Programs

Graduate Certificate in Decolonizing Education Systems

This graduate certificate program challenges the colonial foundations within education systems. It offers an opportunity to explore what decolonizing yourself, your systems, and your relationships means in learning environments. You will learn how to take meaningful action to support reconciliation and systemic change. Designed for educators, leaders, and learners ready to critically examine colonial structures in education, this program supports those working in K-12, higher education, and professional learning settings. Through online delivery, you will engage in readings, discussions, reflective assignments, and experiential learning to move from understanding to action, helping to shape more inclusive and relational learning systems.

Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design

Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design

This program prepares you to become an architect of learning experiences. You will study how people learn and explore how technology can enhance this process. The curriculum focuses on designing compelling educational content for training sessions, professional development, and classroom settings. You'll gain practical skills in areas like graphic design and project management, alongside a deeper understanding of educational theories and student needs.

Graduate Certificate in Strategic Enrolment Management

This online graduate certificate program equips you with the theory and practical skills needed to excel in strategic enrolment management (SEM) within North American post-secondary institutions. You will learn how to enhance student recruitment, improve retention rates, and support student completion. The program focuses on applying SEM principles, analyzing enrolment data and financial reports, and developing robust SEM plans through systems thinking and strategic planning. It's designed for professionals currently working in higher education administration, admissions, finance, marketing, recruitment, and registrar's offices.

Graduate Certificate in Systems Leadership in Higher Education

This graduate certificate program is designed for current and aspiring administrators in higher education who want to develop their leadership skills in policy, governance, and strategic planning. You will gain the ability to shape the future of colleges and universities by understanding national and international perspectives on higher education systems and how policies influence them. The program focuses on real organizational and social challenges, equipping you with the skills to make meaningful contributions at the administrative level.

Graduate Diploma in Higher Education Administration and Leadership

This fully online Graduate Diploma program is designed for current and aspiring administrators and leaders in post-secondary educational institutions. You will gain the skills to navigate and solve complex challenges facing universities and colleges today, including finance, marketing, and change management. The program focuses on understanding research concepts in higher education and applying them to develop practical, action-oriented strategies for effective leadership and administration.

Graduate Diploma in Learning and Technology

This online graduate diploma program focuses on the intersection of learning theories and technology, aiming to equip you with the skills to design and implement effective digital learning environments. You will explore how technology can enhance learning experiences and gain leadership strategies to create innovative educational solutions in various sectors. The program emphasizes open educational practices, making course content publicly accessible and encouraging student contribution to broader discussions in the field. Graduates will be prepared to develop, evaluate, and facilitate digital learning spaces, apply instructional design principles, and assess educational technology research.

Graduate Diploma in Technology-enhanced Learning and Design

This online Graduate Diploma program is designed for educators, trainers, and designers who want to advance their skills in creating and delivering effective technology-enhanced learning experiences. You will study learning theories, digital technologies, and project management principles, gaining practical experience with digital methodologies. The program equips you to design and implement high-quality digital learning environments for any audience or field, enhancing your career prospects in sectors seeking expertise in instructional design and online education.

Interdisciplinary Studies

At Royal Roads University, the Interdisciplinary Studies program allows you to design an educational path that is uniquely yours, aligning with your career aspirations and personal interests. This program is ideal for those who enjoy thinking beyond traditional academic boundaries to explore new perspectives and solutions. You will have the opportunity to combine courses from various faculties, integrate previously earned credits, and engage in applied learning and research. The program aims to equip you with the skills to tackle contemporary challenges by fostering connections and collaboration across different academic fields. Available at undergraduate and graduate levels, including degree, diploma, and certificate options, this program emphasizes flexibility and personalized learning.

Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management

This interdisciplinary graduate program explores conflict at all levels, from interpersonal to international, using a holistic, systemic, and cross-cultural approach. You will develop a deeper self-awareness of your role in conflict and gain practical skills in facilitation, negotiation, and mediation. The program combines contemporary research with applied learning, enabling you to become a reflective practitioner in this growing field. Through self-awareness and applied research, you will learn to navigate conflict effectively and drive positive change. The curriculum is delivered through a blended format, including online learning and intensive on-campus residencies. Online courses involve readings, lectures, discussions, and assignments, with students typically taking one nine-week course at a time, requiring around 20 hours of work per week. The program begins with a mandatory, non-credit course on academic integrity. The intensive residencies, each lasting two weeks, involve full-time classes, homework, and extracurricular activities.

