Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies
Regulations effective Sep. 1, 2022, unless otherwise noted.
Athabasca University's Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS) degree offers students a unique opportunity to engage in a program of study that spans the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
The program is comprehensive in scope but specific in focus, requiring students to choose at least one focus area from among several areas of inquiry. Students are taught to think holistically, critically, and reflectively, and to focus on the articulations and points of overlap between specialized and generalized knowledge. Exposure to a range of disciplines and integrated methods prepares students to envisage and pursue innovative solutions to a variety of problems.
The program teaches students to situate and contextualize knowledge and practices on a broad intellectual continuum that integrates theories, methods, and practices from the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Courses are offered via the Internet either in paced seminar-format (fall, winter, spring) or as individualized study (starting the first of every month). There is no requirement to attend campus.
Housed at Athabasca University, the MA-IS program offers students the option of pursuing graduate studies at their own pace, and in their own home or workplace. The program is comprised of 33 credits of study (11 courses) delivered using a variety of distance education media, including the Internet. In discussion with faculty advisors, candidates will be encouraged to follow their own academic curiosity and identify a sequence of disciplinary and integrated course work.
Students may propose a wholly independent learning path or pursue MA-IS focus areas such as: Adult Education; Canada, the North, and the Globe; Community Studies; Cultural Studies; Educational Studies; Equity Studies; Global Change; Heritage and Social History; Literary Studies; Work, Organization and Leadership; and Writing and New Media.
Two required core courses—MAIS 601: Making Sense of Theory in the Arts and Social Sciences and MAIS 602: Researching Society and Culture—will prepare students to engage theory, methodology, and knowledge across diverse areas of intellectual inquiry. The interdisciplinary project course, taken at the end of the program, will allow students to apply their learning to the workplace and community.
For more general information on the MA-IS program, visit the program website.
The Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS) Program invites applications from candidates who possess a baccalaureate degree and strong analytical, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Admission is open, in keeping with Athabasca University's mandate to remove barriers that restrict access to, and success in, university-level studies, but additional preparatory work in composition and analysis may be required of some candidates prior to admission.
English language proficiency requirements
As English is the primary language of instruction at Athabasca University, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they have an adequate level of proficiency. Moreover, since the MA-IS is a graduate-level program, it is to be expected that the materials will be challenging. Although faculty makes every effort to facilitate the learning process, they may have to redirect students to remedial resources.
Non-Canadian students must provide documentation supporting the successful completion of at least one of the following English as a Second Language (ESL) assessments before his or her application will be considered:
- A grade of 75 per cent or higher in ENGL 255.
- Successful completion of a degree program at an accredited post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and a score of 560 (or 220 on the computerized version). Canadian Academic English Language Assessment, CAEL, score of 65.
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment, CAEL, score of 65.
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) and a score of 85.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS); scores of 6.5 with no part less than 6.0. Equivalencies may be considered upon request.
All students applying for admission into the MA-IS Program students must complete an Academic Writing Assessment as part of the application process.
Success at the graduate level requires reading and writing skills that many MA-IS applicants may not have had an opportunity to develop or practice for a number of years. To help applicants determine their level of proficiency in this area, we have developed an Academic Writing Assessment (AWA) writing diagnostic test. The AWA is designed to help us determine whether applicants are prepared to commence graduate studies, or whether they need to develop or refine their writing and composition skills before beginning, or while they are in the early stages of their studies. We are committed to helping our students succeed, and every effort will be made to ensure that appropriate assistance is provided to those who need to develop or refine their writing and composition skills.
For more information on the Academic Writing Assessment, please go to the AWA website.
Program application deadline
There are two program intakes per year. The MA-IS office must receive all application materials by March 1 for consideration to enter the program starting in September of the same year, and by September 1 for consideration to enter the program starting in January of the following year.
Non-program application
Non-program applications will be received and reviewed on a continuous admission basis.
Transfer credit
Some students may have completed work at other post-secondary institutions that is applicable to the MA-IS program. After being admitted to the MA-IS program, students may request a review of such course work. The Program Director will review such work to determine if the student should be awarded transfer credit to apply towards the MA-IS program.
