Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies Program Guide
Learning Unbound
Discover how a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Athabasca University gives you more by converging multiple fields of study.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Follow your aspirations — and let curiosity be your guide.
Athabasca University’s Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS) provides an unparalleled educational experience for the modern era by bringing multiple fields of study into one for a learning journey tailored to your own personal and professional aspirations.
At Athabasca University (AU), we are committed to providing an exceptional online learning experience that transcends geographical barriers, enabling learners from around the globe to be part of our vibrant academic community. Join us and let your curiosity take you on a journey of discovery and growth with a program that gives you more. PROGRAM PROMISE
MA-IS students have more to explore and learn with a variety of specialized disciplines from across the humanities and social sciences converging into one program—including environmental studies, cultural analysis,
organizational leadership, creative and transformative writing, and many more. Students work with motivated and successful faculty who have their own research programs, have won publishing awards, and are devoted to both research and teaching.
Graduates are empowered with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and make a meaningful impact in a complex and everevolving world. They report better career opportunities, awareness of the needs of the people they serve,
and understanding of personal, social, and global issues.
Program at a glance
Degree
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Credits 33
Application deadlines and start dates:
January 15
Start in May of the same year
May 15
Start in September of the same year
September 15
Start in January of the following year
Duration 2 years full-time or Up to 6 years at your own pace to balance your personal or professional life
On average, students complete the program in 3–4 years
Delivery 100% online
Primarily paced courses with some individualized:
Paced Scheduled start and end dates and assignment deadlines)
Requirements
A recognized undergraduate degree
Individualized
Monthly start times and a 6-month timeframe for completion)
Strong analytical, writing, and critical-thinking skills
• Additional preparatory work in composition and analysis may be required Academic Writing Assessment to ensure readiness for graduate-level studies
English language proficiency provided through:
• A grade of 75% or higher in a post-secondary English course
• Completion of a degree program where English was the primary language
• English proficiency tests (TOEFL, CAEL, MELAB, or IELTS)
• For non-Canadian students, completion of English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment
Our Journal
The Journal of Integrated Studies
Our graduate-student-run journal allows graduate students to learn both sides of the peer-reviewed publishing process and to submit their research and narrative, poetic, and artistic work. The journal is a place to learn and become part of the MA-IS community
“
AU’s flexibility is a true game changer. Imagine being able to study from anywhere in the world, regardless of time zone. The methodology, built around readings, assignments, and engaging discussion forums, offers a great level of convenience.
The [MA-IS] program places a strong emphasis on cultivating critical, creative, and systemic thinking, all in the context of addressing the pressing social challenges of our time. This is not just an academic pursuit; it’s a mission to make a positive impact on the world.
—Oihane Amurrio, MA-IS student (2023)
Read more about Oihane’s MA-IS experience.
AU’s MA-IS current learners at a glance
Average Age of Learners
41 years
Employment Rate 90%
Median Income
$78,000
Student Satisfaction 100%
How the program is structured 11 course total
2 core courses (required)
MA-IS 601: Making Sense of Theory in the Humanities and Social Sciences
MA-IS 602: Doing Interdisciplinary Research
These courses prepare students to engage with theory, methodology, and knowledge across diverse areas of intellectual inquiry.
4 Electives
Take 4 elective courses from a broad range of disciplines. Elective courses enrich the academic experience and offer students the flexibility to tailor their education to their unique interests and career aspirations. Elective courses encourage students to blend diverse perspectives and skills, preparing them better for the complex, interconnected world.
4 focus area courses
Students will choose at least 1 focus area and will take 4 courses within that focus-area. The concentration of study within focus areas enables students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the chosen field(s) through an interdisciplinary lens. They will examine the theories, methodologies, and interconnections among these areas, but also how they relate to broader social and environmental contexts.
(Or 8 in a double focus area)
As an option, students can take 4 courses towards each of 2 selected focus areas. Students who do a double focus area will not complete any elective course.
Elective courses include but are not limited to:
EDST 630: Transformative Learning for Social Change
ENVS 608: Questioning Extinctions
GOVN 500: Governance and Leadership
HERM 501: Issues in Heritage Resources Management
LTST 551: World Literature
MA-IS 620: Digital Storytelling
MA-IS 645: Understanding Work and Learning
MA-IS 658: Critical Disabilities Studies: The Making of Normal Bodies
Capstone or Thesis
And many more. Find a full list of core, focus area, and elective courses on our website.
