Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Online, Accelerated)
Build on your college diploma & sharpen the human skills the AI era rewards.
**Based on your existing college credential
Why choose uOttawa’s Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Online, Accelerated)?
- Respected degree: Earn a uOttawa degree, 100% online.
- Future-proof skills: Build human capabilities AI can’t replace.
- In-demand competencies: Strengthen critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and creativity.
- Advanced analysis: Learn to interpret, question, and apply information.
- Transferable expertise: Gain skills applicable across industries and roles.
- Accelerated path: Complete your degree in less time using credits from your existing college diploma.
Overview
Your thinking. Your work. Your future.
uOttawa Online’s Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Online, Accelerated) offers unparalleled opportunities to discover your passions while staying focused on real-world relevance and long-term career goals.
The program is rooted in the Faculty of Arts’ Human Intelligence perspective: the idea that human capacities matter more, not less, in the future of work shaped by AI, automation and rapid change.
This degree elevates essential human capacities including critical thinking, judgement, creativity, empathy and communication. Developing these strengths provides the agility to interpret complex information, lead through uncertainty and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Who is this program made for?
The program is designed for working adults across Canada who hold a 2-year or 3-year college diploma, have 3+ years of work experience and are ready to build on that foundation.
The Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Online, Accelerated) is a strong fit for professionals in healthcare, education, technology, the trades, the not-for-profit sector, the public sector and other fields where a bachelor's degree can support career growth. It is particularly useful for those whose next career step is gated by a credential they don't yet hold.
The uOttawa online difference
Turn your college diploma into a uOttawa degree
Build on your 2-year or 3-year diploma and earn a respected credential from a U15 research university, 100% online.
Learn from a Faculty leading the AI-era skills conversation
Our Faculty of Arts is a leading Canadian voice on what a liberal arts education means in an age of artificial intelligence.
Designed for working adults
Study fully online with flexible pacing and dedicated advisors, so you can progress without pausing your career or relocating.
What sets this program apart
Human-centred skills that travel
Every course builds transferable capabilities, including critical thinking, judgement, creativity and communication, that move with you across roles, sectors and technological change.
Interdisciplinary breadth
Explore ideas across history, culture, ethics, environment, digital cultures and Indigenous thought, connecting knowledge across fields rather than one narrow lane.
A credential with momentum
Complete your degree in as little as 20 months using credit from your existing college diploma, without relocating or stepping away from work or other commitments.
Program insights
The Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Online, Accelerated) is designed specifically for college diploma graduates. We recognize the work you've already completed by creating a direct, supported path to your bachelor's degree.
Eligible 2-year or 3-year college diploma
How it works
The University of Ottawa recognizes your eligible college diploma with a block transfer at admission. This process determines which of the two accelerated pathways applies to you. Complete the remaining 45 units (~20 months) or 60 units (~28 months) through uOttawa Online to earn your degree and graduate.
Course information
Explore ideas across disciplines while building transferable, workplace-relevant skills such as digital literacy, interdisciplinary problem-solving, cultural context and historical understanding. Courses progress from 1000-level foundations through 4000-level application.
1000-level foundations
Rebuild core academic skills and explore the disciplines that shape how we understand the world, from digital literacy and global history to Indigenous studies.
2000-level breadth
Expand your thinking across human experience: culture, communication, ethics, and knowledge systems from ancient to contemporary times.
3000-level integration
Examine how ideas, identities and cultures intersect across time and place, developing interdisciplinary analytical range.
4000-level application
Apply everything you're learning and synthesize your ideas in a capstone-style course.
Areas of study
Pathway 1: 45-unit accelerated pathway
Please note that the pathway is a suggestion. Your chosen course load/semester will determine your individual pathway.
Year 1
CMN 2130 - Interpersonal Communication
Major theories and techniques of interpersonal communication, applied to professional and social situations.
Learn moreDCN 1101 - Digital Literacy
Builds foundational digital skills: evaluating information and technology, understanding digital media, and using core productivity tools.
Learn moreEAS 1101 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies
An introduction to Indigenous worldviews, histories and contemporary issues across Turtle Island.
Learn moreHIS 1110 - Introduction to Global History
A survey of major turning points and cross-cultural connections that have shaped the modern world.
Learn moreEAS 2172 - Indigenous Peoples, Technology, Media, and Law
Examines the intersection of Indigenous communities with technology, media representation and legal frameworks.
Learn morePHI 2100 - Animal Ethics
Explores the moral status of animals and the ethical questions raised by our relationships with them.
