How to Find and Choose a Program on the Trent University Website

Start at the Find Your Program section of trentu.ca. Use the level tabs — Undergraduate, Graduate, and Postgraduate Certificate — to narrow the list, then scan the alphabetical program names within that level. Before you shortlist anything, note three things for each program: its level, whether it is a single, dual, or co-op degree, and the subject area. Trent lists more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, so filtering by level first is the fastest way to keep the list manageable.

Step 1: Pick the right program level

The site separates programs into three levels. Choosing the wrong tab is the most common reason people miss a program that actually exists.

If you are unsure which level applies to you, start with Undergraduate — it holds the largest list and includes several named streams and dual degrees that are easy to overlook.

Step 2: Scan the alphabetical list by subject

Within each level, programs appear alphabetically. Use the list to locate your subject area rather than scrolling top to bottom. The undergraduate list spans a wide range, including:

• Business and management: Business Administration, Business & Arts, Business & Science, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration & Master of Management Fast Track Program
• Computing and data: Computer Science, Computer Science & Physics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering Co-op
• Science and environment: Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Environmental & Resource Science / Studies, Conservation Biology, Water Sciences, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
• Health and life sciences: Nursing, Biomedical Science, Kinesiology, Medical Professional Stream, Forensic Science and its specialist variants (Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry)
• Social sciences and humanities: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Political Studies, History, English Literature, Indigenous Studies, Gender & Social Justice
• Education and law pathways: Bachelor of Education, Teacher Education Stream, Law & Arts / Law & Business: Trent/Swansea Dual Degree

Graduate offerings are a shorter list and include research-oriented programs such as Environmental & Life Sciences, Forensic Science, History, and Interdisciplinary Aging Studies.

Step 3: Check the degree structure before shortlisting

The program name often tells you how the degree is built, and this affects both your course load and your application path. Watch for these patterns:

• Single-subject degrees — for example, Nursing, Kinesiology, or Computer Science. These focus on one discipline.
• Combined or double majors — for example, Business & Arts, Forensics & Science, or Computer Science & Physics. You study two fields together.
• Dual degrees with a partner institution — for example, the Trent/Swansea Dual Degree options in Law & Arts, Law & Business, Medical Sciences, and Chemical Engineering. These involve study at two institutions and typically take longer.
• Co-op and fast-track options — for example, Software Engineering Co-op or the Business Administration & Master of Management Fast Track Program. These change the timeline and include work placements or accelerated progression.
• Streams and exploration years — for example, Exploration Year: Arts, Exploration Year: Sciences, or the Medical Professional Stream. These are structured entry points rather than standalone majors.

If a program name includes a slash, an ampersand, or the word "Dual," treat it as a combined pathway and confirm the structure before you commit.

Step 4: Confirm the details and stay updated

Once you have a shortlist of two to five programs, the site offers two ways to keep track:

1. Program pages — open each shortlisted program to confirm the level, degree structure, and subject focus match what you need.
2. Email updates — the site invites visitors to sign up for "program info, event invitations and application tips" delivered to an inbox. This is useful if you are still deciding and want application deadlines and event dates sent to you.

Common sticking points

• Missing a program because of the level tab. A subject you want may sit under Graduate rather than Undergraduate, or appear only as a Postgraduate Certificate.
• Overlooking dual degrees. Programs like Law & Arts or Medical Sciences: Trent/Swansea Dual Degree are listed alongside standard degrees but involve a different application and timeline.
• Confusing streams with majors. Exploration Year and Teacher Education Stream are entry structures, not standalone disciplines — check what they lead into.
• Assuming a co-op option exists for every program. Co-op is named explicitly where offered, such as Software Engineering Co-op; do not assume it applies elsewhere.

Quick decision guide

Work through the levels first, scan by subject second, and verify the degree structure third. That sequence keeps the 100+ program list from becoming overwhelming and helps you shortlist programs that actually match your goals.