Areas of Study
At Trent, we know choosing the right program is a big decision—and you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. If you’re exploring your program options, this is the page for you.
Trent is a place where questions are just as important as answers, and exploring your interests is part of the journey. Our areas of study are designed to help you discover what excites you and find the program that fits who you are, and who you are becoming. Ready to dive in? Get started by exploring our Areas of Study below.
Already know exactly what program you are looking for? Amazing! We recommend you head over to our Program Picker to learn more about your program including career boosting experiences and admissions info.
Choose an area of study
Explore human experience across time and cultures to think critically and better understand the world and your place in it.
In the Humanities & Social Sciences at Trent, you have plenty of options to combine programs in different subjects for a truly interdisciplinary education that gives you a competitive career edge after graduation.
Along the way, you’ll also gain valuable real-world experience through our paid co-op, research projects, internships, and even the opportunity to go global by studying abroad.
Featured Programs:
- English Literature B.A.
- Sociology B.A.
- French Studies B.A.
- History B.A.
- Anthropology B.A.
Career Paths:
- University Professor
- Content Marketer
- Teacher
- Archivist
- Counsellor
- Curator
Explore how organizations, markets, and financial systems operate, developing the skills to lead in a dynamic global economy.
These degrees open a wide range of career possibilities, from launching your own company, working for some of the world's biggest brands, to roles in policy development and public service leadership.
To take you there, you’ll pair course work with paid co-op, internships, and placements, gaining valuable real-world experience before you graduate.
Featured Programs:
- Accounting & Economics
- Business Administration / Master of Management Fast Track
- Business & Arts/Business & Science
- Financial Science
- Logistics & Supply Chain Mgmt
- Financial Science
Career Paths:
- Chartered Accountant
- Investment Banker
- Human Resource Manager
- Economist
- Public Policy Analyst
Analyze data, solve complex problems, and design innovative technologies to shape the future of our digital world.
Bring your passion for numbers – whether in tables, code, or formulas – to tackling cutting edge challenges as you learn to create, manage, and understand data sets and functions.
In these programs at Trent, you’ll be able to explore the practical and theoretical frameworks that guide all technological innovations, and perhaps even become part of the next great breakthrough. You’ll also graduate with real-world career experience and the beginnings of your professional network through our paid co-op streams, internships, capstone courses, and other hands-on opportunities.
Featured Programs:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering Co-op
- Data Science
- Mathematical Economics
Career Paths:
- Data Engineer
- Software Developer
- Applications Architect
- Web Developer
- Aerodynamics Specialist
There’s no better place to study the environment—Trent is home to one of Canada’s top 5 environmental studies programs.
Trent’s School of the Environment is a national leader in environmental teaching and research – it's what we do. If you’re passionate about the environment, this is where you should be studying.
It’s not just about what you’ll learn, it’s also about where. Trent offers something that no other Ontario university can: a 1,400-acre Peterborough campus featuring 11 distinct nature areas, including forests, farms, wetlands, and rivers. Add in world-renowned facilities like our Water Quality Centre, Wind Tunnel, and Research Farm, and you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to get hands-on during your studies in the lab and in the field.
Featured Programs:
- Environmental & Resource Science/Studies
- Environmental Geoscience
- Conservation Biology
- Indigenous Environmental Studies
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
- Water Sciences
Career Paths:
- Earth Scientist
- Water Quality Analyst
- Climate Policy Advisor
- Hydrogeologist
- Marine Biologist
- Geochemist
Gain investigative and scientific skills through placements, biology labs, and state-of-the-art forensic facilities.
As one of Canada’s top universities for Forensics and Biological Sciences, Trent offers more degree options than any other Forensic Science program in the country. Plus, in these programs you’ll have the options to hone your skills through a research thesis, or a work placement with credible organizations like the Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada, or the RCMP.
Trent is also home to the state-of-the-art Forensic Crime Scene Facility— the only facility of its kind on a university campus, along with cutting-edge labs like the Biology Imaging Suite and DNA Profiling & Forensic Centre, giving students a solid foundation in chemical, biological, and crime scene analysis.
Featured Programs:
- Forensic Science
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Chemistry
- Forensic Biology
- Biology
Career Paths:
- Crime Scene Technician
- Geneticist
- Criminologist
- Toxicologist
- Pathologist
- DNA Analyst
Hands-on learning in medical settings, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and direct pathways to medical and veterinary schools.
Trent’s health-focused programs offer more than just classroom learning—they’re a launchpad to medical and professional schools.
With clinical shadowing, research opportunities, and direct pathways to professional schools—including the Medical Professional Stream and international dual degrees—you gain a competitive edge early on.
At Trent, Health, Nursing, Life Sciences & Medicine are designed for future physicians, nurses, healthcare leaders, and scientists ready to make a difference.
Featured Programs:
- Medical Professional Stream
- Medical Sciences/Bachelor of Arts & Science Dual Degree
- Nursing B
- Biomedical Science
- Health & Behaviour
- Kinesiology
- Bachelor of Arts & Science/Doctor of Naturopathy Double Degree
Career Paths:
- Doctor
- Psychologist
- Nurse
- Physiotherapist
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Optometrist
Examine Canada’s complexity by studying Indigenous perspectives and diverse narratives at the university where these programs were born.
