Program description

You see connections others don't. Challenge the boundaries of traditional academic studies and customize your graduate degree.

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies allows you to choose elements from various Royal Roads University programs to create a personalized, transdisciplinary education. This means that you can choose from courses led by experts in different academic fields.

It's a degree program for students who want to study and think across boundaries.

Integrate knowledge from your experience and profession with a range of inter-related academic subjects. And complete applied research that's relevant to your life and career goals.

Design a program and schedule that fits your life with online courses and an optional two- or three-week residency. 

You can build to here

You can apply credits from the Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies or Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies toward this degree program.

Program delivery

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies allows you to work directly with faculty to create your own flexible schedule.

You can combine courses that interest you from other masters and graduate certificate programs at Royal Roads University. The interdisciplinary nature of this degree means that you can't take more than half of your courses from any one program. 

Our program advisors support and guide you to tailor your program to your career or research interests. As part of your application, you will need to work directly with a graduate program advisor to create a schedule that identifies the courses you will take. It takes about a month to do this.

Program completion usually takes two to two and a half years. You can do one on-campus residency with another master's program or you can complete your degree entirely online.

Find additional program information and answers to frequently asked questions in the program guide

Unlike many of our programs, you will not be part of a group of students in a cohort for the duration of the program. Courses have varying start and end dates and schedules for assignments and discussions.

Online learning

Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.

You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.

Normally, you’ll take one course at a time. Each online course requires approximately 20 hours of work per week.

Residency

You have the option of taking a blended program, which includes online courses and a two- or three-week residency on campus.

Residencies are intensive and immersive. Many students say this time together is the highlight of their program.

During your residency, you can expect to:

  • attend classes full time (e.g., Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • complete homework and individual and team assignments outside of class hours
  • take part in extracurricular activities 

Residencies are offered for program areas such as business, communication and culture, environment and sustainability, humanitarian studies, leadership and tourism.

Completion options

You can choose from the following three options to complete this program:

  1. course-based
  2. research paper
  3. thesis

Questions

Contact the program advisor for help with designing your individual program schedule.

Courses

Options for Completion

You have three options to complete your program:

  • Course-Based Option: you complete the 3 program required courses as well as 9 elective courses from a pre-screened selection found below. See our MAIS Program Guide for a more detailed overview.
  • Social Science Research: bring in your own research topic with either a research paper or apply for a thesis and add elective courses to complete your program
  • Laddering and Transfer Credit Option: when you have completed for-credit graduate courses prior, you may apply to transfer up to 12 credits into the program.

To ensure interdisciplinary breadth of study, you may select up to 5 courses from any one field of study.

Business/Management Electives (online)

Please note: some courses may have prerequisites or conditions. For example, another course may be needed before you can take a specific course or we may ask you to send us a copy of your resume for assessment of fit.

