Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems - Small-Scale Farming

at Trent University Canada

As a B.E.S.S. 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. You will gain an understanding of the scientific aspects of contemporary environmental issues that are linked to policy and planning decisions leading to an environmentally sustainable future. Your studies will address environmental challenges, science, policy and politics from multiple perspectives.

Accelerated Master's Degree:-
Earn your M.Sc. in Environmental & Life Sciences (ELS) in only 12-16 months after graduating from your B.Sc.

Resume Boosters:-

• Conduct hands-on research in state-of-the-art labs and Trent’s extensive “living laboratory” of nature reserves right here on campus
• Minimum entrance and performance requirements challenge you to maintain a high standard of academic performance throughout your degree
• Pursue a capstone or community-based research project or write and defend an undergraduate Honours thesis

In this program, the first-of-its-kind anywhere in North America, you’ll study a unique mix of Indigenous knowledge and Western teachings, learning from Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, elders, guest speakers and other scholars.

IES brings together the principles of both Indigenous knowledge and Western science. Here, you’ll explore complex topics such as climate change, sustainable communities and Indigenous health and environment. By applying a cross-cultural approach, you’ll learn to generate solutions to the complex local, regional, national, and international issues facing Indigenous peoples and communities around the world.

With 220 million French speakers worldwide (projected to be more than 700 million by 2050), French language and comprehension has become a highly-sought after and important skill. In this program, you’ll immerse yourself in French, French Canadian, and Francophone literatures and cultures.

Courses in French and Francophone studies help students to learn basic communication skills, appreciate other cultures through language, and go beyond the study of language to achieve a deeper understanding of diverse peoples by way of their literatures and other modes of cultural production. Texts are read closely from a contemporary critical perspective with attention to their cultural and historical context. All courses are taught in French, except in the case of some courses cross-listed with other departments or programs, which may be taught in English.

French and Francophone studies aims at flexibility within a structure that affords a diversity of experience in Francophone culture and literature and continuous training in the use of the language. It provides effective preparation for graduate work but is not conceived as strictly preprofessional. The significance of French is highlighted by the College’s proximity to Quebec and by the large number of Franco-Americans who live and work in northern New England. In addition to France’s literary tradition, the Francophone histories and cultures of North Africa, West Africa, the Caribbean, and Quebec have produced writers and artists who have influenced the world broadly with their cultural and artistic dynamism and insight, making French and Francophone cultural production truly rich and varied.

Resume Boosters:-

• Enhance your language comprehension through French language events, public readings, and student-run mini-conferences
• Develop and refine your knowledge of French in a European context in our popular year abroad program in Nantes, France
• Access other language courses through the Trent Centre for Language and Linguistics - study Chinese, German, and Spanish, all with no background required

Trent is the only university in Canada to offer students the chance to combine your study of forensics with one of several different academic disciplines. Choose a joint major in forensics in combination with a vast array of complementary areas of study in either the arts or the sciences. Interested in a career in forensics specializing in ballistics? A joint degree with Physics could come in handy. Want to analyze the mental state of criminals, or become a criminal profiler? Combine your Forensics degree with a B.A. in Psychology. The emerging field of computer forensics means a joint major with Computing Systems can help you stand out from the crowd. No matter what your forensic career ambitions are, you have plenty of options at Trent.

Resume Boosters:-

• First-hand investigative work with bloodstain pattern analysis, fingerprinting, and evidence recovery in mock crime scenes at Trent’s on- campus Crime Scene House
• Opportunities to research and work directly with scientists in the lab and professionals in the field
• A third-year work placement in a subdiscipline of your choice, including Federal government internships with Border Services, RCMP, Health Canada, Food Inspection Services
• Direct access to leading experts in DNA profiling, and forensics at the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

An important field of study particularly in today’s social media-focused world, Sociology helps us achieve a greater understanding of the complex yet simplistic nature of humankind, and the societies in which we choose to organize ourselves. Rooted in the social sciences and inspired by a passion for social justice, Trent’s Sociology program engages students in understanding and acting on the consequences of social change. Through this degree, you’ll explore and question a diverse range of social topics, completing your studies with a heightened understanding of human relationships and society. A sociology degree is an excellent foundation for law school, teachers college, social work or similar programs.

Resume Boosters:-

• Conduct original research with one of our award winning faculty members, in areas of LGTBQ issues, the pharmaceutical industry, or human rights in prisons as part of our research practica opportunities
• Meet and learn from leading thinkers in the field through guest lectures and speaker series held throughout the year
• Present your work at a symposium with other undergraduate students

There has never been a more exciting time to study Computer Science. Society is in the midst of a technology revolution, which is fueled by the advancement of knowledge in computing. The ability to create, manipulate, and speak the language of technology has become some of the most valued skills applicable to almost every industry. When you study Computer Science at Trent, you’ll get a chance to develop your skills in designing, implementing, and integrating software applications – everything from supercomputers to game boards. This degree will equip you with the skills required for a successful career in the ever- changing tech sector.

Resume Boosters:-

• Pursue the competitive co-op stream: graduate with 12 months of relevant experience through three paid work terms in the information technology industry
• Work with real-world clients from industry, government, and education through third year internship course and fourth year project course
• Undertake an undergraduate research thesis and investigate a specific field of interest with the expert guidance of your prof

Co-op Option Overview:-
Students in the Co-op option are required to pay an administrative fee for each work term. These nonrefundable fees are set by the University. Co-op students are also responsible for tuition and incidental fees related to their study terms and costs related to any Trent courses taken while completing a work term

Advantages of Co-op Option:-
Co-operative education is an opportunity to get a head start on a career. It permits students to develop key skills, explore career options, and graduate with 12 months of relevant experience. The Co-op option assists graduating students in achieving a competitive edge while generating experience within the industry. 

