You see connections others don't. Challenge the boundaries of traditional studies and customize your graduate degree. Choose courses from various academic fields and apply your research to your career
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September 05, 2023
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January 22, 2024
Start date
Application deadline
Delivery model
Domestic tuition
International tuition
Related Schedules
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:
- course-based
- major project
- thesis
Questions
Contact the program advisor for help with designing your individual program schedule.
Courses
Non-credit Required Activities
MAISCON
MAIS Connect
0.0 Credits
Online
ITAI
Introduction to Academic Integrity
0.0 Credits
Online
Credit Required Activities
INDS505
Academic Writing and Critical Thinking Across Disciplines
3.0 Credits
Online
INDS500
Theory in Interdisciplinary Studies
3.0 Credits
Online
INDS510
Social Science Research Methods
3.0 Credits
Online
Electives from the College of Interdisciplinairy Studies
INDS515
Global Perspectives on Indigenous Ways of Knowing
3.0 Credits
Online
INDS525
2SLGBTQI+ Global Issues and Community Engagement
3.0 Credits
Online
INDS535
Outdoor Experiential Education
3.0 Credits
Online
INDS545
Misinformation and Society
3.0 Credits
Online
INDS620
Research Paper
6.0 Credits
Directed, Field, Lab or Major Project
INDS640
Major Project
12.0 Credits
INDS690
Thesis
12.0 Credits
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 Option: bring in your own research topic with either a Thesis / Major Project or a Research Paper. 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
BUSA608
Change Management
3.0 Credits
Online
CALS504
Modelling the Business Case for Climate Action
3.0 Credits
Online
CALS505
Leading Change in Organizations and Communities
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
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
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
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
Communication/Culture Electives (online)
CALS502
Communication for Climate Action
3.0 Credits
Online
CALS603
Planning Approaches for Climate Resilience
3.0 Credits
Online
EECO503
Foundations for Environmental Communication
3.0 Credits
Blended, Online
HUMS611
Intercultural Competence
3.0 Credits
Online
HUMS661
Risk and Crisis Communication
3.0 Credits
Online
IICS551
Organizational Communication, Culture, and Development
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
IICS560
Global Thought and Communication
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
IICS575
Social Marketing
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
IICS621
Intercultural Communication Competence
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
IICS625
Communication for Health and Well-being
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
IICS627
Enhancing Communication Creativity and Diversity
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
IICS637
Digital Data and Social Media
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
INDS525
2SLGBTQI+ Global Issues and Community Engagement
3.0 Credits
Online
PCOM540
Communication, Culture, Media and Technology
3.0 Credits
Online
PCOM640
Communication Policy, Politics and Law
3.0 Credits
Online
PCOM645
Organizational Design, Communication and Knowledge Management
3.0 Credits
Blended, On Campus, Online
PCOM650
Special Topics in Communication
3.0 Credits
Online
Education Electives (online)
(K-12, Post-Secondary, Educational Technology)
IDSN520
Instructional Design for Technology-Enhanced Learning
3.0 Credits
Online
IDSN521
Graphic Design for Instructional Designers
3.0 Credits
Online
IDSN522
Project Management for Instructional Designers
3.0 Credits
Online
INDS535
Outdoor Experiential Education
3.0 Credits
Online
EDLM540
Building and Managing the School Communities: School Culture and Communication
3.0 Credits
Online
EDLM550
Communication in School Leadership
3.0 Credits
Online
EDLM560
Leading Technological Integration in Schools
3.0 Credits
Online
EDLM580
Supervising, Coaching, and Mentoring for Professional Learning
3.0 Credits
Online
EECO508
Learning Theory and Program Design
3.0 Credits
Online
HEAL520
Global and National Perspectives on Higher Education
3.0 Credits
Online
HEAL530
Leading Educational Change in Higher Education Environments
3.0 Credits
Online
HEAL540
New Models for Institutional Viability
3.0 Credits
Online
HEAL550
Systems Thinking and Strategic Planning in Higher Education
3.0 Credits
Online
HEAL560
Quality, Accountability and Educational Effectiveness
3.0 Credits
Online
HEAL570
Leveraging Technology in Higher Education Environments
3.0 Credits
Online
LRNT523
Foundations of Learning and Technologies
3.0 Credits
Online
LRNT524
Innovation, Design and Learning Environments
3.0 Credits
Online
LRNT525
Leading Change in Digital Learning
3.0 Credits
Online
Environment/Sustainability Electives (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 Organizations and Communities
3.0 Credits
Online
CALS603
Planning Approaches for Climate Resilience
3.0 Credits
Online
EECO503
Foundations for Environmental Communication
3.0 Credits
Blended, Online
EECO504
Systems Perspectives
3.0 Credits
Online
EECO508
Learning Theory and Program Design
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
INDS535
Outdoor Experiential Education
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
HUMS671
Transdisciplinarity in Practice
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
Leadership Electives (online)
CALS505
Leading Change in Organizations and Communities
3.0 Credits
Online
ENVR626
Leadership and Sustainable Development
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
EXMN658
Leading with Emotional Intelligence
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
GBLD520
Navigating Geo-Political Dynamics of Global Communities
3.0 Credits
On Campus, 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
LEAD516
Concepts and Theories of Leadership
3.0 Credits
Online
VBLD514
Leadership, Culture and Sustainability
3.0 Credits
Online
Tourism & Hospitality Electives (online)
IHMN505
Trends and Issues in Hospitality Management
3.0 Credits
Online
TRMN506
Sustainable Tourism Management
3.0 Credits
Online
TRMN507
Responsible Stewardship: An Examination of Ethics in Tourism
3.0 Credits
Online
TRMN625
Social Entrepreneurship
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.