BUSA506

Strategy

3.0 Credits

Online

BUSA531

Environment of Management

3.0 Credits

Online

CALS504

Modelling the Business Case for Climate Action

3.0 Credits

Online

CALS505

Leading Change in the Context of Climate Change

3.0 Credits

Online

CHMN635

Leading Strategic Systems and Culture Change

3.0 Credits

Online

CHMN675

Organizational Change: Advanced Models, Methodologies and Measurement

3.0 Credits

Online

CSIN550

Foundation of Corporate Social Innovation

3.0 Credits

Online

CSIN562

Design Thinking for Social Innovation

3.0 Credits

Online

CSIN575

Measuring and Scaling Social Impact

3.0 Credits

Online

ENVR530

Economics for Decision Making

3.0 Credits

Online

EXMN655

Leading a Global Workforce - A Human Resources Perspective

3.0 Credits

Online

EXMN658

Leading with Emotional Intelligence

3.0 Credits

Online

EXMN668

Management Consulting - Essentials

3.0 Credits

Online

EXMN661

Management Consulting - Best Practices

3.0 Credits

Online

GBLD501

Personal and Theoretical Foundations to Global Leadership

3.0 Credits

Online

GBLD511

Strategic Analysis, Decision Making and Evaluation

3.0 Credits

Online

GBLD521

Community Development in a Global Context

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

GBLD522

Managing Difficult Relationships Within and Across Community Dynamics

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

GBLD538

Evaluation in a Global Context

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS652

Adaptive Management for Complex Humanitarian Problems in the 21st Century

3.0 Credits

Online

MGMT562

International Business Strategy

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

MGMT564

International Marketing

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

MGMT565

International Accounting Tools for Financial Health

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

MGMT566

Ethics, Law and Corporate Social Responsibility

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

MGMT570

Leading your Workforce in a Global Context

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

PCOM645

Organizational Design, Communication and Knowledge Management

3.0 Credits

Blended, On Campus, Online

PJMN501

Managing Complex Projects

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

PJMN502

Project Planning and Scheduling

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

ORGD625

Organization Design: Processes for Positive Change

3.0 Credits

Online

ORGD640

Organization Development: Supporting Organizational Health and Vitality

3.0 Credits

Online

TRMN506

Sustainable Tourism Management

3.0 Credits

Online

WINV560

Cultivating Creative Confidence and Competence

3.0 Credits

Online

WINV685

Innovation Tools and Processes

3.0 Credits

Online

WINV690

Workplace Innovation: Strategy and Culture

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

Environment/Sustainability Electives (online)

CMDV500

Core Principles of Sustainable Community Development

3.0 Credits

Online

CMDV525

Applied Community Development - Case Studies

3.0 Credits

Online

CMDV550

Sustainable Community Development Collaboratory

3.0 Credits

Online

CALS500

Climate Science, Impacts, and Services

3.0 Credits

Online

CALS502

Communication for Climate Action

3.0 Credits

Online

CALS503

Climate Risk Management

3.0 Credits

Online

CALS504

Modelling the Business Case for Climate Action

3.0 Credits

Online

CALS505

Leading Change in the Context of Climate Change

3.0 Credits

Online

CALS603

Planning Approaches for Climate Resilience

3.0 Credits

Online

EECO503

Foundations for Environmental Communication

3.0 Credits

Online

EECO504

Systems Perspectives

3.0 Credits

Online

EECO510

Worldviews, Ethics, and the Environment

3.0 Credits

Online

EECO586

The Biosphere and Sustainability

3.0 Credits

Blended, Online

ENVP500

Developing a Sustainability Perspective

3.0 Credits

Online

ENVR505

Ecosystem Science and Management

3.0 Credits

Online

ENVR514

Global Environmental Processes and Current Issues

3.0 Credits

Online

ENVR530

Economics for Decision Making

3.0 Credits

Online

ENVR545

Theories and Stories in Sustainable Development

3.0 Credits

Online

ENVR550

Research and Analysis

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

ENVR560

Environmental Accounting and Reporting

3.0 Credits

Online

ENVR571

Legal Aspects of Environmental Management

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

ENVR582

Environmental Analysis and Remediation

3.0 Credits

Online

ENVR626

Leadership and Sustainable Development

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

ENVR660

Environmental Management Tools

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS653

Environmental and Resource-Based Conflict Management

3.0 Credits

Online

SPCC614

Science and Impacts of Climate Change

3.0 Credits

Online

SPCC615

Climate Policy and Governance

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

SPCC616

Climate Solutions

3.0 Credits

Online

TRMN506

Sustainable Tourism Management

3.0 Credits

Online

Humanitarian Studies Electives (online)

CAMN502

Foundation: Understanding Conflict, Change and Systems in Organizational Contexts

