Build your academic foundation in interdisciplinary studies. By studying across disciplines this program can help creative thinkers like you to find new solutions for traditional challenges.
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Program description
The Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies is comprised of the three core courses of the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program.
Interdisciplinary studies can be a great fit if you seek answers to complex problems in unique, multidisciplinary ways. Programs in this area help creative thinkers like you to find new solutions for traditional challenges.
The courses are delivered completely online. You'll study with a group of working professionals from a wide range of careers. And, you can study while you work from anywhere in the world.
You'll gain a foundation in critical thinking across disciplines, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary frameworks, social science research methods and academic writing.
You can build from here
Take this certificate as a standalone program or continue with your education. You can apply your credits toward a Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies or Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Program outcomes
The skills gained in this program are up to you. You can customize your learning outcomes through your course selection.
Program delivery
In the Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies program, you'll take three courses online. These are the three core courses of the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program. This means that you can start with the graduate certificate and continue your education with a Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies or Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.
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 or two courses at a time. Each online course requires approximately 20 hours of work per week.
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Standard admission
- Completion of a four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree 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.
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:
- 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)
- Pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies (In this section, you should discuss why your career goals require courses from multiple academic program areas)
- 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)
- Work and educational history (In this section, you should provide evidence of flexibility in responding to new situations, self-direction, and self-motivation)
- Motivation for seeking entrance to the GCIS (In this section, you should discuss what you hope to learn, why RRU, your unique strengths, and any other information you believe relevant)
The Graduate Certificate 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 resume
A detailed resume 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 could be from either a current or past employer, or someone who has known you in an academic or volunteer setting. One of the reference letters could be a personal character reference; however, the emphasis will be placed on professional and academic reference letters.
- Professional reference: This letter should attest to your current or previous performance in your professional life. The letter can address areas such as communication skills, interpersonal and leadership skills, management potential, work ethic, etc.
- Academic reference: This letter should attest to the applicant’s performance in the context of their current or previous studies. The letter can address such areas as academic achievement, study skills, teamwork, leadership potential, flexibility, communication, and technical skills.
- Personal character reference: A personal character reference should consist of a letter from someone who has known the applicant for several years such as a friend, coach, or mentor, etc. The writer must indicate the length of time and context in which they have known the applicant, and consider the following attributes in the letter: compassion; empathy; integrity; equal concern and respect for others; initiative; adaptability; maturity; responsibility; continuity and perseverance. References will not be accepted from members of your family.
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.
Curriculum questions
Please contact us with any questions you may have about the curriculum for the Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies.