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.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

1

PROGRAM PROMISE

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.

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.

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,

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,

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

and understanding of personal, social, and global issues.

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.

2

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program at a glance

Degree

Duration

Delivery

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

2 years full-time

100% online

or Up to 6 years at your own pace to balance your personal or professional life

Credits

33

Application deadlines and start dates:

On average, students complete the program in 3–4 years

Primarily paced courses with some individualized:

Paced Scheduled start and end dates and assignment deadlines)

Individualized Monthly start times and a 6-month timeframe for completion)

Requirements A recognized undergraduate degree

January 15 Start in May of the same year

Academic Writing Assessment to ensure readiness for graduate-level studies Strong analytical, writing, and critical-thinking skills

May 15 Start in September of the same year

• Additional preparatory work in composition and analysis may be required English language proficiency provided through:

September 15 Start in January of the following year

• 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

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

3

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

4

AU’s MA-IS current learners at a glance

Average Age of Learners

Median Income

41 years

$78,000

Employment Rate

Student Satisfaction

90%

100%

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

5

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

How the program is structured 11 course total

2 core courses (required)

4 focus area courses

MA-IS 601: Making Sense of Theory in the Humanities and Social Sciences

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.

MA-IS 602: Doing Interdisciplinary Research These courses prepare students to engage with theory, methodology, and knowledge across diverse areas of intellectual inquiry.

(Or 8 in a double focus area)

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.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

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.

6

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Elective courses include but are not limited to: EDST 630:

ENVS 608:

GOVN 500:

Transformative Learning for Social Change

Questioning Extinctions

Governance and Leadership

HERM 501:

LTST 551:

MA-IS 620:

Issues in Heritage Resources Management

World Literature

Digital Storytelling

MA-IS 645:

MA-IS 658:

Understanding Work and Learning

Critical Disabilities Studies: The Making of Normal Bodies

Capstone or Thesis

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

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

And many more.

Find a full list of core, focus area, and elective courses on our website.

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.

7

FOCUS AREAS

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.

8

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.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

9

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

Paradigm challenge

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.

Demonstrate mastery of informed self-critical reflection.

Social relevance Articulate a range of positions that creatively challenge prevailing social, political, economic, ontological, and/or ethical frameworks.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Self-critical thinking Compare and critique positions and assumptions and learn to recognize problems in and possible objections to the preferred beliefs and standpoints.

10

CAREER PROSPECTS

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.

Education sector

Non-profit and NGO sector

Roles: Instructor, educational administrator, curriculum developer

Roles: Program coordinator, advocacy specialist, fundraising manager

Context: Universities, colleges, adult education centers, and online educational platforms

Context: International NGOs, charitable organizations, advocacy groups

Public sector

Media and communications

Roles: Policy analyst, community development officer, public relations specialist

Roles: Content creator, media analyst, communications manager

Context: Government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks

Context: Media houses, digital marketing agencies, public relations firms

Corporate sector

Creative industries

Roles: Human resources manager, corporate trainer, organizational development consultant

Roles: Writer, editor, creative director

Context: Multinational corporations, small and medium enterprises, startups

Context: Publishing houses, advertising agencies, freelance opportunities

Consultancy and entrepreneurship Research and analysis Roles: Researcher, data analyst, social scientist

Roles: Independent consultant, entrepreneur, business owner

Context: Research institutes, consulting firms, market research companies

Context: Starting own business, consultancy services across various industries

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

11

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.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

12

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.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

13

Interested in applying to our MA-IS program?

Apply Now

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

14