Students who successfully complete the specified number of Co-op work terms receive a Cooperative Education Designation on their degree. This special designation signals to future employers that such students are not only well educated but experienced in the workplace. 

Studying History develops and refines your capacity for critical thinking in a complex, competitive, and changing world. One of the most established and versatile university majors, History paves the way for understanding the foundations and origins of society’s behaviour and institutions. At Trent, the versatility of skills gained through your History degree can be applied to the real world through the dynamic co-op stream, where you will explore a variety of political, social, and cultural themes in the classroom and out in the workforce in a variety of sectors. At the end of your degree, you’ll have valuable research, analytical, and communication skills to launch your career.

Resume Boosters:

• Explore your strengths and career interests, and graduate with 12 months of work experience (and income) through the new four-year B.A. Co-op option, giving you the competitive edge for future job prospects.
• Our small group teaching environment means you’ll know your profs and they will know you – a great advantage for that personal reference after graduation
• A world of job opportunities await graduates with the analytical and writing skills that only history can provide
• Study history firsthand with the opportunity to study abroad in one of 35+ countries around the world
• Take advantage of a unique pathway to pursue the Museum Management and Curatorship postgraduate certificate program offered in partnership with Fleming College

Our unique collegial learning environment means you’ll make your mark in this program, getting to know your professors one-on-one – great for personal references that make the difference on grad school applications or making an impression in interviews.

Whether you swoon over Shakespeare’s sonnets or are bewitched by Harry Potter novels, English Literature makes a lasting impact on how we write and share stories of the human experience. Trent’s uniquely flexible English Literature program is designed to prepare you for any career that demands creativity, critical inquiry, and strong communication skills. Explore literature, culture and the history of ideas in courses ranging from medieval romance to contemporary graphic fiction.

Literary History (Specialization):-
How has the written word evolved since the days of The Canterbury Tales and King Arthur? For English Literature majors considering grad studies or a career in English lit, this captivating specialization provides a great opportunity to explore a broad spectrum of historical literary knowledge — essential expertise for any future scholar, teacher or author.

If you’re an English Literature major considering graduate studies or a career in English literature, this captivating specialization will give you a thorough understanding of English writing and storytelling throughout the ages.  By the end of your degree, you’ll be equipped with a broad spectrum of historical literary knowledge — essential expertise for any future scholar, teacher or author.

Resume Boosters:-

• Gain a thorough background in English literary history, giving you important context for grad studies
• Explore a range of hands-on learning experiences including dramatic performance, music, creative writing, peer-assessed active learning or an independent reading project.
• Participate in seminar and workshop classes that provide opportunities for discussion, critical thinking, and interaction with leading scholars

Not only will you graduate with two degrees in just six years, but you’ll also have the chance to take your education global while you learn, travel, explore, and live abroad.

If a career in law is what you want, this is the program for you. In this one-of-a-kind program, you will undertake either a Bachelor of Arts Honours or a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Trent – Ontario’s #1 undergrad university, while also obtaining a law degree from Swansea University’s renowned Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law in the UK – no need to write the LSATs.

How the Program Works:-
The first two years of your degree take place at Trent, where you’ll pursue your choice of 14 degree options. In third year, you’ll transfer to the coastal city of Swansea in Wales to complete three years of law studies, earning your Bachelor of Laws degree. Once your LL.B. is complete, you’ll return to Trent to complete your Honours degree credentials. By simultaneously taking several Canadian Law courses in your final year at Trent, you’ll be well-prepared for the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams, enabling you to take the required steps to practice law in Canada.

Degree Program Options:-
Business Administration*; Canadian Studies; Cultural Studies; Economics; English Literature*; Environmental & Resource Studies; Gender & Women’s Studies; History*; Indigenous Studies; International Development Studies; Media Studies*; Philosophy*; Political Studies; Sociology*

Resume Boosters:-

• Combining your law degree with your choice of B.A. or B.B.A. degree means that you will graduate with a unique set of skills and perspectives
• Meet and learn from top law professionals through our Visiting Lawyers in Residence program
• Join the Trent Law Society and benefit from field trips, workshops, and events, all with a focus on law and the legal system

Geography at Trent is more than learning in a classroom. It’s an expedition. You will learn about real-world issues and critical perspectives related to both human and physical geography. You will explore complex issues such as the causes and impacts of climate change, health geography, water resources, and the historical roots of geopolitical conflicts. At Trent, we believe the best way to learn geography is through an interactive environment. Small group learning and experiences outside of the classroom are pillars of the program.

Climate Change Science & Policy (Specialization)
Dive into the challenges and solutions for climate change—environmental, economic, political, social—and build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that equip graduates for the growing number of climate-related careers.

Climate change is the leading global environmental issue, but its impacts extend beyond the natural world, into business operations, politics and policy development, social justice movements, law and more. If you find yourself trading the car for public transit, reviewing a company’s environmental initiatives or participating alongside millions of others in global Climate Marches, this specialization is for you.

Trent’s Climate Change Science & Policy specialization draws on faculty specialties in Trent’s School of the Environment (TSE) and from affiliated departments, providing students with a robust, well-rounded education that could lead to a variety of careers supporting climate solutions that can have profound impacts on societies for future generations.

Resume Boosters:-

• Graduate from one of only two climate change-focused programs in Canada
• Develop a broad-base of skills and background in the science of climate change and policy perspectives related to it
• Learn from and work alongside professors who are experts in their field and practicing climate change practitioners, such as the first-ever Canada research chair in environmental geoscience
• Study in the Trent School of the Environment, a research-intensive unit that nurtures collaboration with diverse faculty specialties and expertise as well as opportunities for applied learning
• Benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities in Trent’s DNA, Life & Health Sciences Building and Water Quality Centre