3.0 Credits

Online

CAMN552

Structures: Legal Frameworks and Conflict Engagement

3.0 Credits

Online

CAMN553

Processes: Designing Conflict Management Practice

3.0 Credits

Online

CPWB500

Foundations: Reframing Child Wellbeing in Complex Global Realities

3.0 Credits

Online

CPWB502

Practice: Case Studies on Promoting Children's Wellbeing

3.0 Credits

Online

DEMN502

Foundations in Disaster and Emergency Management

3.0 Credits

Online

DEMN503

Facilitation, Coordination and Decision Making in Multi-Stakeholder Environments

3.0 Credits

Blended, Online

DEMN504

Human Dimensions of Disasters

3.0 Credits

Blended, Online

DEMN552

Hazard and Disaster Risk Management

3.0 Credits

Online

DEMN553

Disaster Response and Sustainable Recovery

3.0 Credits

Online

HSPB500

Foundations of Human Security and Peacebuilding

3.0 Credits

Online

HSPB515

Social Policy Issues: Social and Economic Insecurity

3.0 Credits

Online

HSPB540

Conflict in the Post-Cold War Era

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS611

Intercultural Competence

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS641

Foundations of Policy and Practice in Humanitarian Action

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS642

Psychosocial Interventions: Managing Stress, Trauma, and Loss

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS643

Ethno-political Conflicts in the Canadian Context

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS651

Case Studies in Humanitarian Action: Advanced Policy and Practice

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS652

Adaptive Management for Complex Humanitarian Problems in the 21st Century

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS653

Environmental and Resource-Based Conflict Management

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS661

Risk and Crisis Communication

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS672

Public Images of Justice and Fairness

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS673

Indigenous Perspectives on Humanitarianism

3.0 Credits

Online

JUST502

Foundations in Transdisciplinary Justice

3.0 Credits

Online

JUST505

Case Studies in Transdisciplinary Justice

3.0 Credits

Online

JUST506

Transdisciplinary Approaches to Social Justice

3.0 Credits

Online

Foundational Residency

You may select one foundational residency found below as part of your program schedule.

You may select no more than 50 per cent of your courses from any one program to assure interdisciplinary breadth of study.

Change Management Residency

Permission required; co-requisites: CHMN635 & CHMN675 (online courses)

CHMN615

Setting the Foundation for Positive Organizational Change

3.0 Credits

Online

Corporate Social Innovation Residency

The other two courses (CSIN550 and CSIN575) that make up the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Social Innovation are delivered online. You may take CSIN562 as a standalone course through MAIS.

CSIN562

Design Thinking for Social Innovation

3.0 Credits

Online

Management and Leadership Residency

The other two courses (PCOM645 and WINV690) that make up the Graduate Certificate in Management and Leadership are delivered online. You may take LEAD580 as a standalone course through MAIS.

LEAD580

Leadership, Community, and Collaboration in a Complex Environment

3.0 Credits

Blended, On Campus

Master of Global Management Residency One

Permission required

MGMT561

Political Geography and International Economics

3.0 Credits

Blended, On Campus

Organizational Design and Development Residency

Permission required; co-requisites: ORGD625 & ORGD640 (online courses).

ORGD610

Setting the Foundation for Organizational Transformation

3.0 Credits

Blended

Project Management Residency

(Permission required; co-requisites: PJMN501 & PJMN502 (online courses).

PJMN500

The Right Side of Project Management

3.0 Credits

Blended, On Campus, Online

Advanced Residency Courses

Each of these courses includes an on-campus component of study. Taking an advanced residency course does not count as your one residency option for the MAIS program. In other words, you may take one or more advanced residency courses in addition to one foundational residency.

You may select no more than 50 per cent of your courses from any one program to assure interdisciplinary breadth of study.

PCOM530

Strategic Digital Communication

3.0 Credits

Blended, Online

PCOM631

Media Production

3.0 Credits

Blended, Online

PCOM632

Conflict Analysis and Management

3.0 Credits

Blended, Online

PCOM633

Strategic Communication

3.0 Credits

Blended, Online

PCOM635

Communication for Development and Social Change

3.0 Credits

Blended, On Campus, Online

PCOM645

Organizational Design, Communication and Knowledge Management

3.0 Credits

Blended, On Campus, Online

HUMS662

Professional Practice in Conflict and Change Management

3.0 Credits

Blended

Faculty

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Standard admission

  • Four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum GPA of ‘B+’ (3.33/4.33).
  • Normally, a minimum of three years of professional experience.

Flexible admission

While an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study is recommended, applicants may be assessed for admission on the basis of their skills, knowledge and background developed outside traditional learning structures. This flexible admissions approach opens doors to higher learning for qualified candidates who otherwise might not meet traditional admission requirements, and thereby serves the needs of a diverse group of students.

English language proficiency

If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

Additional recommendations

Ideal candidates are self-directed and highly motivated and possess strong interpersonal, research, and communication skills. MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) students move between cohorts and need to be comfortable with completing an individualized program at their own pace while integrating into student teams from different programs.

At a minimum, all applications must contain the following:

Application form

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.

Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them. 

Official transcripts

Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.

Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.

All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.

