Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies is a master's degree in Liberal Arts programme offered by Athabasca University in Athabasca, Canada. The programme runs for 3 years, delivered fully online. Tuition for international students is CAD 2,302 per credit (CAD 2,052 per credit for local students).
The Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies at Athabasca University is a 33-credit online program, with a minimum of 18 credits completed through Athabasca University, offered in both paced-study and individualized-study formats. Students complete core courses in interdisciplinary research and theory, then choose electives aligned with one of twelve focus areas — including Adult Education, Community Studies, Cultural Studies, Educational Studies, Environmental Studies, Equity Studies, Global Change, Heritage and Social History, Literary Studies, Work/Organization/Leadership, Writing and New Media, or an independent track — before completing a final integrated project or capstone paper through either grouped-study or individual-study routes. The program admits three times a year, and full-time students can finish in as little as two years, with up to six years allowed. Admission requires a baccalaureate degree and an academic writing assessment. The program is designed for students who want a broad, multidisciplinary graduate education emphasizing critical thinking and the ability to relate academic research to issues in their own lives, workplaces, and communities, making it suited to working adults pursuing graduate study across varied subject areas rather than a single discipline.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission requires a baccalaureate degree, along with strong analytical, writing, and critical-thinking skills, plus completion of an academic writing assessment. Applicants who do not hold a degree may still apply by submitting a written rationale based on equivalent education and experience. There are three annual intakes: apply by January 15 for the Spring start, May 15 for the Fall start, or September 15 for the Winter start. Applicants should consult the program calendar for full admission requirements.