Master of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management

This interdisciplinary Master of Arts program provides a comprehensive understanding of disaster and emergency management, focusing on preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience. You will explore the complex interplay of environmental, social, economic, and political factors that influence disaster events. The program equips you with critical thinking and communication skills to address crises effectively and contribute to building more resilient communities. Graduates are prepared for impactful roles in various sectors, including international development, disaster management agencies, emergency response teams, and non-governmental organizations.

Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication

Deepen your passion and cultivate mastery in environmental education and communication. This program blends online learning with intensive on-campus residencies, incorporating experiential learning, arts- and nature-based inquiry, and field schools. You will develop skills to inspire a more interconnected, humane, and healthy future. The curriculum integrates environmental education and communication practices with nature- and arts-based approaches, focusing on systems theory and ecological identity. Learning extends beyond the classroom through field schools in Indigenous communities and hands-on experiences.

Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership

This Master of Arts program is designed for individuals currently working in or aspiring to leadership roles within post-secondary institutions. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of the theories, research, and contemporary issues facing higher education. Through a blended learning approach, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead and manage change in universities and colleges, preparing you for senior administrative positions.

Master of Arts in Justice Studies

The Master of Arts in Justice Studies is designed for individuals passionate about creating a more just world. This program explores complex social issues through an interdisciplinary lens, examining concepts of fairness, inequality, identity, and communication on both local and global scales. You will engage with diverse perspectives to foster positive social change. The program is ideal for current and aspiring professionals in justice-related fields within government, policing, military, and non-profit organizations, who aim to address societal challenges.

Master of Arts in Leadership

This two-year Master of Arts in Leadership program is designed for experienced or emerging leaders across various professional sectors. It focuses on developing your ability to lead yourself, others, and organizations through change. You will explore theoretical and applied approaches to leadership in personal, supervisory, team, and strategic contexts. The program offers specializations in Executive Leadership and Health Leadership. Learning is facilitated through a blend of online courses and on-campus residencies, allowing you to continue working while studying. Alternatively, you can complete the degree entirely online.

Master of Arts in Learning and Technology

This online Master of Arts in Learning and Technology program focuses on the art and science of how people learn and how to design, develop, and implement effective technology-mediated learning environments. It is designed for mid-career professionals in sectors like government, business, healthcare, and education who aim to take on leadership roles in creating and managing learning experiences. The program emphasizes open education practices, networked learning, and the development of a digital mindset.

Master of Arts in Professional Communication

This Master of Arts in Professional Communication program is designed for working professionals who want to enhance their strategic communication skills. You will explore the theory, strategy, processes, and methods of communication, examining how messages influence behaviours, beliefs, and outcomes across various contexts like culture, politics, society, digital media, commerce, and the arts. The program aims to equip you with the expertise to align communication efforts with organizational objectives and achieve strategic goals. It offers a flexible learning structure, allowing you to choose between a blend of online courses with on-campus residencies or a fully online format.

Master of Business Administration in Executive Management

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Executive Management program at Royal Roads University is designed for mid-career professionals seeking to advance their careers, expand their networks, and translate knowledge into impactful change. The program utilizes a blended learning model, combining primarily online courses with two intensive on-campus residencies. This flexible approach allows students to continue working while pursuing their MBA. Graduates are noted for their leadership potential, with a high percentage going on to become business leaders.

Master of Global Management

The Master of Global Management (MGM) is designed for professionals aiming to enhance their business acumen with a global perspective. This program equips you with essential skills to navigate international business environments, understand diverse regulations, ethics, and political landscapes. You will develop a global mindset, focusing on cross-cultural awareness, international business strategies, ethical decision-making, and self-awareness. Graduates are prepared to manage businesses across borders with agility and cultural intelligence.