Undergraduate
Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science
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- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
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- Peterborough
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- Paid Co-op Available
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
- Environment & Sustainability
- Indigenous Studies & Canadian Studies
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Campus Peterborough
- Work Experience Paid Co-op Available
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- OUAC Codes RAI - Peterborough B.A. RCI - Peterborough B.Sc. RIE - Peterborough B.A. co-op
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
Study in the first Indigenous Environmental Studies/Sciences program of its kind in North America, integrating Indigenous knowledges and Western science to address today's most complex environmental challenges.
Explore environmental challenges through multiple ways of knowing. Jointly offered through the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and Trent School of the Environment, this interdisciplinary degree brings Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Western science together to examine environmental stewardship, sustainability and community well-being, while preparing you to address complex issues such as climate change, health and food security.
- Choose the B.A. or B.Sc. degree pathway, exploring social, cultural and human relationships with the environment or building scientific skills to analyze the natural world through Indigenous and Western perspectives.
- Learn from Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, scholars and guest speakers, bringing diverse perspectives and lived knowledge into your studies.
- Tailor your degree to your interests through specializations in Applied Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Performance or Nishinaabemowin.
- Apply multiple ways of knowing to real-world challenges, developing critical, collaborative and problem-solving skills relevant to Indigenous communities, governments, industry and environmental organizations.
Accelerated Masters
Fast-track your education, by earning your M.Sc. in Environmental & Life Sciences in only 12-20 months of graduating from your Honours B.Sc.
Program Possibilites
Specialize your studies in Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science with a focus on a specific field within your degree
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Applied Indigenous Knowledge
The first of its kind in Canada, this unique specialization introduces students to the practical applications of Indigenous Knowledge. Work alongside Indigenous Elders through land-based learning to develop compassion for the land and each other, and work collaboratively with people across cultures.
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Indigenous Performance
Take to the stage or an important backstage role, with this new specialization in Indigenous theatre. Through experiential courses in Indigenous dance, storytelling, theatre, and music, you’ll develop an understanding of the significance of oral histories and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
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Nishinaabemowin
Learn one of the oldest and historically significant Native American languages in North America. This intensive specialization teaches students about the language and culture of the Anishinaabe nation, helping you develop your fluency and literacy of Nishinaabemowin through workshops, songs, chants, and dances.
Add an Option to your Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science degree to explore an additional area of interest
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Indigenous Reconciliation & Resurgence
Over the last few decades, the resurgence of Indigenous peoples has largely animated the Canadian national project of reconciliation. In this option, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively contribute to this nationwide conversation.
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Circumpolar Studies
One of only a few programs of its kind in the world, the Circumpolar Studies option offers you a unique opportunity to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the lands, peoples, and critical issues of the Arctic. The Circumpolar Studies Option is open to all undergraduate students at Trent.
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Climate Communication
Leveraging Trent’s academic and research strengths in arts-based and environmental education, the Option in Climate Communication blends courses across disciplines to teach you a new storytelling approach that examines how to better understand media's effect on audiences’ morals, values, and behaviours. Equipped with this knowledge, this new offering at Trent University aims to use more effective climate change communications and environmental storytelling to foster a more sustainable and equitable world where our collective well-being is at the heart.
Career experience while you learn
Every Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Paid Co-op Available
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree.
- Student placements range from environmental planning and community education to research and policy analysis.
Research Opportunities
- Put your knowledge into action through community-based or independent research, conducting policy analysis, development, evaluation and research with organizations such as Curve Lake First Nation Band Council, Chiefs of Ontario and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, or exploring topics such as traditional foods, contaminants, climate change and health alongside faculty.
Field Schools and Hands-On Courses
- Learn through hands-on and experiential study of Indigenous food systems, seasonal foodways, environmental health and the ecosystems that support them, while exploring Indigenous environmental protocols and contemporary challenges.
- Volunteer with the Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science youth outreach program through their in-school or summer camp programming
Study Abroad
- Take your Trent education global. Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship.
- With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
Placements
- Gain field-based experience through placements and research, surveying species at risk, monitoring wildlife and collecting environmental data in Trent’s Nature Areas, or supporting hands-on environmental education with TRACKS in First Nations communities.
Internships
- Build professional experience through paid internships and placements in environmental education, research, planning, conservation and community development with government, environmental and community organizations.
Career Paths
- Government Policy Specialist
- Environmental Educator
- Natural Resource Manager or Researcher
- Indigenous Corporate Liaison Officer
- Environmental Lawyer
In Their Own Words
Much of what we do, we do together. We strive to model knowledge system equity and collaboration, relational accountability, authenticity, and reconciliation. Our work together brings hope in the midst of the global environmental polycrisis.
Dr. Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall ‘11
Professor
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 4U Math for B.Sc | 70-75% | 80-85% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition Fee
$6,240.85
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 8,363.07
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students
- TD Green Undergraduate Scholarships
- Indigenous Environmental Studies (IES) Prizes
- TD Green Undergraduate Awards
- WB Family Foundation Award in Environmental & Resource Science/Studies