New transdisciplinary grad programs bridge disciplines, reimagine research

The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) launched UCalgary’s newest transdisciplinary graduate programs, introducing a master’s and PhD in Transdisciplinary Research this fall.

The launch marks a significant milestone, not only underscoring the rising importance of transdisciplinary scholarship, but also celebrating the first graduate programs to be housed directly within FGS.

And this is just the beginning, according to FGS, with course-based options rolling out next fall, all designed with laddered pathways that enable students to build on prior academic or professional experience as they progress into advanced graduate study. 

“We recognize that our community and world are changing, and our future challenges will demand different ways of thinking in pursuit of new and innovative solutions,” says Dr. Tara Beattie, PhD, dean and vice-provost (graduate studies).

“The transdisciplinary graduate programs will empower students to push beyond the boundaries of knowledge, connect ideas in bold and unexpected ways, and turn creativity into real-world impact. They reflect the vision of Ahead of Tomorrow by inspiring a new generation of scholars and leaders to drive discovery, address global challenges and shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

This suite of credentials is designed to attract students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who want to develop skills that bridge traditional disciplines. The inaugural cohort includes 16 PhD and six master’s students.

Associate Dean, Transdisciplinary (FGS) and program director Dr. Jenny Godley notes, “Our first cohort includes a breadth of students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, all of whom have extensive experience with, and a commitment to, community-based research.

“Their supervisors come from eight faculties across campus, reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of training emerging scholars in the theory and practice of transdisciplinary research across our university.”

With these programs in place, UCalgary is redefining how graduate students engage with complex challenges, opening the door for what’s next in transdisciplinary education.

The first cohort of Transdisciplinary Graduate Students

To kick off the next two to four years of their studies, and to celebrate the end of their introductory block week course on Transdisciplinary Scholarship, FGS hosted a welcome event in early September, bringing together the first cohort of Transdisciplinary Graduate Students.

The event, hosted at the Last Defence Lounge, was an opportunity for students, program staff, supervisors and leading transdisciplinary researchers from across campus to meet one another, engage with senior leadership and begin their journeys.

Senior leaders emphasized the programs' academic uniqueness, the excellence of the incoming students and the significance of launching this long-envisioned initiative.

When students were asked why pursuing a transdisciplinary degree interested them, first year master’s student Sabine Lecorre-Moore said, “As a mature student pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Calgary after a long professional career in the arts, I chose the Transdisciplinary Research program for its openness to curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.

“My background as a visual artist and curator naturally led me to explore the intersection of visual arts and anthropology. Through my research, I am examining how participatory art can illuminate the collective memory and identity of Calgary’s Francophone community.

“The program also offers the opportunity to engage in research in my maternal language and to collaborate with professors who value bilingual and intercultural perspectives — an experience that is both deeply rewarding and intellectually exciting.”

The perspectives shared at the welcome event reflect the diversity of thought and experience that the Transdisciplinary programs are designed to cultivate. 

With students drawing from backgrounds in arts, sciences, humanities, business, engineering, law and beyond, the cohort embodies the program’s commitment to integrative learning and collaboration — a strong reflection of a new chapter in graduate education at UCalgary.

A new chapter in Graduate Education

This marks an early milestone in the University of Calgary’s commitment to transdisciplinary graduate education. With program options that include both course-based and thesis-based degrees, UCalgary is positioning itself as a hub for learners from diverse backgrounds who are ready to tackle “wicked” problems through innovative research and practice.

For more information on the transdisciplinary graduate programs, please visit transdisciplinary.ucalgary.ca.