Overview

The MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) is driven by a student’s interdisciplinary research and career interests. A prospective student’s application needs to provide the rationale for the proposed combination of courses and academic fields of study.

Whereas most graduate interdisciplinary degrees draw from traditional, single disciplines (e.g., sociology, psychology, ecology), the Royal Roads’ MA in Interdisciplinary Studies program offers a unique take on interdisciplinarity. This program draws not from single disciplines but from multidisciplinary academic program areas (e.g., peace and conflict management, or environmental education and education); in addition, the program focuses on applied research instrumental to working professionals’ career goals.

There are three paths through the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies degree:  

Course-based—a student completes 36 credit hours of campus-based or online courses

• 6 credits in two required courses in interdisciplinary theory and methods
• 30 credits accumulated by completing courses in MA or graduate certificate programs 

Major project—a student completes 36 credit hours of campus-based or online courses

• 6 credits in two required courses in interdisciplinary theory and methods
• 18 credits accumulated by completing courses in MA or graduate certificate programs
• 12 credits dedicated to a major project usually aligned with a student’s professional field

Thesis—a student completes 36 credit hours of campus-based or online courses

• 6 credits of required courses in interdisciplinary theory and methods
• 18 credits accumulated by completing courses in MA or graduate certificate programs
• 12 credits dedicated to a master’s thesis

Where needed, a student may take advantage of a directed study course to further familiarity with scholarship in a particular area of study.

Prospective students must contact the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies to discuss development of their unique program schedules.

Carole Sandhu, Program Associate
Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences
Ph: 250-391-2600 ext. 4753
Carole.sandhu@royalroads.ca

For questions about the MAIS curriculum, please contact:
Wendy Schissel, Program Head
Academic and Student Management
Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences
Office of Interdisciplinary Studies
Ph: 250-391-2600 Ext 4753
Wendy.Schissel@royalroads.ca