Centennial College and Trent University are making it easier for students to complete both a business diploma in marketing or human resources at Centennial and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Trent with the launch of a new Signature Pathway. Beginning in Fall 2026, prospective students can apply directly to the Signature Pathway for a single offer of admission to complete both credentials in four years.
The pathway helps streamline the existing route to complete both programs--through an articulation agreement--removing the steps for applying to transfer institutions.
"Students deserve to feel confident that their education will prepare them for career success, and that every dollar and minute they invest along the way will count," said Charmaine Hack, Vice President, Partnerships, Enrolment and External Relations, Centennial College. "This streamlined pathway from business diploma to degree will provide even more predictability for students who choose this route and enhance their experience during their journey with us by removing barriers."
Students accepted into the pathway program will receive one joint offer that includes both admission to Centennial and conditional entry to Trent, completing two years of study at each post-secondary institution. Students who successfully complete Centennial's diploma with a cumulative grade point average of at least 75 per cent can transfer to Trent in their third year. There is no need for them to submit a separate application, pay additional fees or complete extra courses or bridging semesters.
Students in the pathway program can specialize in human resources or marketing at Centennial's Progress Campus in Scarborough or, for marketing, online. They also have the choice to study at Trent University Durham GTA or Trent University in Peterborough to complete their B.B.A. and can specialize in human resources management or marketing and consumer culture. Signature Pathway students will also be supported by both institutions throughout their journey, with access to coordinated academic advising services from Centennial and Trent from the start of their first semester.
"Trent strives to design programs that support the learning aspirations of all students, and we know that many students who pursue post-secondary education choose to study at university after college," said Dr. Mark Skinner, provost and vice-president, Academic, Trent University. "This Signature Pathway allows future students to plan for that transition from the outset. Students will be able to access academic resources and consider learning opportunities at Trent, such as community-based research or co-op placements, earlier in their journey, making them more informed and prepared to thrive when starting at Trent."
Through Centennial and Trent's esteemed schools of business, students will be prepared for marketing or human resources careers and well-positioned to pursue a Master of Business Administration or professional designations such as Certified Human Resources Professional.
The Signature Pathway builds on existing diploma-to-degree offerings from Centennial and Trent, including in liberal arts and social work.