Learn moreAHL 2170 - Interdisciplinary Studies: Expanding Boundaries of Knowledge
Introduces the interdisciplinary methods and thinking that connect ideas across the humanities.
Learn moreAHL 2171 - The Persistence of Magic: Myth, Ritual, and the Human Experience
Explores how myth, ritual and belief continue to shape human culture and meaning-making.
Learn moreGEG 2110 - Sustainable Cities
Examines the environmental, social and planning challenges of building sustainable urban environments.
Learn moreYear 2
LCM 3101 - World Cultures in Contact
Explores how cultures interact, exchange ideas and influence one another across history.
Learn moreSRS 3173 - Bible and Culture
Examines the Bible's influence on literature, art and culture across centuries.
Learn moreAHL 3170 - Exploring Art and Architecture
Surveys architectural traditions and their cultural, historical and aesthetic significance.
Learn moreLCM 3105 - Identities, Ideas, and Ideologies Across World Cultures
Examines how identity and ideology are constructed and contested across world cultures.
Learn moreAHL 4170 - Harnessing Interdisciplinary Thinking: Knowledge for Insight Application
A capstone-style course applying interdisciplinary methods to real-world problems and insight generation.
Learn morePHI 2122 - Ancient Wisdom
Explores philosophical traditions and enduring ideas from the ancient world.
Learn morePathway 2: 60-unit accelerated pathway
Please note that the pathway is a suggestion. Your chosen course load/semester will determine your individual pathway.
Year 1
CMN 2130 - Interpersonal Communication
Major theories and techniques of interpersonal communication, applied to professional and social situations.
Learn moreDCN 1101 - Digital Literacy
Builds foundational digital skills: evaluating information and technology, understanding digital media, and using core productivity tools.
Learn moreEAS 1101 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies
An introduction to Indigenous worldviews, histories and contemporary issues across Turtle Island.
Learn moreHIS 1110 - Introduction to Global History
A survey of major turning points and cross-cultural connections that have shaped the modern world.
Learn moreEAS 2172 - Indigenous Peoples, Technology, Media, and Law
Examines the intersection of Indigenous communities with technology, media representation and legal frameworks.
Learn morePHI 2100 - Animal Ethics
Explores the moral status of animals and the ethical questions raised by our relationships with them.
Learn moreAHL 2170 - Interdisciplinary Studies: Expanding Boundaries of Knowledge
Introduces the interdisciplinary methods and thinking that connect ideas across the humanities.
Learn moreAHL 2171 - The Persistence of Magic: Myth, Ritual, and the Human Experience
Explores how myth, ritual and belief continue to shape human culture and meaning-making.
Learn moreGEG 2110 - Sustainable Cities
Examines the environmental, social and planning challenges of building sustainable urban environments.
Learn moreYear 2
LCM 3101 - World Cultures in Contact
Explores how cultures interact, exchange ideas and influence one another across history.
Learn moreSRS 3173 - Bible and Culture
Examines the Bible's influence on literature, art and culture across centuries.
Learn moreAHL 3170 - Exploring Art and Architecture
Surveys architectural traditions and their cultural, historical and aesthetic significance.
Learn moreLCM 3105 - Identities, Ideas, and Ideologies Across World Cultures
Examines how identity and ideology are constructed and contested across world cultures.
Learn moreAHL 4170 - Harnessing Interdisciplinary Thinking: Knowledge for Insight Application
A capstone-style course applying interdisciplinary methods to real-world problems and insight generation.
Learn morePHI 2122 - Ancient Wisdom
Explores philosophical traditions and enduring ideas from the ancient world.
Learn moreLIN 1300 - What Is Language?
An introduction to the structure, diversity and social role of human language.
Learn moreHIS 1101 - The Making of Canada
Traces the historical events and forces that shaped modern Canada.
Learn moreENV 1101 - Global Environmental Challenges
Introduces the major environmental issues facing the world today and approaches to addressing them.
Learn moreYear 3
ENG 2107 - Introduction to Canadian Literature
An introduction to authors, works, and movements in Canadian Literature in their social, cultural, and historical contexts.
Learn moreSRS 2173 - World Religions
An exploration of the distinct beliefs, practices, and histories of the world's major religious traditions.
Learn more*Course list subject to change. Consult the uOttawa academic calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Career & learning outcomes
You will graduate with practical, human-centred skills that map to real roles. Outcomes vary by experience and location, but the pathways below reflect where graduates of interdisciplinary arts programs typically land.