Trent University was the first Canadian university to offer Indigenous Studies and Canadian Studies programs, and to this day we continue to be leaders and innovators in honestly exploring the past, present and future of this country’s many peoples.
Our programs enable you to study culture, politics, art, and history from many different perspectives, and explore the historical and present-day challenges shaping relationships between these communities in Canada.
Featured Programs:
- Canadian Studies
- Indigenous Studies
- French & Canadian Studies
- Indigenous Environmental Studies
Career Paths:
- Lawyer
- Teacher
- Diplomat
- Treaties Negotiator
- Cultural Affairs Director
Explore legal systems and criminal behaviour through immersive experiences that lead to justice-focused careers.
Trent’s programs in law and criminology explore the legal system and the social forces behind crime and justice, with hands-on learning through co-ops, community research, and workshops. Unique offerings like the Policing & Community Well-Being degree and a dual law pathway with Swansea University provide direct routes to careers in law, policy, and public safety.
This is where future legal minds and community leaders build the skills to shape a more just society.
Featured Programs:
- Law & Arts: Trent/Swansea Dual Degree
- Law & Business: Trent/Swansea Dual Degree
- Criminology
- Policing & Community Well-Being
- Psychology
Career Paths:
- Lawyer
- Criminologist
- Mental Health Counsellor
- Mediator
- Youth Worker
- Crime Analyst
- Police Leader
Explore how media, technology, and culture shape society, and gain skills to create and influence change.
These degrees will help you understand how digital interaction and global connectivity are shaping and influencing the future, explore the theoretical and practical areas of visual arts, film, media, theatre, and music, and embrace your creativity and building career skills to break into fields like journalism, creative writing or public relations.
You’ll also be able to gain hands-on experience strategizing, developing, and analyzing content through internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities, prepare you for today’s digital job market.
Featured Programs:
- Communications
- Media Studies
- Cultural Studies
- French Studies
- Journalism & Creative Writing
Career Paths:
- Communications Strategist
- Social Media Manager
- Publicist
- Marketing Executive
- Music Industry Consultant
- Journalist
Prepare for frontline roles in healthcare and social services through applied, community-based education.
Learn to lead with compassion and care in these degree programs, and get hands-on opportunities to work with patients, children, and vulnerable populations to make a difference in your community.
Trent degrees respected in all industries for producing well rounded, highly skilled graduates taught by leading experts.
Featured Programs:
- Social Work
- Policing & Community Well-Being
- Child & Youth Studies
- Sociology
Career Paths:
- Social Worker
- Clinical Instructor
- Mental Health Worker
- Community Developer
- Counsellor
- Correctional Director
- Police Executive
Study in advanced STEM programs while gaining experience that connects your learning to industry and innovation.
Whether your interest is in the lab, in the digital space, or in the boardroom, our degrees are designed for the student who is fascinated by the possibilities that advanced technology holds for our future and wants to be part of the next big thing.
You’ll also gain practical experience through paid co-op streams, research opportunities, and placements, all while building an invaluable professional network.
Featured Programs:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering: Trent/Swansea Dual Degree
- Biomedical Science
- Software Engineering Co-op
Career Paths:
- Software Engineer
- Astrophysicist
- Geneticist
- Pharmacist
- Teacher
- Pathologist
Understand global challenges through social justice, human rights, and community-based learning at home and abroad.
Programs in this area explore these issues and more through economic, cultural, political, historical, gender, and environmental lenses. You’ll develop a better understanding of the constructive and destructive effects on communities at home and internationally through hands-on learning, community-based research projects, and leadership development opportunities.
Plus, you can even spend a full year studying in Africa or South America or explore different study abroad options, putting the global into Global Development Studies!
Featured Programs:
- Archaeology
- Gender & Social Justice
- Global Development Studies
- Human Rights & Global Justice
- Political Studies
- Sociology
Career Paths:
- Prime Minister
- International Relations Specialist
- Diplomat
- Human Rights Specialist
- Disaster Relief Specialist
- Social Policy Analyst
Prepare to lead and inspire the next generation through hands-on learning rooted in purpose and care.
At Trent, you’ll benefit from personalized and collaborative learning experiences rooted in social justice, sustainable practices, and Indigenous Knowledge, while developing the fundamentals of teaching and learning to prepare you to work in a classroom environment.
You’ll also practice teaching first-hand through community outreach, placements, and practicum opportunities, giving you real-world experience in the classroom.
Featured Programs:
- Teacher Education Stream
- Child & Youth Studies
- Bachelor of Education
- Indigenous Bachelor of Education
Career Paths:
- Teacher
- Child & Youth Counsellor
- School Board Superintendent
- Curriculum Designer
- Adult Educator
- Autism Specialist
- Child Protection Director
Trent University offers a wide range of academic programs to help you achieve your goals and prepare you for personal and professional success, including:
Earn a bachelor’s degrees or take your studies even further with a Master’s or Doctorate program.
Continue your undergraduate studies with new knowledge and essential skills in as little as eight months.
Specialize your undergraduate studies with a focus on a specific field within your degree.
Completed alongside almost any undergraduate degree, add a unique focus for a distinct advantage in the career of your choice.
Prepare for undergraduate studies or expand your knowledge as a graduate.
Develop specific skills, for professional development or personal interest, with these specialized learning opportunities.