Trent University Introduces One of First Forensic Anthropology Degrees In the Nation

Trent University has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Forensic Anthropology, considered one of Canada's first standalone programs, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

According to Trent, the program helps address the demand for professionals trained in the field for various career applications, including criminal investigations, disaster response and human rights inquiries.

The University recognized a growing need for specialists who can recover and analyze human remains. Examples include coroners’ offices, forensic units within police services, and medical examiners. Trent says the following occupations are facing shortages of trained personnel who can interpret skeletal evidence and assist in death investigations. Around the world, organizations such as the Red Cross need these skills for mass grave recovery and disaster victim identification.

The program offers students a unique opportunity to study human remains in a medico-legal context.

“Combining the investigative rigour of forensic science with the analytical depth of anthropology will equip graduates with the foundational skills needed for these in-demand careers. This degree provides a critical foundation of skills and hands-on experience to take that next step in graduate studies to become a practicing forensic anthropologist or to apply expertise in a variety of related fields,” said Dr. Joel Cahn, Trent director of the leading Master of Science in Forensic Science program.

This interdisciplinary and applied science program integrates coursework from the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Forensic Science, two of Trent University’s most prominent and leading academic programs.

Trent’s Department of Anthropology features subfields of archaeology and biological anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, and among the faculty is the Canada Research Chair in Archaeological Science, Dr. Paul Szpak. Trent’s Forensic Science program features leading faculty researchers and forensic practitioners. It provides students with an understanding of investigative techniques, skeletal biology, crime scene analysis, and bio-chemical testing through the Forensic Crime Scene Facility, a first-of-its-kind facility in Canada.

“Forensic anthropology is about science in action,” said Cahn. “It’s where analytical thinking meets real-world applications. If you have a strong sense of duty and a mind for investigation, this program is an exciting way to channel those skills.”

At Trent’s Forensic Crime Scene Facility, students will engage in laboratory work, case studies, and seminars to develop the technical and interpretive skills needed. This 4,100-square-foot facility includes modular crime scene spaces, an integrated surveillance system for case analysis, a dedicated forensic lab and an outdoor evidence recovery area.

Advanced courses will include scene recovery techniques, osteological identification and forensic genetics, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for multiple career paths. Students will gain practical experience in real-world investigative techniques, from processing skeletal remains to analyzing forensic evidence in controlled crime scene environments. This cutting-edge facility ensures graduates enter the workforce with applied skills that set them apart.

“Trent is providing a home for students with a passion for forensic anthropology,” said Cahn. “For those who have always been fascinated by this field but struggled to find a clear academic path or left to build one on their own, we’re saying: we’ve got you covered.”

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