Students seeking transfer credit are required to submit to the MA-IS program office: official transcripts (if these were not submitted in support of their application for admission), detailed course descriptions for the courses, the appropriate Transfer Credit Evaluation fees, and a written statement outlining a study plan and rationale for transfer credit. Failure to supply either the transcript or the detailed course description(s) shall result in no transfer credit being awarded.
Letter of permission
Students enrolled in the MA-IS program may take up to five graduate-level courses (15 credits) from other post-secondary educational institutions in fulfillment of the program requirements, provided such courses are applicable to the Athabasca University MA-IS program. Students wishing to take courses from other institutions must obtain and submit:
- a Letter of Permission Request Form,
- a written statement outlining the reasons for pursuing studies elsewhere and an explanation of the course(s) relevance to the MA-IS program, and
- detailed course outline(s) and the appropriate Letter of Permission fees,
to the MA-IS program office for review. If approved, the Office of the Registrar will issue a Letter of Permission.
To allow for mailing time, requests for a Letter of Permission should be made at least one month before the registration deadline at the institution where the student will be taking the course. Upon completion of the course, the student must submit an official transcript to the MA-IS program administrator in order to obtain credit for the course.
- Follow the steps in the application process on the Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS) website and include the non-refundable application fee.
- Submit official transcripts* directly from all institutions attended. Applicants must have a recognized undergraduate degree.
* Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English, must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted was earned outside Canada or the US, documentation that attests to its equivalence to a Canadian baccalaureate degree, is required. Such documentation can be obtained from an assessment agency that is a member of:
ACESC – Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada
or
NACES – National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
When requesting an assessment please select the "Basic" assessment type that simply indicates the North American equivalent of your degree. The credential assessment agency will assess each students' international educational documents and compare them to educational credentials in Canada.
All assessments, regardless of the agency used, must be completed using original documents or certified copies—official documents issued directly from the sending institution are preferred. Students must submit copies of all foreign transcripts used in the assessment to AU. Please note, AU reserves the right to request that official documents be send directly from the institution to AU.
Non-program application
Non-program students must complete and submit the MA-IS Non-Program Application Form, and include the non-refundable application fee, if applicable. As part of their Non-Program Application, students will be required to submit confirmation of completion of an undergraduate degree (unofficial transcript will suffice). Students may be asked to submit a résumé in support of their non-program application.
| Fall 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | Deadline for receipt of application materials for admission to the program starting in January 2024. | |
| Sept. 4 | Labour Day | University closed |
| Sept. 5 | First day of fall grouped study courses. | |
| Sept. 30 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | |
| Oct. 5 | Last day for early withdrawal from fall grouped study courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript. Partial refund. | |
| Oct. 10 | Thanksgiving Day | University closed |
| Oct. 14 | Online course registration for winter grouped study courses open for program students. | |
| Nov. 1 | Online course registrations for winter grouped study courses open for non-program students. | |
| Nov. 11 | Remembrance Day | University closed |
| Dec. 15 | Last day of fall grouped study courses and last day to withdraw from fall grouped study courses. | |
| Dec. 25/23 – Jan. 1/24 (inclusive) | The University will close at 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023 and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2024. | |
| Winter 2024 | ||
| Jan. 8 | First day of winter grouped study courses. | |
| Feb. 8 | Last day for early withdrawals from winter grouped study courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript. Partial refund. | |
| Feb. 14 | Online course registrations for spring grouped study courses open for program students. | |
| Feb. 19 | Family Day | University closed |
| Mar. 1 | Deadline for receipt of application materials for admission to the program starting September 2024. | |
| Mar. 1 | Online course registration for spring grouped study courses open for non-program students. | |
| Mar. 29 – April 1 (inclusive) | Easter break | University closed |
| Apr. 19 | Last day of winter grouped study courses and last day to withdraw from winter grouped study courses. | |
| April 30 | Deadline to apply for graduation in June. All final grades must be received by the Office of the Registrar, and all program requirements must be completed by this date. Plan ahead. Allow professor at least 10 days for grading, and the MA-IS office 5 days for processing final grade report(s), in advance of this deadline. | |
| Spring 2024 | ||
| May 6 | First day of spring grouped study courses. | |
| May 20 | Victoria Day | University closed |
| May 31 | Deadline to register for Convocation 2024 (Note: In order to apply to graduate in June, all requirements must be met by April 30. See above.) | |
| June 1 | Last day for early withdrawal from spring grouped study courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript. Partial refund. | |
| TBD | Convocation | |
| June 14 | Online course registrations for fall grouped study courses opens for program students. | |
| July 1 | Online course registration for fall grouped study courses open for non-program students. | |
| July 1 | Canada Day | University closed |
| Aug. 5 | Heritage Day | University closed |
| Aug. 16 | Last day of spring grouped study courses and last day to withdraw from spring grouped study courses. | |
Enrolment
Once enrolled, students will be permitted to register in MA-IS courses on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting. Program students will have priority with respect to grouped study courses (over non-program students). Reading courses are reserved for senior program students only.
