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School of the Environment
Trent University
Bachelor of Environmental Science / Studies
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Welcome

2 women wading in a river in the summer sun, holding a bucket and a net, smiling at the camera

Studying the environment is about more than just understanding nature. Trent’s Bachelor of Environmental Science & Studies (BESS) degree offers students a holistic understanding of the environment, bringing together topics in science and the arts to solve key environmental issues. You’ll learn about water, air, soil, ecosystems, as well as the relationships between the environment and policy, planning and human interactions. You’ll also gain an understanding of how humans experience the environment, as well as contemporary environmental issues, to help shape an environmentally sustainable future.

Taken as a 4-year Honours single major, this unique degree requires students complete courses in both science and studies disciplines. Interested students can choose this major when applying from high school, and students can also switch to this major if they meet the requirements. The ECO Canada accredited BESS degree has minimum entrance and performance requirements, requiring a higher standard of academic performance throughout the degree. 

This degree offers a holistic understanding of the environment that brings together topics in sciences and the arts to solve key environmental issues.

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The Experience

There is no better place to study the environment. With 140 course options and environmental scholarships available, there are many reasons why Trent has proudly been one of Canada’s top postsecondary environmental institutions for more than 50 years.

The Experience
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Program

As a BESS student at one of Canada’s top postsecondary environmental institutions, develop a strong understanding of solutions to natural resource and environmental problems and learn how to combine scientific and social knowledge effectively in this interdisciplinary joint arts-science degree

Program

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Latest News

Image of three polar bears, two of them little cubs, on the snow covered ground.

What can Polar Bears Tell Us About Climate Change?

Research co-led by Trent CRC in Environmental Archaeology answers this question by looking at the historical ecology of polar bears

November 24, 2023
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Trent and University of Edinburgh to Host International Summit on Environmental and Social Change in the Arctic

2024 Summit will bring scientists and artists together to explore the role of alternative knowledge types in climate efforts

November 22, 2023
 Eleven Trent faculty, staff, students and alumni with HCMUT researchers in the Cat Tien UNESCO Biosphere reserve.

Taking Trent Research International to Tackle Environmental Challenges

Collaborative research project with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology lays the groundwork for future collaboration

November 16, 2023
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Trent University respectfully acknowledges it is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg. We offer our gratitude to First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.

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