Programs

Interdisciplinary Studies

Theresa Akomode, PhD Candidate IDST

  • Degrees Offered: MIDST, PhD IDST
  • Application Deadline: March 1 annually
  • Funding: See financial information
  • Study Options: Thesis
  • Length: MIDST two years, PhD IDST four years
  • Entry Terms: Fall

Supported by over 75 faculty members from both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses, and representing a wide range of academic disciplines, the IDST program is known for its academic rigor, flexibility, and the diversity of its research topics. Students benefit from cross-disciplinary mentorship and a community that encourages intellectual curiosity and innovation. 

The value of an IDST degree lies in its adaptability and relevance in a rapidly changing world. By equipping students to address complex societal, environmental, and global challenges through interdisciplinary thinking, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in academia, public policy, sport and recreation, kinesiology, community development, non-profit leadership, and more. The IDST program fosters a unique intellectual environment where students are encouraged to think beyond traditional academic silos, developing broad analytical skills and the capacity to generate novel insights that have real-world impact. 

Graduates have gone on to work in various industry sectors that include: 

  • Academia (Deans, Professors, Instructors, Academic Administrators)
  • Government (Policy Analysts, Social Development, Directors, Managers)
  • Private Sector (Strategic Leadership, Managers, Executives, Directors, Lawyers)
  • Medical/Health Fields (Medical Doctors, Consultants, Managers, Directors)
  • Arts, Cultural & Media (Artists, Event Coordinators, Communications, Game Designers, Musicians)
  • Sports, Recreation, Kinesiology (Event Planners, Education, Executives, Managers, Technical Directors, Consultants)

Student research projects

Our Interdisciplinary students work with a wide range of faculty across both campuses. Our current students are researching topics such as:

  • Transgender advocacy
  • Indigenous studies
  • Nurse staffing and adverse events in acute care settings
  • Psychedelics and micro dosing
  • Physical Literacy in Canada and New Brunswick
  • Professional Sport
  • Patient handling in the health care system
  • Injury risk reduction in military populations
  • Gender dynamic of the Canadian health workforce
  • Gaining an understanding into the relationship between machine learning and AI
  • Understanding the elements to effective end-of-life care
  • Mental and physical burnout to immigrants in the business world in Canada due to job related expectations and demands
  • Decolonization of knowledge production in heritage management
  • Elders volunteering practices
  • Exercise response of individuals with health risks
  • Understanding the approach to community-based palliative care access in New Brunswick
  • Forensic taphonomy (study of human decomposition) and stable isotopes

Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies (MIDST)

The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIDST) program at UNB offers students the flexibility to design a personalized graduate experience that integrates knowledge and methods from multiple disciplines. Ideal for those whose academic or professional interests don't fit neatly into a single field, the MIDST program supports innovative and relevant research that addresses complex issues from diverse perspectives. With access to faculty expertise across UNB's Fredericton and Saint John campuses, students benefit from interdisciplinary mentorship, a supportive academic community, and the opportunity to shape a unique educational path aligned with their goals and passions. 

A course of study for the MIDST degree includes:

Coursework: Relevant courses are selected from those offered by IDST and in the graduate programs and faculties across the university. Coursework normally includes five graduate courses, two of which may be independent study/directed reading courses with a maximum of two courses taken at another university.

Research Proposal: The proposal outlines the research question, relevant literature, methodology, and research design of the proposed study. An oral presentation of the proposal is also required. The Supervisor and Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee must approve the proposal and oral examination, and Ethics approval (if appropriate) must be obtained before the research can proceed.

Master's Thesis: The thesis incorporates all of the elements of the research proposal outlined above plus the documentation and analysis of a student's actual research project. The presentation of the thesis and subsequent oral examination must meet all of the requirements as outlined in the UNB Calendar, 22 A.

PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD IDST)

The PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) at UNB offers a dynamic and flexible pathway for students eager to pursue advanced, original research that transcends traditional academic boundaries. Designed for intellectually curious and self-directed scholars, the program empowers candidates to tackle complex, real-world problems through the integration of multiple disciplinary perspectives. With access to customized supervisory committees and a diverse network of faculty across UNB's Fredericton and Saint John campuses, students engage in rich cross-disciplinary collaboration. The result is a doctoral experience that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply relevant to today's evolving social, cultural, and global challenges. 

A course of study for the PhD IDST degree includes:

Coursework: Relevant courses are selected from those offered by IDST and in graduate programs and faculties across the university. Coursework normally includes five graduate courses, two of which may be independent study/directed reading courses and two courses may be taken at another university.

Research proposal: The proposal outlines the research question, relevant literature, methodology, and research design of the proposed study. An oral presentation of the proposal is also required. The Supervisor and the Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee must approve the proposal and oral examination, and Ethics approval (if appropriate) must be obtained before the research can proceed.

Comprehensive examinations: The comprehensive examinations are intended to ensure students are prepared in at least two substantive relevant areas prior to engaging in doctoral research.  

Doctoral dissertation: The doctoral dissertation involves all of the elements of the proposal outlined above plus the documentation and analysis of the candidate's research project. The dissertation and subsequent oral examination must meet all of the requirements and regulations as outlined in the UNB Calendar 21 (A).

Application requirements

  1. Applicants must secure a research supervisor before applying. A letter from the supervisor must be uploaded as part of the application process prior to your application being reviewed.
  2. Masters applicants require a 4-year program (preferably honours or equivalent) with at least an A- average. PhD applicants require a Masters degree with thesis, or equivalent research experience, and at least an A- average.
  3. International student whose first language is not English must provide language test score results. If applicable, a TOEFL score of 100, TWE 5.5, or IELTS of 7 (must indicate ‘academic’ not ‘general’).
  4. Applicants are to submit:
    • A background statement that includes an explanation of the different disciplines the candidate will bring to their research topic and how they plan to use them in their research. 
    • A statement of research consisting of a five-page thesis/dissertation proposal (with working bibliography), which includes a paragraph explaining why they wish to pursue a masters or doctoral degree in IDST.
    • A letter from the supervisor indicating their willingness to supervise the applicant (email is acceptable)
    • Three academic references
    • A sample of a sustained piece of academic writing (e.g.,term paper of 15-20 pages, or thesis chapter), solely authored by the candidate
    • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work taken at any postsecondary institution attended
    • A completed IDST application questionnaire
    • A completed application form

There are entrance scholarships and graduate research assistantships available which is a competitive process for both programs. 

Contact us

For more information contact Dr. Jonathon Edwards, Associate Dean of IDST, Divya Bhalla, Administrative Assistant. 

Office: Sir Howard Douglas Hall, Rm. 317 (Fredericton) | Hazen Hall, Rm. 112 (Saint John)

Phone: 1-506-458-7558 (Fredericton)