Personal statement

Your personal statement should be a maximum two-page letter, organized under the following headings:

  1. Educational and career goals (In this section, you should speak to the role the degree would play in your professional development, and why you are seeking entrance to the program at this time)
  2. Pursuing a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (In this section, you should discuss why your career goals require courses from multiple academic program areas)
  3. Academic courses and/or training (In this section, you should provide information on courses and/or training you have taken that would provide a foundation for your master’s studies)
  4. Work and educational history (In this section, you should provide evidence of flexibility in responding to new situations, self-direction, and self-motivation)
  5. Motivation for seeking entrance to MAIS (In this section, you should discuss what you hope to learn, why RRU, your unique strengths, and any other information you believe relevant)

The MA in Interdisciplinary Studies requires a high degree of flexibility and self-direction from students. We will assess your potential fit for the program in part on the content provided in your personal statement.

Detailed résumé

A detailed résumé is one that provides a comprehensive profile of the applicant. It should include education, work experience (including voluntary/unpaid), reports and publications, professional memberships and affiliations, and other relevant information.

Letters of reference

Your application requires two letters of reference. These letters should be written by individuals qualified to assess your professional expertise and speak specifically to your academic qualifications and ability to conduct graduate-level research. Reference letters must be submitted directly by the referee and not by the applicant.

Proposed program schedule

After submitting an application online, applicants will be contacted by the College of Interdisciplinary Studies to design a program schedule that includes courses to be taken as part of the program. The development time for an individualized program schedule can vary, however, applicants can expect it will take approximately one month. An application is not considered complete and will not be assessed until it contains a program schedule endorsed by the applicant and the College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Applicants will need to submit their endorsed program schedule as part of their application.

If applicable:

  • Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
  • Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
  • An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.

Admission timelines

As a personalized course schedule is required as part of the assessment process, usual turn-around times do not apply to applications for the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that applicants apply early and begin working with the College of Interdisciplinary Studies as soon as possible to finalize a course schedule. 

Curriculum questions

Please contact us with any questions you may have about the curriculum for the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Financial aid and awards

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Program completion options

Choose from three completion options for the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

A major project or thesis allows you to explore an applied or academic research question that relates to an interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary field of study.

Course-based

You'll complete 36 credits of on-campus or online courses, including the following:

  • 9 credits from three required courses in academic writing and critical thinking, interdisciplinary theory and methods
  • 27 credits from courses in master's or graduate certificate programs

The coursework option allows you to acquire a maximum breadth of knowledge across disciplines without developing or demonstrating the ability to conduct research. If you struggle with self-directed learning, the regular assignments, deliverables and group work offered in this completion option may help you.

Research paper

You'll complete 36 credits of on-campus or online courses, including the following:

  • 9 credits in three required courses in academic writing and critical thinking, interdisciplinary theory and methods
  • 21 credits from courses in master's or graduate certificate programs
  • 6 credits dedicated to a research paper that aligns with your professional field

The research paper is an independent, interdisciplinary, and applied project that constitutes of an examination of a topic chosen by you and agreed upon by your instructor. You will determine your research goals and develop a research question to guide your work. You will not engage in primary data collection but you may use existing, publicly available data; conduct a theoretical analysis; create a literature review; or pursue a policy analysis. Some, but not all, research-related learning outcomes of the program will be demonstrated in the research paper. Your instructor will provide advice and supervision.

This option is ideal if you want to use your interdisciplinary learning in your workplace or to leverage your research project for consulting.

Thesis

You'll complete 36 credits of on-campus or online courses, including the following:

  • 9 credits in three required courses in academic writing and critical thinking, interdisciplinary theory and methods
  • 15 credits from courses in master's or graduate certificate programs
  • 12 credits dedicated to a master’s thesis

A thesis is a systematic study of a significant problem, issue or phenomenon. The thesis demonstrates your ability to analyze existing research, collate or collect data and apply it to an existing problem, issue or opportunity. The result is a synthesis of theoretical and empirical information, and recommendations for further action.

Requirements for a thesis completion include the following:

  • submission for publication in Royal Roads University's digital archive, Pro-Quest and library, and Archives Canada, unless an exemption has been granted
  • PDF summary with a minimum of 2,500 words for theses in non-traditional formats
  • oversight by a thesis committee, including a supervisor, who is qualified at the doctoral level and demonstrates relevant competency in content and methodology
  • public defence and review by an external academic examiner
  • approximately 400 hours of effort