Make connections between different areas of study that are relevant to your work and life. Choose leadership, humanitarian studies, communication, environment, business, tourism or education courses.
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January 23, 2023
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Program description
The six-course, 18-credit Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies is the program for you, if you want to make connections between different areas of study.
Choose your courses from a combination of subject areas offered at 企鹅电竞查询v6.9 安卓版: leadership, humanitarian studies, communication, environment and sustainability, business, tourism or education. While you study, you'll learn with faculty and students from a wide range of professional backgrounds.
The diploma consists of six courses:
- the three core courses of the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program
- three elective courses that you can choose from different graduate programs at 企鹅电竞查询v6.9 安卓版 University
With flexible delivery, you can complete all of your courses online or through a combination of online and on-campus courses.
You can build from here
Take this diploma as a standalone program or continue with your education. You can apply up to 12 credits from the diploma toward a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies .
Program outcomes
The skills gained in this program are up to you. You can customize your learning outcomes through your course selection.
Program delivery
The 18-credit Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies includes six courses:
- the three core courses in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
- three elective courses that you can choose from program areas that interest you
You can choose to complete this program in one of two ways:
- entirely online
- through a blend of online courses and on-campus residencies
Online learning
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.
Normally, you’ll take one course at a time. Each online course requires approximately 20 hours of work per week.
Residency
You have the option of completing this program through a blended program, which includes online courses and one course offered as part of a residency.
Residencies last for one or three weeks and are intensive and immersive. Many students say this time together is the highlight of their program.
During your residency, you can expect to:
- attend classes full time (e.g., Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- complete homework and individual and team assignments outside of class hours
- take part in extracurricular activities
Residencies are offered for program areas such as business, communication and culture, environment and sustainability, humanitarian studies, leadership and tourism.
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Standard admission
- Four years (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum GPA of ‘B+’ (3.33/4.33).
- Normally, a minimum of three years of professional experience.
Flexible admission
While an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study is recommended, applicants may be assessed for admission on the basis of their skills, knowledge and background developed outside traditional learning structures. This flexible admissions approach opens doors to higher learning for qualified candidates who otherwise might not meet traditional admission requirements, and thereby serves the needs of a diverse group of students.
English language proficiency
If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements .
Additional recommendations
Ideal candidates are self-directed and highly motivated and possess strong interpersonal, research, and communication skills. Graduate Diploma students move between programs and need to be comfortable with completing an individualized program while integrating into student teams from different programs.
At a minimum, all applications must contain the following:
Application form
In order to apply online , you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information . Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation .
Personal statement
The statement should speak to both your educational and career goals and the role the degree would play in your professional development. It should outline the areas you wish to focus on, and identify the courses you believe will support your program of study. We will assess your potential fit to the program in part on the content provided in your personal statement. The statement should be no more than two pages and answer the following questions:
- Why do you wish to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies? Explain why your career goals require courses from multiple academic program areas.
- What academic courses and/or training have you had that would provide a foundation for your diploma studies?
- The Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies requires a high degree of flexibility and self-direction from students. Please provide examples from your work or educational history that provide evidence of flexibility in responding to new situations, self-direction, and self-motivation.
Detailed résumé
A detailed résumé is one that provides a comprehensive profile of the applicant. It should include education, work experience (including voluntary/unpaid), reports and publications, professional memberships and affiliations, and other relevant information.
Letters of reference
Your application requires two letters of reference. These letters should be written by individuals qualified to assess your professional expertise and speak specifically to your academic qualifications and ability to conduct graduate-level research. Reference letters must be submitted directly by the referee and not by the applicant.
Proposed course schedule
Applicants must work directly with the graduate program advisor from the College of Interdisciplinary Studies to design a program schedule which identifies courses to be taken as part of the program. The process of developing such an individualized schedule can vary significantly but will often take one month; an application is not considered complete until it contains a schedule that has been endorsed by the applicant and the College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report , if submitting international transcripts.
- An official Engli sh language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.
Admission timelines
As a personalized course schedule is required as part of the assessment process, usual turn-around times do not apply to applications for the Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that applicants apply early and begin working with the College of Interdisciplinary Studies as soon as possible to finalize a course schedule.
Curriculum questions
Please contact us with any questions you may have about the curriculum for the Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies.
