 can be completed entirely online in the Fall and Winter semesters. In Term 3 (Summer), students will complete 1 course (2.0 credits) consisting of a 15-week placement and a 1-week capstone course. During the placement course, Master’s students will complete placements with environmental sector partners to acquire valuable ‘real-world’ experience, which will be followed by a mandatory week-long face-to-face capstone session on the Trent campus to synthesize the experience and participate in a networking event.

Graduate Diploma in Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment, GDip BMA

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - April 20, 2018

The Graduate Diploma in Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment (GDip BMA) program is an 8-month (2 semester) course-based professional graduate diploma program that integrates biological monitoring and assessment concepts and issues within an environmental context, designed to prepare students for the environmental workforce upon graduation. The curriculum of the BMA program will provide foundational and practical knowledge, including foundational understanding of the principles, technical aspects and human dimensions of bioenvironmental monitoring and assessment. Bioenvironmental science can be defined as “the systematic study of the interactions between biological systems and the environment using innovative applied research tools and fundamental research”. Students will complete six online half-credit courses (total of 3.0 credits). The coursework for this program can be completed entirely online in the Fall and Winter semesters. 

Master of Management, MMgt

​Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - March 16, 2018

The Master of Management (MMgt) is a program of study designed to benefit those interested in taking on leadership positions in management either in Canada or abroad. The full-time, sixteen- month, course-based Master of Management situated within the School of Business at Trent University Durham provides students who have recently graduated from non-business majors the skills they need to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Students can begin the program directly after their university graduation, or with up to five years of post-graduation work experience. Developed to address the needs of today’s employers, the Master of Management (MMgt) curriculum provides students with a grounding in a broad spectrum of business and management disciplines, from accounting to corporate finance and marketing to strategic management. The program will encourage students to understand the larger social issues facing business organizations in today’s changing environment.  The Program will be offered over four terms; students will take thirteen courses: four in the fall, four in the winter, a summer work integrated learning opportunity, plus four courses in the final fall term. This means students from the program will graduate with the edge needed in a competitive business environment both in Canada and overseas.

Conservation Biology, BSc Honours

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - February 16, 2018

Conservation biology is the study of science behind conserving the world’s wildlife. In this program, students will study the decline of biological diversity to better understand the solutions to this worldwide crisis. Studying everything from lichens on a tree to elephants, students will learn about a variety of species and organisms. Students will investigate population dynamics and current threats and explore ways to preserve and protect the environment and its inhabitants. Topics of study will include: Ecology, Animal and Plant Diversity, Evolution, Organismal Biology and Behaviour, and Population Genetics. The degree is available as a BSc Honours with a placement in 4th year (4-yr program) or a co-op option (5-yr program). Through the program’s experiential learning opportunities, students will apply what they have learned in the classroom to the real world, working alongside leading organizations, agencies and researchers in the field of Conservation Biology.

Instrumental Chemical Analysis, MICA

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - October 25, 2017

Trent University’s Master of Instrumental Chemical Analysis is a one-year degree program consisting of two terms of course work with practical elements and a third term internship. Graduates will gain a sound understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of modern mass spectrometric and chromatographic instruments, and will undertake real analyses and data work during an internship in the final term. Trent University is uniquely placed to develop and offer such a program, due to its Water Quality Centre which has been recognized as one of the world’s best facilities for analysis of a wide variety of elements and compounds, primarily of environmental concern. The program responds to the critical need for graduates who have a theoretical understanding of how modern instruments function and the skills to actually operate them. Graduates will pursue careers in a broad range of disciplines in commercial, industry, academic and government laboratories.

Forensic Science, MScFS

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - September 22, 2017

The Master of Science in Forensic Science is a one-year, professional course-based program designed for students interested in pursuing a professional career in the forensic sciences. The program combines academic instruction with practical application and professional orientation. Students are provided with an understanding of the value of research and case-specific experimentation as well as nurturing and developing effective communication techniques to present technical scientific analysis to scientific and non-scientific audiences. The program consists of three terms; courses in terms 1 and 2 are designed for students to learn and implement best practices in crime scene investigation as well as forensic biology, toxicology, physical sciences and expert witness testimony. The final term will be a designated full-time project, where students will complete an independent research project at a recognized academic, private or public sector institution.