Program structure
Study plan
Upon completion of the two MA-IS core courses (MAIS 601 and MAIS 602), and two elective courses, students are required to submit a study plan to the MA-IS Office for approval by the Program Director. Students transferring in credit from other universities will be required to submit their study plans upon admission to the program.
Refer to MA-IS Courses.
Independent track
Students may choose to embark on an independent program of study by completing the two core courses (MAIS 601 and MAIS 602), one project course, MAIS 701 or MAIS 700, plus eight elective courses woven across the MA-IS curriculum in a comprehensive plan of study.
Depending on their undergraduate preparation, students will identify a strategy for developing their own plan of study. The independent track is designed for highly motivated students who have shown excellence at the undergraduate level. Students should contact the MA-IS office for advice on planning their studies.
Focus areas
Students who choose to study a focus area will successfully complete a minimum of four courses in a focus area (see below), MAIS 701 or MAIS 700, and four electives from across the curriculum. Students should contact the MA-IS Office for advice on planning their studies.
To qualify as a focus area, students must complete four courses within the focus area, plus four elective courses or a second focus area, before commencing their integrated project.
Students will be required to declare their focus area upon completion of the two core courses (MAIS 601 and MAIS 602) and two elective courses (i.e., focus area or independent track).
Students wishing to complete two focus areas, may apply to the Director (in their Study Plan) for approval of a second area if they:
- demonstrate plans to complete four courses in each area; and
- provide a rationale as to how they will integrate course work across both areas in the final project.
MA-IS available focus areas
Refer to the MA-IS website for up-to-date information on course development.
Program status
Effective September 2005, students must complete six credits of course or project work during a one-year academic period (September 1 to August 31) in order to maintain program status. Failure to meet this requirement may result in an inactivation of a student's program status.
Students may also be asked to successfully complete additional remedial writing work in order to continue in the program. Students will be required to submit official documentation confirming the successful completion of their remedial work to the MA-IS office, in order to remain in the program.
Any student who receives a grade of "F" in one course, or a grade of "C" in more than one course, may be required to withdraw from the program.
Completion time limits
Students may study in the program on a full- or part-time basis. The degree can be completed in two years or extended over six years, from the program start date. The expected normal completion time is three to four years.
Program deferral
Students may defer their studies, without prejudice, contingent upon the submission of Request for Program Deferral form (PDF) to the MA-IS office and approval from the Program Director.
Program withdrawal/reactivation
Students may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the MA-IS office. Students who withdraw may be reactivated in the program by requesting approval to the Program Director and paying a reactivation fee. Failure in two courses will result in the automatic removal of the student from the program.
Non-program students
Individuals who are not enrolled in the MA-IS program will be permitted to register as non-program students in up to a maximum of five courses, space permitting; however, no more than two courses per semester will be allowed. No exceptions.
Courses taken as a non-program student may be applied toward the program degree requirements, if and when the student becomes a program student.
For those students interested in individualized study, a number of graduate courses are available for registration throughout the year. Refer to MA-IS Courses. The University is under no obligation to admit non-program students into the MA-IS program. For more information on non-program status, contact the MA-IS office.
Complete the course registration form and submit it by the deadline dates to the Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS) program office. Manual registration forms are provided by the MA-IS office for students who are sponsored or who are paying by cheque, money order, or student loan.
Incompletes for courses
Ninety (90) days after the original course completion date, a grade will be assigned to the course. Students who have not submitted the required course work are assigned a failing grade (F).
