Program Admission

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study is recommended. However, applicants may be assessed for admission to the MAIS on the basis of their skills, knowledge and background developed outside traditional learning structures. This flexible admissions approach opens doors to higher learning for qualified candidates who otherwise might not meet traditional admission requirements, and thereby serves the needs of a diverse group of students.
• Ideal candidates are self-directed and highly motivated and possess strong interpersonal, research, and communication skills. MAIS students move between cohorts and groups of learners and need to be comfortable with completing an individualized program at their own pace and integrating into student teams in different programs.
• Normally a minimum of three years of professional experience.
• A competitive, interdisciplinary, applied research proposal that reflects current research foci in the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences at Royal Roads University.
• English language skills and competency.
• To participate effectively in our distance learning courses, students must have full access to a reliable computer that is connected to the Internet. This requires full permission to use, change configurations, and install programs on the computer students will be using for the duration of the course.

Note: Academic writing skills are required for success in this program and an English composition course focused on academic writing is therefore recommended.  A completely online eight-week course that meets this recommendation is offered several times a year through Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University:

• Introduction to Academic Writing and Critical Thinking - Continuing Studies

Application Requirements

Applications will be reviewed by the MAIS Adjudication Committee, which includes the Associate Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences.

Applicants should follow the general admission requirements along with the following program-specific requirements:

All MAIS applications should contain the following material:

• Standard Royal Roads University application form
• Application fee (Canadian funds). An additional amount will be added if you have educational credential documentation from outside Canada. For details on the application fee amount visit the Ancillary Fees page.
• Official transcripts from all post secondary institutions attended.
• Two letters of reference. These letters should be written by individuals qualified to assess your professional expertise and speak specifically to your academic qualifications and ability to conduct research at the graduate level.
• Current resume that includes education; work experience, including voluntary and unpaid work experience; reports and publications; professional memberships and affiliations; and any other relevant information.
• Personal Statement. The Personal Statement should speak to your educational and career goals and the role the proposed degree would play in your professional development. It should outline the focus unifying the proposed course of study and identify the courses you seek to complete for the proposed degree. Requests for transfer credits must also be included in the application along with supporting documentation.
• The Research Proposal should elaborate on the interdisciplinary grounding of the proposed topic, indicate the literature to be reviewed for this area of study, and preview the preferred methodology. This proposal must show the relevance of the proposed MAIS design to the applied research project.
• Evidence of ability to meet English requirements if your first language is not English

Admission Timelines

It is recommended that applications are completed two months prior to the program start date to ensure all application requirements (i.e. course schedule development) are met by the application deadline.

Admission Checklist

• Application form
• Application fee
• Personal Statement
• Research Proposal
• Resume
• Two letters of reference
• Official transcripts
• Evidence of English competency (if required)

For questions about the MAIS application process, please contact:
Carole Sandhu, Program Associate
Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences
Ph: 250-391-2600 ext. 4753
Carole.sandhu@royalroads.ca

For questions about the MAIS curriculum, please contact:
Wendy Schissel, Program Head
Academic and Student Management
Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences
Ph: 250-391-2600 Ext 4753 (to reach program office)
Wendy.Schissel@royalroads.ca