Asia Pacific Trade and Investment Residency
Permission required; this course includes an overseas residency; co-requisite: EXMN665 (online course).
EXMN669
Asia Pacific Management and Strategy
3.0 Credits
Blended
Change Management Residency
Permission required; co-requisites: CHMN635 & CHMN675 (online courses)
CHMN615
Setting the Foundation for Positive Organizational Change
3.0 Credits
Blended
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
International Business and Innovation Residency
Permission required; co-requisite: EXMN601; this course is fully delivered overseas.
EXMN601
European Union Business Environment
3.0 Credits
On Campus
EXMN602
Innovation Management
3.0 Credits
On Campus
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
Master of Global Management Residency Two
Permission required; this course includes an overseas residency.
MGMT569
International Business Operations and Supply Chain Management
3.0 Credits
Blended, On Campus, Online
MGMT582
Managing Change in Global Context
3.0 Credits
Blended, On Campus, Online
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
Environmental Education and Communication Residency
EECO500
Developing Environmental Understandings
3.0 Credits
Blended
EECO503
Foundations for Environmental Communication
3.0 Credits
Blended, Online
Professional Communication Residency
PCOM510
Introduction to Communication Theory
3.0 Credits
Blended
PCOM515
Research Process and Methods in Communication
3.0 Credits
Blended
PCOM550
Communication and Culture in Organizations
3.0 Credits
Blended
Conflict Analysis and Management Residency
CAMN503
Professional Skills: Dealing with Conflict
3.0 Credits
Blended
CAMN504
Reflective Practice: Leading Change in Organizational Settings
3.0 Credits
Blended
Disaster and Emergency Management Residency
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
Human Security and Peacebuilding Residency
HSPB530
International Law and Global Institutions
3.0 Credits
Blended
HSPB600
Development and Human Security
3.0 Credits
Blended
Justice Studies Residency
JUST503
Current Issues in Justice
3.0 Credits
Blended
JUST504
Indigeneity and Justice
3.0 Credits
Blended
Transforming Child Protection to Wellbeing Residency
CPWB504
Tools and Approaches for Change: Engaged Changemaking with Children, Youth, Families, Communities, and Nations
3.0 Credits
Blended
Global Leadership Residency
GBLD505
Personal Capacities for Working in Complex Global Systems
9.0 Credits
Blended, On Campus
Leadership Residency
LEAD526
Fundamentals of Personal Leadership and Learning
3.0 Credits
Blended, Online
LEAD527
Communications and Leadership in Groups and Teams
3.0 Credits
Blended, Online
LEAD528
Leadership in Systems
3.0 Credits
Blended, Online
Values-Based Leadership Residency
VBLD510
Values-Based Leadership: Being Best for the World
3.0 Credits
Blended
VBLD512
Values-Based Collaboration and Partnerships
3.0 Credits
Blended
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
PCOM631
Media Production
3.0 Credits
Blended
PCOM632
Conflict Analysis and Management
3.0 Credits
Blended
PCOM633
Strategic Communication
3.0 Credits
Blended
PCOM635
Communication for Development and Social Change
3.0 Credits
Blended, On Campus
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
Associate faculty
Associate faculty
Associate faculty
Professor
Associate faculty
Associate professor
Associate faculty
Transfer agreements
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.
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 Master of Arts 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 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 course schedule
Applicants must work directly with the College of Interdisciplinary Studies to design a program schedule that identifies courses to be taken as part of the program. The process of developing such an individualized schedule can vary significantly but will often take one month; an application is not considered complete until it contains a schedule that has been endorsed by the applicant and the College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
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
Refine results
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.
Major research project
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 major project usually aligned with your professional field
A major project is an applied research project normally completed over a one-year period with guidance from a supervisor.
You can write a longer paper or article, or create a video, website, white paper, policy document, curriculum or something else. You'll decide this with your supervisor.
This option is ideal if you want to use your interdisciplinary learning in your workplace or to leverage an applied 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
Directed study
If you're completing a major project or thesis, we recommend including a directed study course in your program schedule. This will allow you to begin working with a potential supervisor early on and to complete a literature review for your specific research interest.