Extensions
Students taking an individualized study course have the flexibility to determine their own timelines for completing it within their six-month contract period. Should students experience time problems, they may extend the course contract by submitting a completed MA-IS Extension Request Form, along with the appropriate fees, to the MA-IS Office. Individualized study courses may be extended three times for a period of two months each. Contact the MA-IS office for more information on extensions.
Grouped study courses cannot extend their course contract end date.
Re-registration
Students may re-register in a course only if they have received a final grade of 59 per cent or lower, or have withdrawn from the course in good standing. In re-registering, students must complete all course requirements and pay the full course fee. Both the initial registration and the re-registration will appear on the student’s transcript.
Course withdrawals
Students may withdraw from a course up until the contract end date (refer to MA-IS Academic Schedule) by completing and submitting an MA-IS Withdrawal Request Form. The date of withdrawal will be the postmark on the request, or if the notice is hand-delivered or faxed, the University date stamp.
If a student withdraws from a course within the first 30 days of the course start date, the record of registration will be deleted from their official transcript (see Course Refunds below). If a student withdraws from a course after the first 30 days of the course but before the contract end date of the course, the official record and transcript will show that the student withdrew without credit and without prejudice or academic penalty and no refund will be issued.
Course refunds
Students will only receive a refund of the full course tuition fees minus the course withdrawal processing fee (refer to Fees) if they withdraw from the course within 30 days of the course start date or before the first day of class. Do not return the learning resources. A refund is not granted to students who withdraw 30 days after the course contract start date.
Grading system
As the core courses (MAIS 601 and MAIS 602) will challenge students in areas of study that will most likely be unfamiliar to them, these two courses will be graded on a pass/fail basis. The rationale for pass/fail grading is to challenge students to risk working in integrated studies areas and to undertake assignment topics they might not consider if their performance was graded on a percentage (or Alpha) basis. All other courses will be graded using the Alpha/4.0 grading scale.
Please review the Graduate Grading Policy and Academic Records FAQ for more information on grading scales.
A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.
The following fees are effective for courses starting September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
| Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies: | $174 |
| Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable) | $242 |
| Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once and waived if previously an AU student: | $110 |
Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)
| Students living in Canada | $1,8681 |
| Students living outside Canada | $2,1001 |
1Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $157 and a Course Materials fee of $33 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fees of $13 per credit.
Note: MA-IS student are now able to take Heritage Resources Management courses. Course tuition fees for HRM courses can be found on the HRM fees page.
Estimated program tuition cost (2022-2023):
The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $20,548 ($1,868 x 11, three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees, Course Administration and Technology fee, and Course Materials fee are included in the above calculations. Application and admission fees are not included.
Other fees
| Transfer credit evaluation fee | $309 per course |
| Continuation fee | $129 |
| Course extension fee | $297 |
| Letter of Permission fee | $88 |
| Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-AU visiting students) | $250 per course |
| AU Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit): | $13 |
| Course withdrawal processing fee1 | $402 |
| Supplemental Exam Fee | $110 |
1 The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee.
Fee information effective September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023.
A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.
The following fees are effective for courses starting September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
| Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies: | $184 |
| Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable) | $255 |
| Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once and waived if previously an AU student: | $116 |
Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)
| Students living in Canada | $1,9691 |
| Students living outside Canada | $2,2141 |
1Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $166 and a Course Materials fee of $35 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fees of $13 per credit.
Note: MA-IS student are now able to take Heritage Resources Management courses. Course tuition fees for HRM courses can be found on the HRM fees page.
Estimated program tuition cost (2023-2024):
The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $21,659 ($1,969 x 11, three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees, Course Administration and Technology fee, and Course Materials fee are included in the above calculations. Application and admission fees are not included.
Other fees
| Transfer credit evaluation fee | $325 per course |
| Continuation fee | $136 |
| Course extension fee | $312 |
| Letter of Permission fee | $93 |
| Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-AU visiting students) | $250 per course |
| AU Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit): | $13 |
| Course withdrawal processing fee1 | $423 |
| Supplemental Exam Fee | $116 |
1 The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee.
Fee information effective September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024.
Information effective Sep. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2023.
Helpful links and resources:
Updated July 17, 2023 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)