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 07, 2021
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January 24, 2022
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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.
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Standard admission
Our requirements for standard admission are:
- completion of a 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
If you don't meet the standard admission requirements, you can be considered for flexible admission to this program.
English language proficiency
If English is not your primary language, review our English language requirements.
Additional requirements
Ideal candidates are self-directed and highly motivated, and have strong research, interpersonal and communication skills.
Because you will be moving between programs, you will need to be comfortable with completing independent work and integrating with student teams in different programs.
Documents required for your application include the following:
- application form
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- reference letters
- résumé
- proposed course schedule
In some cases other documents may be required.
Application form
To apply online, you need to do the following:
- Create an account using your email address.
- List all credit courses and programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in.
- Pay an application fee.
If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information.
You can check the status of your application at any time after it’s submitted.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for submitting official transcripts from current and previous post-secondary institutions. The transcripts should cover credit courses and programs.
Transcripts are considered official only if they are submitted to us in the following way:
- sent to Royal Roads directly by the registrar or recognized authority of the providing institution
- sealed in the institution's original, unopened envelope (If the envelope has been opened, the transcript is no longer official. We’ll require a new official transcript to complete your application.)
Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
International transcripts and credentials will be evaluated to determine their Canadian equivalency. View options.
Personal statement
Write a personal statement that is no more than two pages long organized under the following headings:
- Educational and career goals — Describe 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 — Discuss why your career goals require courses from multiple academic program areas.
- Academic courses or training — Provide information on courses or training you have taken that would provide a foundation for your master’s studies.
- Work and educational history — Provide evidence of how you are self-directed, self-motivated, flexible and able to respond to new situations.
- Motivation for seeking entrance this program — Discuss what you hope to learn, your unique strengths, why you are choosing Royal Roads University and any other information that you believe is relevant.
The Master of Arts 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 by the content provided in your personal statement.
Reference letters
Provide two reference letters by individuals qualified to:
- assess your professional expertise, and
- speak specifically to your academic qualifications and ability to conduct graduate-level research.
Your referees need to submit the references directly.
Résumé
Your résumé should provide a comprehensive profile and include the following:
- education
- work experience (including voluntary or unpaid experience)
- reports and publications
- professional membership or affiliations
- any other relevant information
Proposed course schedule
As part of your application, you will need to work directly with a graduate program advisor to create a program schedule that identifies the courses you will take. It usually takes about a month to do this.
Your application will not be assessed until your personalized course schedule has been approved by the College of Interdisciplinary Studies. We recommend that you apply early and begin working with us as soon as possible to finalize this.
Find additional information in our program guide.
Additional requirements
If applicable submit the following with your application:
- a copy of your permanent resident card (PR card) if you’re an applicant declaring permanent resident or convention refugee status in Canada
- your transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report if you’re submitting international transcripts
- an official English language proficiency report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language
We may request additional information to assess your application.
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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.
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.
