Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies

Do you have a desire to create your own unique area of inquiry? Do you strive to challenge and defy the traditional boundaries of university study? The YorkU Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Studies offers prospective students the opportunity to propose one’s own path to learning.

An MA in Interdisciplinary Studies provides an opportunity to pursue independent, innovative interdisciplinary research that bridges three disciplinary categories.

Graduate students in Interdisciplinary Studies work closely with three scholars from three different disciplines related to your research topic and join a small group of high-achieving students with a wide range of scholarly interests and perspectives.

You'll have the option to propose an area of inquiry/research project and choose scholarly lenses from an intriguing range of interdisciplinary disciplines, creating combinations that embrace the fine arts, sciences, health, social sciences, Engineering, humanities, law and more!

A scholarly thesis (of approximately 120 pages) and oral defence represent the culmination of 2 years FT or 3 years PT study. Some students opt to augment their written scholarship with a creative component which has included a novel, e-book, a fine art exhibit, photography, film, a smart app, etc. This too, is something to discuss with the Director. 

See Program Page

Quick Links

Stream and Specializations

Examples of Disciplines to Combine

Note: These are just examples – there are an inordinate number of possible disciplinary combinations. Please see the Director for direction as to what disciplines might best converge around your proposed area of inquiry)

  • Anthropology
  • Animal Studies/Behaviour
  • Art/Art History
  • Business
  • Criminology
  • Communication and Culture
  • Critical Disability Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Education
  • Environmental studies
  • Education
  • Film studies
  • Fine Arts
  • Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies
  • Geography
  • Health/Health and Society
  • Human Rights and Equity
  • Indigenous Studies
  • History
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Theatre
  • Law/Socio Legal Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Neuroscience
  • Refugee Studies
  • Religious Studies
  • Social and Political Thought
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Social Science

Remember, these are just examples. Check out all the programs offered at York to begin to envision potential disciplinary combinations that would best inform your research question.

Note: No student may work towards a degree in any single subject through the Interdisciplinary program; if the student’s interests fall within the range of established programs of a disciplinary nature the application will be referred to the relevant admissions committee. We suggest you first check out all the info for prospective students provided by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. So give us a call - come to an info session - come and have a coffee with the director and talk about what intrigues you - about what inspires you - about what you are passionate about and we'll try to make it happen for you. You'll be glad you came in! To make an appointment with the director, email him directly or contact the program assistant at gradinst@yorku.ca. See http://interdis.gradstudies.yorku.ca/how-to-apply/

Degrees Offered

MA

Program Component(s)

  • Thesis

Minimum Required GPA

B+

Fall Entry

  • Full-time
  • Part-time

Deadline - Fall (All Applicants)

2023-04-15

English Proficiency Requirement

Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based)600
Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based)100
IELTS (Academic Module)7.5
YUELIAcademic Program Level 9 with Distinction
YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP)Graduate with distinction
CAELOverall score of 70, no component score less than 60
Minimum CPE ScoreC
Minimum CAE ScoreB
Duolingo125
PTE Academic76

Additional Admission Requirements

Number of Recommendation(s)

  • 3 recommendation(s)

Other Requirements

  • Statement of research (1,000 words), selected works consulted, clear identification of three fields of interest
  • Resumé or CV
  • Sample of your written work
  • Applicants are required to meet with the Program Director before applying to the program