Instrumental Chemical Analysis, GDip (Type 3) 

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - September 11, 2017

Trent University’s Graduate Diploma (Type 3) in Instrumental Chemical Analysis is composed of two terms of course work with practical elements. The Diploma is aimed at students who have practical experience with the operation of analytical equipment. Emphasis will be placed on providing graduates with the theoretical fundamentals of mass spectrometry and chromatography, as well as the operation and maintenance of a new set of instruments. Trent University is uniquely placed to develop and offer such a program, due to its Water Quality Centre which has been recognized as one of the world’s best facilities for analysis of a wide variety of elements and compounds, primarily of environmental concern. The program responds to the critical need for graduates with both the theoretical understanding of how modern instruments function and the skills to actually operate them. Graduates will pursue careers in a broad range of disciplines in commercial, industry, academic and government laboratories.

Mental Health and Addictions Nursing, GDip (Type 3)

Approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - August 25, 2017

Building on previously acquired entry to practice Registered Nurse competencies, this graduate diploma in mental health nursing is aimed at Registered Nurses who wish to become clinical practice leaders in the specialty of mental health and addictions nursing. Participants will engage in a five course program of study distributed over five semesters. The primary method of delivery is asynchronous online learning using the Blackboard learning platform, with readings, online discussions, and assignments distributed over a 12 week semester. In addition, in each semester, learners will participate in two eight hour on-campus workshops led by a faculty member, which will include a variety of active learning and simulation experiences.  Graduates of this program will be awarded a graduate diploma in Mental Health and Addictions Nursing.

Environmental Geoscience, BSc Honours

Approved by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance - December 14, 2016

The BSc Honours in Environmental Geoscience integrates the disciplines of geology, biology, chemistry and geography to study the interaction between human activities and earth systems. The proposed program will strengthen Trent’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research in Interdisciplinary Environmental Science and will be housed in the recently established Trent School of the Environment (TSE).  In Canada, professional accreditation is a legal requirement for individuals working in the field of geoscience and the curriculum of this program has been carefully designed to satisfy the ‘minimum knowledge requirements’ of the ‘Environmental Geoscience’ stream identified by Geoscientists Canada (https://geoscientistscanada.ca). Students will receive strong foundational training in geoscience, and develop breadth of knowledge in the other sciences. Students will further their knowledge and experience with a capstone experiential learning opportunity in fourth year, and a compulsory field course will provide opportunities to apply and master geoscience techniques.

Child and Youth Studies, BA Honours & General

Approved by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – December 18, 2015

A unique new interdisciplinary degree program, Child and Youth Studies, will be offered as both a General and Honours degree, with a focus on how children and youth learn through play, and understanding the “curriculum of being a child”. With a strong foundation in sociology, psychology, and education this degree inspires students to think about child and youth development through the eyes of a child. Using a non- traditional and asset oriented view of child and youth, the program will consider creative engagement and how children play with simple and complex ideas such as: family and belonging; citizenship and collaboration; identity and emotional development; cognition and intellectual development; playing with math ideas, language and literature; and fantasy play and the imagination. Students will learn about child and youth rights and legal issues, and how children develop emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically. They will also gain a deep understanding of how to apply playful pedagogies for learning, especially in the areas of math and language. The curriculum will have a rich focus on creative engagement, theatre and the arts.

The Honours degree will include a placement course in the fourth year and will provide graduates with a pathway into Trent’s Consecutive BEd program through a limited number of reserved spaces. Graduates of this program will be well prepared to continue into graduate work. As a graduate of the degree, students will have a deep understanding of the issues affecting the lives of young people.

