Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies
About the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies provides you with the opportunity to build a program pathway suited to your unique career and learning goals by combining courses across a range of disciplines. You have the flexibility to intentionally create a broad multidisciplinary liberal arts education that goes beyond traditional boundaries.
This program builds on the knowledge, human characteristics, and competencies foundational to arts education. In the final year of the program, you’ll participate in a full-year creative problem-solving Capstone project. After graduation, you will be able to apply that learning to emerging trends in society. You will have the skills and abilities to make a difference in your community and the world.
Students can complete the full degree in four years of study. Students who have completed many of Red Deer Polytechnic’s two-year diplomas including the University Arts Diploma, Social Work Diploma, and Justice Studies Diploma will be recognized for 60 credits of study and enter directly into Year 3 of study (with specific course requirements to fulfill degree completion criteria). Students who have completed another Diploma program may also be able to enter the degree in Year 3, depending on the credential. Students who have previously completed a degree may be eligible to complete this B.A. with one additional year of study.
Work-integrated Learning
In your final year of study, you will complete a Capstone project, and will be challenged to apply what you've learned in academic research or an applied project. The latter option may take many forms, including an opportunity to complete hands-on, work-integrated learning with a local community association or business to solve an issue that they are experiencing.
Further Study
This program provides a strong foundation for several graduate school programs such as a Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies, law, medicine, the humanities (English, history, philosophy), the social sciences (anthropology, communications, political science, sociology, criminal or social justice) journalism, education, social work and many other programs.
Related Careers
A Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies helps prepare you for a wide range of careers in areas such as:
social services,
civil service,
community advocacy and development,
local government,
administration,
criminal justice,
management,
sales,
entrepreneurs,
publishing and editing,
writing and communications,
analysts,
program coordinators,
and research consultants.
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Winter 2025 - Open
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Spring 2025 - Open
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Fall 2025 - Open
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International Intakes
Winter 2025 - Closed
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
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- First day of classes:
Spring 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
NOTES:
- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies must have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in the following or their equivalents:
ELA 30-1
4 courses from Groups A, B, C, or D with no more than one course from each of Group B or D
OR
A minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:
ELA 30-1
1 additional course from Group A or C
Group A • Aboriginal Studies 30 • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 • Social Studies 30-1 • Language 30 or 35 (other than English)
Group B • Art 30 • Art 31 • Band 35 • Choir 35 • Dance 35 • Drama 30 • Music 35 • Performing Arts 35A • Note: Other 5-credit Fine Arts and/or Advanced Level CTS courses may be considered.
Group C • Biology 30 • Chemistry 30 • Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 • Mathematics 31 • Physics 30 • Science 30 • Five credits of Advanced Level Computer Science (CSE)
Group D • Five credits of course work at the 30, 33 or 35 level • Two 3-credit subjects at the 30 level (excluding Special Projects) • Note: Some courses can be considered Group D subjects if a higher level of the same subject has not fulfilled a Group A, B or C admission requirement (i.e. French Language Arts 30-2, Social Studies 30-2, Mathematics 30 Applied)
OR
Completion of a recognized 2-Year Diploma from an accredited Canadian public post-secondary institution. Or a recognized 2-Year Diploma approved by the Associate Dean.
NOTE: When receiving admission based on completion of a diploma, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that prerequisites are met for course selection.
Additional Requirements
Practicum Requirements
Capstone courses may involve community partners, community service learning, applied research and other work-integrated learning. Students wishing placements with agencies will be apprised of the agency pre-requisites and will provide proof of pre-requisites to the agency. Pre-requisites could include but are not limited to: a valid driver’s license, vaccination, criminal record check, vulnerable sector check or other.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Red Deer Polytechnic Diplomas including (but not necessarily limited to) The University Arts Diploma, Kinesiology, Justice Studies, Social Work, Visual Arts, ELCC, Legal Assistant, Pharm Tech and the Business diploma and University Arts will provide credit towards the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies.
Students presenting Diplomas from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Indigenous Learners
Information for Indigenous Learners
The Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples the program has designated six (6) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 for the Fall term and October 1 for the Winter term unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
Students in this program will work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a program plan that helps them reach their goals. You will take a variety of courses across the humanities (the creative arts, English, Film, History, languages, Philosophy) and the social sciences (Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Justice Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology) as well as several advanced study courses in multidisciplinary areas of analysis.
Students will have the opportunity to minor in a humanities or social science discipline of their choice or focus their study in a thematic concentration. In the final year of study, students in this program will produce a comprehensive capstone project exploring a research or applied problem they are a passionate about.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Students in Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and complete a minimum of 120 credits.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.