Transdisciplinary Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Transdisciplinary Studies I is a 13.5-unit graduate credential that can stand on its own or be combined with a second certificate and capstone experience for a laddered Master in Transdisciplinary Studies. Unique to the University of Calgary, this Graduate Certificate enables graduate students with a range of backgrounds to develop meaningful skills and knowledge that can be extended into multiple domains.

The specializations for the Graduate Certificate in Transdisciplinary Studies I will provide students with transdisciplinary knowledge and skills that are unlike those required in purely disciplinary work. The Graduate Certificates can be pursued as stand-alone credentials to provide students with skills and knowledge to approach problems in new ways. As part of the 13.5-unit Certificate in Transdisciplinary Studies I, all students will be required to take a 1.5-unit course that specifically addresses transdisciplinary scholarship. The focus on transdisciplinarity represents a more holistic approach to knowledge with an eye toward addressing some of society’s most pressing problems (e.g., hunger, water crises, climate change).

Specializations

• Social Research Methods
• Social Innovation

Consult the Transdisciplinary Graduate Programs website to confirm current specialization offerings.

Completing this program

The Graduate Certificate in Transdisciplinary Studies I requires the 1.5 unit course TDST 600 (Introduction to Transdisciplinary Scholarship) and four 3 unit courses specific to the specialization.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the scope of transdisciplinary scholarship (Depth and Breadth of Knowledge).
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of and critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in a transdisciplinary research area (Depth and Breadth of Knowledge).
• Interpret research findings from a range of research traditions (Conceptual Awareness and Knowledge of Research).
• Analyze real-world problems from multiple perspectives (Application of Knowledge).
• Apply transdisciplinary research methods meaningfully in response to real-world problems (Application of Knowledge).
• Speak about transdisciplinary research methodologies and findings in ways that are appropriate for academic and non-academic audiences (Communications Skills).