Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

A Snapshot

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies offers master’s degrees comprised of elements from other RRU programs (leadership, education and technology, change management, justice, conflict analysis and management, etc.), enabling us to provide an education shaped by your unique aspirations. Students benefit greatly from an individualized education that offers programs pursuant to their unique interests and schedules, while employers are attracted to candidates capable of meeting the specific demands of the professional world. That’s how everyone wins. That’s why Royal Roads graduate students are always in demand.

Our Students

Royal Roads University draws more than just master’s students seeking an active role in the design of their educational experience. It also attracts driven, focused individuals who want more from their careers and who share a common desire to apply their education meaningfully throughout their organizations and communities. Most of our graduate students are already working professionals. That’s why we’re committed to providing a program that integrates professional experience with a practical education.

Our System

This graduate degree program is offered in two formats: online or a blended delivery that combines online coursework with one on-campus residency. And since we’re committed to providing individualized education, all of our students work closely with our program advisor to develop individual academic plans tailored to their specific needs. Drawing from two or more areas of study, this unique system enables Royal Roads graduate students to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study that combines personal passion and professional interest.

*This is not an independent studies or cohort model program. Courses are not self-paced and their start and end dates can vary.

Commitment

Requiring 2-2.5 years of study, this degree program provides flexible scheduling options that combine online MA degree learning with one optional short-term on-campus residency.

*Each online course can require up to 20 hours of study per week. Working professionals are encouraged to take this into consideration when developing a program of study in the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies program.

Program Design

A total of 36 credit hours are required. INDS500, INDS505, and INDS510 are required courses for all options. Courses INDS500 and INDS505 must be taken at the beginning of the schedule before other courses can be taken, as they are foundational courses for the rest of the program.

Step 1: Choose Your Delivery

Online

• All courses are taken online

Blended

• Select both online and blended courses
• You may select one residency as part of your program schedule

Step 2: Design Your Program

Course-based

• Select 27 credits (9 courses)

Major project

• Select 15 credits (5 courses)
• Include a Major Project (12 credits)

Thesis

• Select 15 credits (5 courses)
• Include a Thesis (12 credits)

Step 3: Choose Your Courses

View the complete list of required and elective courses.

Courses

A total of 36 credits are required.

In addition to the courses listed below, there are courses available through graduate certificate programs in various subject areas, including professional communication, leadership, project management and human resources management.

Required Online Courses

• ITAI: Introduction to Academic Integrity
• INDS500: Theory in Interdisciplinary Studies
• INDS505: Academic Writing and Critical Thinking across Disciplines
• INDS510: Social Science Research Methods

New Courses

• INDS515: Global Perspectives on Indigenous Ways of Knowing
• INDS525: LGBTQ2S+ Global Issues and Community Engagement
• INDS535: Outdoor Experiential Education

Major Project/Thesis Option

A period of 12 months is allocated to work on the Major Project or Thesis.

Students may choose one major project/thesis option:

• INDS640: Major Project
• INDS690: Thesis

Residency Courses

Below is a list of residencies that include two or more courses in individual program areas. Students may choose one of the program area residencies below.

• VBLD510: Values-Based Leadership: Being Best for the World
• VBLD512: Values-Based Collaboration and Partnerships
• VBLD514: Leadership, Culture and Sustainability

Transfer of Graduate Certificate Option

• Students who have completed a for-credit Royal Roads graduate certificate may ladder up to 12 credits into the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies.
• Students who have completed a graduate certificate for credit at other institutions may be able to transfer up to 12 credits into the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, subject to review of the certificate.