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Master of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies

At a glance

  • Credential: master's degree
  • Credits: 33
  • Next start: see program details

With Athabasca University’s Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies, you will learn to think holistically, critically, and reflectively. You will find the connections and points of overlap between specialized and generalized knowledge.

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About Master of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies

Discover the exciting opportunities with Athabasca University's Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies, a fully online program designed to deepen your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and grasp of interdisciplinary approaches. Throughout the 33-credit journey, you'll merge theories and practices from the arts, humanities, and social sciences, culminating in a final project that ties into your personal or professional life. This comprehensive program not only readies you for today's multifaceted work environment but also lets you focus on what truly matters to you, whether it's advancing your career or addressing community challenges.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree and an academic language assessment.

See full Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies admission requirements

Program details

Overview

Participate in an interdisciplinary online master’s program that integrates theories, methods and practices from the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

The Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies program allows you to relate your research to issues in your life, workplace, and community. Your program will finish with a final integrated project or capstone paper that will exercise and explore your newly acquired skills and
knowledge.

You can choose to complete this project in a grouped-study capstone course, or through an individual-study project that will allow you to:

  • explore a question or issue that’s important to you
  • relate your research to a work or life situation
  • address a community problem

Why take the Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies?

In an age of rapid change, employers and professional associations want workers with wide-ranging educations who are capable of:

  • multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches
  • critical thought
  • teamwork
  • social awareness

AU's Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies develops these skills and prepares grads to envision and pursue innovative solutions to a variety of problems.

The Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies is a 33-credit online master’s program. You must complete 18 credits through Athabasca University.

You may register in Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies courses anytime as a non-program student, and if you want to apply to the program, there are 2 intakes each year. The application deadline for program students is March 1st if you want to start in Sept., and Sept. 1st if you want to start in January. Please see our FAQ.

Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies courses are offered in online grouped study and individualized study formats. Grouped-study courses have defined start and end dates. Individualized-study courses begin on the first day of every month, year-round.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline Start date
Jan. 15 spring
May 15 fall
Sep. 15 winter

Routes and options

The Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies program has several academic focus areas to choose from, as well as an independent track that allows you to develop your own program of study.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 2 years of full-time study, or work at your own pace to complete your requirements within 6 years.

The expected normal completion time is 3–4 years.

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


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