Education – Indigenous, BEd 

Approved by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – November 27, 2015

Trent University’s Bachelor of Education – Indigenous Program is a full-time, five-year degree program. This concurrent program provides students with the opportunity to focus on education-related theories and practices with an emphasis on Indigenous knowledge, culture and language throughout their five years of study. Students enrolling into the program are required to self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit. The program prepares students to teach in rural or urban environments, on or off reserves.

Upon completion of the program, graduates may choose to become members of the Ontario College of Teachers. On completion of the program, graduates are awarded with a Bachelor of Education – Indigenous degree. Students completing this program with a major may also qualify to graduate with a three-year general Bachelor of Arts degree.

Biomedical Science, BSc Honours

Approved by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – August 26, 2015

The BSc (Honours) in Biomedical Science will provide the opportunity for an in-depth study of the interrelationships among the basic medical science disciplines. The proposed Biomedical Science degree allows students to personalize their degree by moving beyond the narrow focus of health and medicine and gives them room to explore health-based courses in the humanities and social sciences to enhance the breadth and scope of their degree. Students will have the option to complete a placement or an internship as part of this program, this educational opportunity will provide practical experiences in the health and medical science fields. The degree prepares students for careers in biomedical or applied health research, teaching, or in degree programs in medicine or in the allied health professions.

Communications and Critical Thinking, BA General

Approved by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – March 19, 2015

The Communications and Critical Thinking degree is a three-year General degree designed with transfer students and mature students in mind. The program teaches students how to approach interdisciplinary problems from a sociological, historical, business, and moral perspective. The   degree involves courses that require competencies in writing, math, ethics, interdisciplinary problem solving, basic research methods/statistics, practical project management and a culminating interdisciplinary course that involves experiential learning. The degree provides students with the ability to communicate clearly and think critically in a range of topics. Graduates will be highly competitive in a job market that increasingly stresses the need for employees who can adapt and change in a world of rapid technological, cultural, and social change.

Educational Studies, MEd

Approved by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – April 16, 2014

The MEd in Educational Studies program will prepare students to make significant contributions to an increasingly complex world by experiencing personal and professional development that is enhanced by global perspectives, experiential learning and an over-arching interdisciplinary approach. Students will draw on the expertise of core faculty from education, business administration, Canadian studies, English literature, Indigenous studies, history and psychology who offer courses that involve collaboration across theoretical perspectives and frameworks.

The program will attract professionals in the field of education with its educational foci, such as medical/nursing teaching, environmental education, intersecting areas of psychology and education, and social work. It will also meet the needs of the local teaching profession who desire a higher professional degree; something increasingly seen as essential for professional advancement. Focus will be on: curriculum, critical literacies, and leadership and education administration.

Water Sciences, BSc Honours

Approved by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance – April 16, 2014

The Water Sciences curriculum is designed to ensure that students gain a broad foundation in the scientific disciplines and related policy fields that are relevant to water and the aquatic   environment. As such, the proposed curriculum is designed to require students to take courses from across Environmental and Resource Science/Studies, Geography, Chemistry, and Biology. The interdisciplinary curriculum will ensure that graduates of the program have a broad, yet in-depth understanding of (i) the basic mechanics of water movement within the environment, (ii) the factors affecting its chemical and physical quality, (iii) its feedbacks within the climate system, (iv) the biological and ecological importance and functions of water, (v) its suitability as biological habitat or for human use and (vi) policies relating to the governance and management of freshwater resources.

Social Work, BSW

Approved by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Council – February 10, 2014

The challenging field of Social Work provides essential supports to communities by helping its individuals, groups and families meet their basic human needs. The new Bachelor of Social Work at Trent University will prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills for meaningful professional practice in a wide range of social work contexts. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in social justice, human rights and cultural awareness, you will develop a strong foundation of clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and social responsibility. You will explore a range of contemporary themes connected to social work from across disciplines in your first two years.

Students who qualify for the professional years will focus exclusively on social work theory and practice in years three and four of the program, including more than 700 hours of supervised clinical placement.

New Degree Program Proposals Approved by Quality Council (download PDF)