University of New Brunswick

What you'll study

The programme emphasises intellectual integration across disciplines. You will work with supervisors from at least two academic units to develop a personalised programme of coursework and a culminating research component. Typical areas of study include environmental policy and sustainability, health and community studies, digital humanities, public administration and governance, socio-technical systems, and resource and energy studies.

Structure options commonly include a combination of coursework and either a thesis, a major research project, or a practicum-based capstone. Coursework usually covers:

• Interdisciplinary theory and methods (qualitative and quantitative approaches, mixed-methods design, systems thinking)
• Advanced seminars in the chosen disciplinary areas
• Research design, ethics, and project management
• Electives that provide substantive depth (for example, environmental science, public policy, management, social research methods, or digital technologies)

Students typically develop a research proposal early in their programme and proceed under joint supervision. Regular seminars, guest lectures and opportunities to collaborate with UNB research centres and institutes help connect academic work with community, government and industry partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognised institution, preferably with honours or a strong academic record in a relevant discipline. Admission usually requires:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• A statement of research interests or a proposal that outlines the interdisciplinary focus and potential supervisory fit
• Curriculum vitae demonstrating academic and/or professional experience
• References from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. In some cases, applicants with relevant professional experience but a non-traditional academic background may be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies programme go on to a wide range of careers where cross-cutting analysis and collaboration are valued. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or advisor in government and public agencies
• Research associate or project manager in non-governmental organisations and think tanks
• Program development and evaluation roles in health, education and community organisations
• Roles in environmental assessment, sustainability planning and resource management
• Positions in digital and cultural industries that require combined technical and humanistic insight
• Progression to doctoral study or academic research

The programme’s emphasis on transferable research, communication and project-management skills also supports careers in the private sector and consultancy.

Why study at University of New Brunswick

UNB provides a supportive environment for interdisciplinary research, with access to faculty across liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business and nursing. Small cohort sizes and close supervision mean you can shape a programme that meets your interests and career goals. The university’s research centres and institutes offer opportunities for collaboration on applied projects, and its relationships with provincial government, industry and community organisations facilitate experiential learning and knowledge mobilization.

Both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses offer modern research facilities and a close-knit academic community. Scholarships, assistantships and other forms of graduate funding are available to qualified students, and the university provides services to help students develop professional skills and career pathways following graduation.