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Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies

Credential
Bachelor

Duration
4 year(s)

The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies program at CapU lets you choose your own path.

The world doesn’t fit into one neat subject area. Build your own bachelor's degree with courses chosen from across the Faculty of Arts & Sciences.

Uncover the connections that reflect the world around you while developing skills modern employers consider essential.

If you want to study at our new campus, the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies program will also be offered at the CapU Squamish campus for the Fall 2024 term.

CapU graduate Yvonne Wallace performs her play útszan.

Bring your creative vision to life

In your final year, you will produce an impressive graduating project that will cap off your entire university experience. This Bachelor of Arts program is designed by you, for you.

Career Paths

  • Administrator
  • Counsellor
  • Lawyer
  • Marketer
  • Researcher
  • Teacher
  • Writer

What are "interdisciplinary studies"? 

Throughout this intensive program, your fields of study include only what you want. You'll assemble your bachelor's degree from courses in the fields of arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, sciences, mathematics, computing science and statistics - in addition to the full complement of electives to give your education breadth.

Learn from experienced instructors

At CapU, you'll have the opportunity to learn from faculty who have an investment in your success. Receive the benefits of their decades of experience while working towards your future.

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies

Get all the information about how you can design your own areas of study for a bachelor of arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at CapU.

Related links

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For more information about the program, contact us today.

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Information sessions

Plan ahead with this calendar of important program information sessions and open houses.

Upcoming info sessions

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Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

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Intakes

Important dates

Applications open

Jun 6, 2023 – May 7, 2024

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Mar 4, 2024

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Apr 22, 2024

Important dates

Applications open

Oct 3, 2023 – Sep 3, 2024

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jul 2, 2024

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 19, 2024

Important dates

Applications open

Dec 6, 2023 – Sep 3, 2024

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jul 2, 2024

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 19, 2024

Important dates

Applications open

Feb 6, 2024 – Jan 7, 2025

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Nov 12, 2024

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Dec 16, 2024

Important dates

Applications open

Feb 6, 2024 – Jan 7, 2025

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Nov 12, 2024

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Dec 16, 2024

NOTE: Important dates may change.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Birch Building, Room BR230
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Birch Building, Room BR230
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

New Students

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $4,631 $1,746 $6,377
Year 2 $4,631 $1,746 $6,377
Year 3 $4,631 $1,746 $6,377
Year 4 $4,473 $1,746 $6,219
Total $18,366 $6,984 $25,350
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $19,637 $1,746 $21,383
Year 2 $19,637 $1,746 $21,383
Year 3 $19,637 $1,746 $21,383
Year 4 $19,478 $1,746 $21,224
Total $78,389 $6,984 $85,373

Tuition & Fees Estimator

Get a detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees for your program.

Calculate my fees

Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

See if I qualify

Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

Take me to the awards

Required Courses

English Requirement

Total credits: 6.00

Required:
ENGL 100University Writing Strategies3.00 credits
ENGLEnglish 100-level3.00 credits

 

Language Requirement

Total credits: 6.00

Required:

Demonstrated competency in a language other than English. The language requirement is competency based and requires students to reach an advanced beginner level or higher in a language other than English. The language requirement can be satisfied in one of the following ways:

1. successful completion of a Grade 12 course with a minimum B grade in an approved language other than English while in secondary school; or

2. successful completion of a secondary immersion program or secondary school at an institution at which the primary language of instruction is not English; or

3. successful completion of a post-secondary credential awarded by an institution at which the primary language of instruction is not English; or

4. successful completion of 6.00 credits of post-secondary level courses in a single language other than English; or

5. successful completion of EAP 100 or EAP 101.

Note: Students who fulfill this requirement with option 1, 2, 3, or 5 will be required to take 6.00 credits of lower level Arts and Sciences courses in place of the Language Requirement credits.

Note: EAP 100-level or higher credits can be used towards the elective requirements.

Note: Students who have completed a Grade 12 language course without meeting the minimum B grade can fulfill the Language Requirement by completing 3.00 credits of the appropriate language (CHIN 101, JAPN 101, SPAN 101 or FREN 150). Students who exercise this option will be required to take an additional 3.00 credits of lower level Arts and Sciences courses.

 

Lower Level Course Requirements

Total credits: 24.00

Required:
INTS 210Approaching Knowledge3.00 credits
Required:

Note: May not include English. No more than 6.00 credits in any one subject area.

Arts - 200-level15.00 credits
Humanities - 100-level3.00 credits
Social Sciences - 100-level3.00 credits

 

Science, Quantitative, Analytical Requirements

Total credits: 9.00

Required:

Note: Must include a minimum of 3.00 credits designated as Quantitative/Analytical

Laboratory Science 100-level or higher (Any course in the Science list worth 3.00 credits or more and with a lab of at least 2 hours, but excluding any course in Applied Science or Computing.)3.00 credits
Mathematics or Computing Science or Statistics 100-level or higher (PSYC 213 may be used)3.00 credits
Science 100-level or higher3.00 credits

 

Upper Level Requirements

Total credits: 24.00

Required:
INTS 310Interdisciplinary Research3.00 credits
Arts 300-level or higher9.00 credits
Humanities (minimum of two subjects) 300-level or higher6.00 credits
Social Sciences (minimum of two subjects) 300-level or higher6.00 credits

 

Electives

Total credits: 45.00

Required:
Electives 100-level or higher30.00 credits
Electives 300-level or higher15.00 credits

 

Experiential Requirement

Total credits: 3.00

Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
INTS 335Grand Challenges - An Interdisciplinary Approach3.00 credits
INTS 345Reconciliation in Action3.00 credits
INTS 390Tutorial I1.00 credits
INTS 391Tutorial II1.00 credits
INTS 392Tutorial III1.00 credits

 

Capstone Requirement

Total credits: 3.00

Choose 3.00 credits from the following list:
CAPS 499Degree Portfolio3.00 credits
INTS 490Graduating Project3.00 credits
INTS 495Extended Graduating Project - Part 13.00 credits
INTS 496Extended Graduating Project - Part 23.00 credits
Note: Students who choose to complete the Extended Graduating Project will only need to complete 42.00 credits of Electives (instead of 45.00)

Total program credits: 120.00

Additional information

Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree must meet Cap Core graduation requirements in addition to their program requirements.

Students must ensure they complete a minimum of 65 credits of 100-level or higher coursework from within the Faculty of Arts & Sciences that have been designated as Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences.

Learning outcomes

  • Initiate, execute and take responsibility for an interdisciplinary research project.
  • Describe and integrate concepts, theories, and practices from across core academic disciplines with an awareness of limits of knowledge.
  • Apply foundational learning (knowledge, critical thinking, research skills, imagination, and judgment) and holistic problem solving skills in academic work.
  • Synthesize knowledge to produce interdisciplinary work.
  • Apply research methods while identifying and understanding the application of ethical reasoning with a particular emphasis on working appropriately with human subjects and conducting field work.
  • Produce well-organized and coherent university-level materials, individually or in a group, which meet stated objectives and audience needs in written, oral, digital and/or visual forms.
  • Consider and assess the potential impact of interpretative frameworks, decisions and actions on people and the environment, locally and globally.

How to Declare

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

Interdisciplinary Studies
604 986 1911 , ext. 3474
interdisciplinarystudies@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca