Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a customizable program that allows you to take courses online or on campus.

You determine your focus and we'll help you build a program tailored to your academic and career goals — and schedule.

Choose from a combination of approved professional communication, environmental practice, justice studies, or business courses and residencies at Royal Roads University. And complement your studies with courses from other post-secondary institutions or an internship.

The program offers foundation courses and opportunities to focus on a particular area of academic interest. Your final capstone research paper or project will allow you to apply your studies to engage deeply with a challenge that interests you.

You can build from here

Your undergraduate degree can open the door for you to continue with graduate studies at Royal Roads. Continue with a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies or choose another graduate program related to your Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies focus area.

Program outcomes

Graduates of this program will develop skills in the following areas:

• interpersonal, intercultural and public communication
• research, analysis and problem-solving
• personal and team leadership
• critical thinking and the ability to use values and ethics to develop solutions
• understanding local and global interdependencies

Your course choices will form the context of your learning. You'll be able to build and lead effective teams across sectors, to make a difference in areas that matter to you.

First-year entry (4-year undergraduate degree)

First-year entry is for students coming from high school (or equivalent). Please review the year 1 admission and application requirements for more information. 

Third-year entry (degree completion - 3rd & 4th year)

Standard admission

Diploma (or 60 credits) in arts and sciences fields of study, including a minimum of 24 second-year credits, with a minimum GPA of 'B' (3.00/4.33), from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Flexible admission

While 60 credits in arts and sciences fields of study are recommended, applicants may be assessed for admission on the basis of their skills, knowledge and background developed outside traditional learning structures. Flexible admission applicants would normally have 3 to 5 years of professional experience in a related area and be able to demonstrate the competencies expected of a graduate with a two-year degree in the arts and sciences.

English language proficiency

If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

Additional recommendations for admission

Ideal candidates are self-directed and highly motivated and possess strong communication skills. BAIS students move between cohorts, groups of students, and post-secondary institutions and need to be comfortable with completing an individualized program, integrating into student teams in different programs, and navigating enrolment and registration at more than one institution.

All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

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's purpose is to assess applicants' writing skills, as well as their interest and ability to complete the program. Your personal statement should be written as a three to four page narrative and must address each of the following questions using each question as a separate heading) 

• Why do you wish to enroll in the conflict analysis and management program?
• What academic courses and/or training do you have in the area of conflict management?
• What work experience do you have in the area of conflict management?
• What experience have you had with distance education and self-directed study?
• What special strengths do you bring to the program?

Letters of reference

Two letters of reference are required and may be provided by current or past employer(s) or by those who have known the applicant in an academic or volunteer setting.

Reference letters must attest to the applicant's suitability to this program, and particularly the applicant's ability to complete a demanding graduate program, including graduate level writing and research. The referee should indicate the length of time and context in which they have known the applicant, and should also consider the ability of the applicant to model appropriate behavior in the field as well as the personal attributes of the applicant.

In the case of an employer's reference, the letter should also attest to the applicant's performance in the context of current or previous employment. The letter should address such areas as work in the field of conflict analysis and management, as well as leadership potential.

Structured resume

Applicant's resume must include the following:

• Post secondary education: List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
• Training and professional development in the area of conflict analysis: List career related training and professional development programs. Include the source of training, and the duration and year completed. List other training and personal development programs not already identified.
• Volunteer work experience: List and describe any voluntary employment and/or community service experience. Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties. Highlight experience related to alternative dispute resolution.
• Full-time work experience: Please include name of organization, position, length of service and brief description of duties. Highlight experience related to alternative dispute resolution.
• Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
• Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.

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 English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
• Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.