Program & operations leadership
Typical roles: Program manager, operations manager, business transformation coordinator
What you'll learn to do: Apply interdisciplinary thinking to complex organizational problems, coordinate cross-functional work and manage change.
Relevant courses:
Communications & community engagement
Typical roles: Communications manager, community engagement lead
What you'll learn to do: Communicate clearly across audiences, interpret cultural context and build engagement strategies grounded in critical analysis.
Relevant courses:
Public service & policy
Typical roles: Policy coordinator
What you'll learn to do: Analyze historical and global context, apply ethical reasoning and connect policy questions to lived experience.
Relevant courses:
Sustainability, environment, & cities
Typical roles: Sustainability coordinator, environmental program coordinator, community planning assistant
What you'll learn to do: Evaluate environmental and urban challenges and apply sustainability frameworks to real-world planning questions.
Relevant courses:
Further studies & professional pathways
Typical roles: Graduate study, professional certification pathways
What you'll learn to do: Build the interdisciplinary foundation and human-centred skills that may support eligibility for future graduate study or professional pathways, depending on the specific program and admission requirements.
Relevant courses:
Admission requirements
- Completed a 2-year or 3-year accredited Canadian college diploma
- Minimum admission average of 63%
- English proficiency
- 3+ years of work or professional experience
Your previous credential and educational background will determine your exact program pathway (45 or 60 units). UOttawa confirms final admission and credit recognition.
Your next step, with someone in your corner.
Applying to a uOttawa Online program isn't something you have to figure out alone. An enrolment advisor will walk you through it: what you'll need, what your prior learning could count toward, and whether the timing works for the life you're already living.
1. Connect with an enrolment advisor
Start with a conversation. Your advisor will ask about your background, your goals, and your timeline, and help you figure out whether, and how, a uOttawa Online program fits.
2. Review your experience
Your advisor will ask about your prior post-secondary credit or professional experience to see what may be recognized toward your program, so you're not starting from zero.
3. Submit your application
With your advisor's guidance, you'll pull together what's needed and submit your application, no guessing at the process on your own.
4. Receive your decision
Once you have an offer, our team can help you plan your first term, from enrolment through to your first login.
What your enrolment advisor actually does
Helps you along the way
Get direct answers to your specific questions about the program, schedule, or fit. You'll have a consistent point of contact throughout your journey.
Talks admissions
Navigate the submission process with step-by-step help. Your advisor ensures nothing is missed and guides you from first login through enrolment.
Assesses the details
Discuss your background before you even apply. We'll review your prior post-secondary credits and professional experience to see what counts toward your degree.
Tuition
A university degree is a significant milestone, and financial planning is an important part of that journey. Tuition depends on your admission pathway (45 or 60 units).
Contact our team for more detailed tuition information, including payment options and financial aid opportunities.
Request more information*Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year. Textbooks may be required for some courses and are an additional cost.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Online, Accelerated) for?
Our program is designed for working adults across Canada who hold a college diploma and want to build on that foundation with a uOttawa degree. It may be a strong fit for professionals in healthcare, education, technology, the trades, the public sector, the not-for-profit sector and other fields where a bachelor's degree can support career growth.
Is the program fully online?
Yes. Our Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Online, Accelerated) is delivered fully online, making it a flexible option for working adults who need to balance school with work, family and other responsibilities.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
English.
How does transfer credit work?
Our program is designed to recognize prior college learning at admission. Your exact pathway will depend on your previous credential and educational background. An advisor can help you understand which pathway may apply to you.
Do I need to stop working to complete the program?
No. Our program is designed for working adults, so you can continue working while studying online.
What skills will I build?
You'll build transferable, workplace-relevant skills such as critical thinking, communication, judgement, creativity, digital fluency, interdisciplinary problem-solving, cultural literacy and historical understanding.
What makes this different from a narrow career credential?
The Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Online, Accelerated) is accelerated, broad, interdisciplinary and future-focused. Instead of preparing you for one narrow role, it helps you build skills that can travel across roles, sectors and career changes.
Can this degree support graduate study or professional pathways?
It may help support eligibility for future graduate study or professional pathways, depending on the specific program, institution and admission requirements. Students should confirm requirements for any future program they're considering.
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Build on your college diploma. Strengthen the human skills employers value. Earn a career-relevant degree 100% online.
Get program details, tuition information, and application instructions.
Begin your journey toward building in-demand, future-proof skills.