Master’s in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies Launching at Trent University This Fall
New graduate program features first-hand experience with aging populations, preparing grads for managerial-level positions
Trent University, a hub of aging scholarship and thought-leadership, is launching a new two-year Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies for September 2023, featuring first-hand experience supporting aging populations and contributing to community organizations.
The new M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies will prepare students for careers in public and non-profit sectors, as well as managerial-level positions in institutions and community organizations that support older adults. Students will develop skills in the critical analysis of contemporary aging issues and learn practical approaches to aging-related challenges across different contexts, ranging from individual experiences of aging to the societal complexities of aging populations.
“This new program is a natural outcome of the 12-plus years of research and community-building momentum generated by Trent Centre for Aging and Society,” said Dr. Elizabeth Russell, director of the Trent Centre for Aging and Society (TCAS) and the new M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging program. “We are excited to have a new program for graduate students interested in studying aging from perspectives across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Communities all over Canada are aging—we’re all aging—and so we must deepen our understanding of the realities of growing older and challenge entrenched ideas about older adults.”
The M.A. program’s unique experiential learning placement gives students the chance to create meaningful relationships with older adults, contribute to community organizations, and get first-hand experience supporting aging populations. Students will also conduct interdisciplinary research through TCAS—where faculty, students, staff, and community stakeholders build meaningful dialogue about aging, old age and older people.
The forthcoming development of a University-Integrated Seniors Village on Trent University lands, anchored by a long-term care home, will further add to the academic and research expertise at TCAS and Trent more broadly, and benefit future M.A. students by providing unique hands-on learning and research opportunities while supporting older people in the Peterborough area.
Applications to the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies program in Peterborough are now open. Apply by March 1 to study this September at Trent’s Peterborough campus. Learn more about the program: trentu.ca/agingma.
Prospective students are advised that the program is subject to formal approval. Offers of admission will only be made upon receipt of approval.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca