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Laddering into a Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies

If you complete the Graduate Diploma – Heritage Resources Management (GD-HRM), you can apply those credits toward Athabasca University’s Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS).

This pathway allows you to earn both a professional credential and a master’s degree.

How the laddering pathway works

If you’re planning to complete both credentials, you should finish the GD-HRM first, then apply to the MA-IS program. Note: You cannot easily reverse this path (you can’t ladder from MA-IS into GD-HRM without additional coursework).

You can only be enrolled in one ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓprogram at a time.

Credit transfer

All 18 credits from the GD-HRM can be applied to the MA-IS, and no transfer evaluation fee is required.

To complete the MA-IS, you’ll need your 18 transferred GD-HRM credits, plus 15 additional credits (5 courses):

• MAIS 601
• 1 MAIS methods course (e.g., MAIS 602, MAIS 640, or similar)
• MAIS 700 or MAIS 701
• 2 elective courses aligned with your study plan

Applying to the MA-IS

After completing the GD-HRM, you must apply through the MA-IS application process.

You will be required to submit a study plan upon admission. Most students choose the independent track, though you may select a focus area if it aligns with your goals. Some focus areas may require additional coursework. All HRM courses count toward the Heritage and Social History focus area.

Transferring credits to other institutions

GD-HRM courses are graduate-level and may be eligible for transfer to other institutions. Transfer decisions are made by the receiving institution, and you are responsible for requesting approval. You are encouraged to contact the HRM office for guidance before applying elsewhere.