Students have the option to complete their final projects through a grouped study capstone course (MA-IS 700) or an individualized-study project (MA-IS 701). These final projects allow students to apply their learning to the workplace and community, integrating the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. This project is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to synthesize and apply interdisciplinary concepts and methodologies in a practical, real-world context.
Expand your focus
Students in the MA-IS program take 4 courses in at least 1 of the following focus areas:
Adult Education
Supports participatory democracy and community development—education for life, not just for a living.
Canada, the North, and the Globe
Addresses issues having to do with ‘the North’ as a unique socio-political and natural region of our planet. It covers Canada as well as tensions specific to it within the global context.
Community Studies
Explores issues of social justice and social change as they relate to community-based organizing, community economic development, education, and social movements.
Cultural Studies
Explores the links between the arts and other human activities in complex societies.
Educational Studies
Provides a critical, integrated understanding of the relationships between instructors, students, educational organization(s), and society.
Equity Studies
Explores inequalities between and among humans that are based on socially produced categories of geography, religion, race, gender, disability, age, class, and sexuality.
Global Change
Interdisciplinary exploration of claims and realities of economic, political, social, ecological, and cultural aspects of globalization. This focus area pays particular attention to the production and reproduction of inequities.
Heritage and Social History
Studies traditions, institutions, and historical patterns, with an emphasis on Canadian history and heritage.
Independent Track
Reserved for highly motivated students who have demonstrated excellence in their previous studies. This track requires permission from the director in the Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies program.
Literary Studies
Encourages an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to the study of literature.
Work, Organization, and Leadership
Draws from social sciences, labour studies, gender studies, cultural studies, and the humanities to examine contemporary developments in the world of work, organizations, and leadership.
Writing and New Media
Explores the ways in which the new media of publication and communication (the Internet, the World Wide Web) provide new forms and genres of writing and communication.
A new way to think
Whether you are looking to advance in your current career, pivot to a new field, or deepen your intellectual pursuits, the MA-IS program provides a platform for you to explore, connect, innovate, and achieve.
Integrated learning
Develop an understanding of ideas and issues, both contemporary and historical, through normative considerations of justice and equality and a critical examination of social contexts.
Social relevance
Articulate a range of positions that creatively challenge prevailing social, political, economic, ontological, and/or ethical frameworks.
Paradigm challenge
Demonstrate mastery of informed self-critical reflection.
Self-critical thinking
Compare and critique positions and assumptions and learn to recognize problems in and possible objections to the preferred beliefs and standpoints.
Get More Careers Options
MA-IS graduates forge new career paths by leveraging their enhanced interdisciplinary, critical thinking, research, and communication skills—and by putting the knowledge and deepened perspectives they’ve gained into action.
Roles: Independent consultant, entrepreneur, business owner
Context: Starting own business, consultancy services across various industries
The AU Advantage: The Write Site
One of the key advantages of studying at AU is the access to the Write Site, a comprehensive online resource dedicated to supporting students with academic writing. The Write Site offers a variety of services:
• Personalized Writing Coaching: Students can receive feedback on their writing and discuss questions with writing coaches.
• RealTime Coaching: This service allows students to meet with a writing coach at any stage of the writing process, including planning, drafting, and revising.
• Resources and Guides: The site provides an array of resources like the English Grammar Handbook, ESL support, and guides on the writing process and academic writing genres.
• Forums and webinars: Connect with writing coaches and other AU students through the site’s Writing Forum, a virtual meet-up; or check out a variety of Write Site webinars.
The Write Site is an essential tool for students at AU, helping them improve their writing skills, which are crucial for academic success and professional communication.
Another AU Advantage: The Writer in Residence
The Writer in Residence program at AU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is a distinctive feature that enhances the educational experience for students and faculty alike. Each year, a new writer of prominence is invited to serve in this role, bringing a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience in writing and publishing. The program offers:
• Mentorship and Guidance: The Writer in Residence offers one-on-one consultations, providing personalized feedback and advice on writing projects across various genres and stages.
• Literary Engagement: Through workshops, readings, and other events, the Writer in Residence engages the university community in literary activities, sparking creative inspiration and fostering a love for the written word.
• Resource for Faculty and Research: The Writer in Residence serves as a valuable resource for faculty, offering insights into creative writing and literature, and contributing to the academic and research environment.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: The program is designed to be accessible to the entire AU community, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the expertise and experience of the Writer in Residence.
This program not only enriches the university’s cultural landscape but also provides practical support and inspiration for aspiring writers, enhancing the overall academic experience at AU.
Interested in applying to our MA-IS program? Apply Now
