Athabasca University

Programme overview

This is a 33-credit online Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies with a Cultural Studies focus. Students are admitted to the overall MA‑IS program and then declare Cultural Studies as their focus by submitting a study plan to the Graduate Office. You must complete at least 18 credits through Athabasca University. Courses are offered in both paced-study (set start/end dates) and individualized-study (month‑to‑month) formats, and there are three intakes per year.

What you'll study

The focus area investigates cultural forms across high art and popular culture, including digital and emerging media, traditional texts and new hypertexts. Coursework develops critical cultural analysis, interdisciplinary methods, and policy-making strategies, with attention to identity and power relations (gender, ethnicity, class). Program completion requires a final integrated project or capstone paper, which can be completed as a paced capstone course or as an individual study project tied to a research question, work/life situation or community issue.

Entry requirements

Admission to the MA‑IS requires a baccalaureate degree and an academic writing assessment. Applicants are admitted to the MA‑IS program and must then submit a study plan to declare Cultural Studies as their focus; see the program admission materials for full MA‑IS entry details.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills in cultural analysis, interdisciplinary thinking, and communication useful in roles that require interpreting cultural texts and social meanings—such as research, policy, community organizations, media analysis, and roles addressing representation and social justice. The program’s emphasis on applied projects also supports careers where problem‑solving in real contexts is needed.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Tuition and fees apply to courses; students should check Athabasca University for current program and course fees, application and admission charges, and any Indigenous student tuition adjustments. The program’s online format and individualized-study options also allow part‑time pacing to spread costs and maintain work commitments.