Social Work & Community Wellbeing

Gain a rich understanding of the social, cultural, and professional dimensions of aging while developing crucial research and analytical skills. By integrating research and experiential learning, you will develop expertise in aging systems, services and policy, cultural studies, and social justice. Extend your learning beyond the lecture hall through opportunities to engage with older adults, develop insights into their day-to-day experiences and perspectives, and gain practical skills for a successful career in aging-related fields.

Building on Trent’s world-class reputation in interdisciplinary scholarship, this innovative Ph.D. program emphasizes social inquiry, interdisciplinary research, and professional scholarship as the foundation for addressing complex social issues. With a holistic approach to professional scholarship and skills development, the program provides theoretical, methodological, and experiential training to develop leading scholarship and build understanding of key social, material, and environmental issues facing societies, both historically and in the present day.

Challenge assumptions about feminism, gender, and human inequality while developing your own perspectives on equity and social change. Through community-focused courses, workshops and hands-on learning, you’ll build critical thinking, communication, and social awareness skills sought after by employers.

Gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Explore contemporary social work issues through an interdisciplinary lens while developing clinical, research and advocacy skills, then deepen your expertise in the professional years through focused social work study and supervised field placements in community and social service settings.

Explore community safety and well-being through multiple perspectives including policing, criminology, sociology and social work, gaining a broader understanding of the multifaceted factors that shape policing and the communities police serve. You’ll examine issues such as mental health and addictions, violence, crime, and social policy, applying your knowledge through applied projects and experiential learning to be prepared for roles focused on the health, safety, and security of society.