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Breadcrumb
  1. Programs

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

In this section
  • Overview
  • Program description
  • Program delivery
  • Courses
  • Faculty
  • Transfer agreements
  • Admission requirements
  • Application requirements
  • Financial aid and awards
  • Program completion options
  • Request more info

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

Program intakes

Filter to view upcoming intakes

September 06, 2022

Start date
September 06, 2022
Application deadline
July 06, 2022
Delivery model
Blended
Domestic tuition
$ 30,680 CAD
International tuition
$ 38,400 CAD
Related Schedules
Program Schedule
Payment Schedule

January 23, 2023

Start date
January 23, 2023
Application deadline
October 23, 2022
Delivery model
Blended
Domestic tuition
$ 30,680 CAD
International tuition
$ 38,400 CAD
Related Schedules
Program Schedule
Payment Schedule

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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:

  1. course-based
  2. major project
  3. 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

Options for Completion

Students have three options to complete this degree:

  • Thesis/Major Project Option:  Students complete all required courses (9 credits) as well as elective courses (15 credits) from a pre-screened selection found below and then complete either INDS640 (Major Project) OR INDS690 (Thesis) for their final 12 credits for a total of 36 credits.
  • Course-based Option - Students complete all required courses (9 credits) as well as elective courses (27 credits) from a pre-screened selection found below for a total of 36 credits.
  • Laddering and Transfer Credit Option - Students who have completed for-credit graduate courses can transfer up to 12 credits into the MAIS program. Students who have completed RRU for credit graduate certificate(s) may ladder up to 12 credits into the MAIS program. Students then select either Thesis/Major Project Option or Course-Based Option for the rest of their program.

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

CoIS Electives

 

INDS545

Misinformation and Society

3.0 Credits

Online

INDS525

LGBTQ2S+ Global Issues and Community Engagement

3.0 Credits

Online

INDS515

Global Perspectives on Indigenous Ways of Knowing

3.0 Credits

Online

INDS620

Research Paper

6.0 Credits

Directed, Field, Lab or Major Project

INDS535

Outdoor Experiential Education

3.0 Credits

Online

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

Blended, Online

BUSA531

Environment of Management

3.0 Credits

On Campus, Online

BUSA608

Change Management

3.0 Credits

Blended, 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

HRMN540

Leading Organizational Change

3.0 Credits

Online

HUMS652

Adaptive Management for Complex Humanitarian Problems in the 21st Century

3.0 Credits

Online

LEAD650

Coaching for Leadership

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

HEAL535

Communication and Organizational Culture in a Globalized World

3.0 Credits

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

LGBTQ2S+ 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

HEAL525

Global Perspectives on International Education

3.0 Credits

Online

HEAL530

Leading Educational Change in Higher Education Environments

3.0 Credits

Online

HEAL535

Communication and Organizational Culture in a Globalized World

3.0 Credits

Online

HEAL540

New Models for Institutional Viability

3.0 Credits

Online

HEAL545

The Business of International Education

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

HRMN540

Leading Organizational Change

3.0 Credits

Online

LEAD516

Concepts and Theories of Leadership

3.0 Credits

Online

LEAD650

Coaching for 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

MGMT582

Managing Change in Global Context

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

Strategic Human Resource Management Residency

Permission required; co-requisites: HRMN540 & LEAD650 (online courses).

HRMN500

Human Resources and Organizational Development: Co-creating the Learning Organization

3.0 Credits

Online

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

LEAD527

Communications and Leadership in Groups and Teams

3.0 Credits

Blended

LEAD528

Leadership in Systems

3.0 Credits

Blended

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

Assist. Prof. Athena Madan
Athena Madan

Associate faculty

Holly Baines

Associate faculty

Jaigris Hodson

Associate professor

Canada Research Chair

Jo Axe

Professor

Program head

Jonathan Clapperton

Associate faculty

matthew heinz

Professor

Michael Lickers

Associate faculty

Siomonn Pulla

Associate professor

Tom Morin

Associate faculty

Transfer agreements

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Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems and Security

Royal Roads University

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

University of the Fraser Valley

Graduate certificates in program evaluation and teaching leadership

Royal Roads University

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management

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:

  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 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

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Admiral John Charles and Mary Charles Scholarship

Awarded annually to a second year School of Humanitarian Studies student who is currently serving or retired military.

$1,500

Active students (In-course)

Allan Cahoon Global Advancement and Diversity Award

Assist students in underrepresented populations who wish to promote diversity.

$1,000

Active students (In-course)

Allan Cahoon Scholarship

This scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence, supporting students who excel both academically and through their leadership.

$1,500

Active students (In-course)

Andrea Fallan Memorial Bursary

Provides financial assistance to a second year BCom student for exceptional leadership, community involvement, and dedication to promote a cohesive team environment.

$500

Active students (In-course)

Asper Foundation Communications Award

Awarded to students in communications-related degree working in, or seeking to work in the communications industry.

$5,000

Active students (In-course)

Assistance Program for Students with Permanent Disabilities

This program helps students with permanent disabilities pay for exceptional education-related services and adaptive equipment.

Up to $12,144/year

External

Association of Women in Finance Scholarship

The aim of this scholarship is to encourage young women to enter and advance in the field of finance and “claim their seats at the boardroom table.”

$3,500

Active students (In-course)

Award for Diversity and Community Building

To recognize and support Afro-Heritage students who serve their communities through volunteering, applied scholarship or leadership.

$1,000

Active students (In-course)

B.C. Access Grant

Upfront, non-repayable financial assistance to low- and middle-income students enrolled in studies in B.C. public post-secondary.

$29.41 - $117.65 per week

External

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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.

My tailored program allows me to integrate learning and technology into my classroom.

Take the next step

Choosing your university is a big decision. And we’re here to help. We can answer your questions, help you understand your options and help prepare you for the application process. 

Contact us Apply now
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