TIM research, for both theses and projects, involves a synthesis. It requires an understanding of the relevant technologies and the use of social science research methods such as case analysis, questionnaire design, and statistical analysis. Students in the TIM program will have sufficient technology training from their undergraduate degrees and technology courses in the TIM program to understand the relevant technologies. The required social science research methods they will learn as part of their management courses and under the supervision of a faculty member.

Typically, a student completing a M.A.Sc. Degree (thesis) option takes 2 or 3 courses per term. A student generally finishes the required course work after three terms, and is already working on his or her thesis (as outlined in the gate review process). The final thesis defense commonly occurs about 18 months after entering the program. Students in the completing an M.Eng. Degree project option typically take two or three courses a tem and are expected to finish the program in a maximum of six terms over two years.

Students can join the program in Fall or Winter. To facilitate entry into the program throughout the year, we are offering the introductory course (TIMG 5001) more than once per year.

A thesis makes a contribution to the research literature. A thesis is done by one student alone who works closely with his or her supervisor. It is an extensive study based on the collection and analysis of primary data. There is a formal thesis defense. The thesis itself is published in electronic format and is widely-available through open access repositories. The expectation is that the research of a TIM thesis is also publishable in the peer-reviewed academic literature. Most important, however, is what the thesis research process does for a student. In doing a thesis, a student becomes an expert in a topic area of technology innovation management. The student develops the ability to explain his or her research in a convincing manner to other topic area experts and in plain language to non-experts. Doing a thesis help a student to develop real confidence in themselves, and in their ability to think independently.
A project makes a contribution to a real management problem. Projects are completed individually or in small teams of students working in a distributed, cooperative mode. There are three types of projects: projects in which students solve a management problem for an external stakeholder, implement a tool, or create a set of learning modules on an area of expertise.
The typical time for a project is 1-2 terms while thesis takes 2-3 terms.

Students undertake the majority of their coursework in an informal, face-to-face university setting supplemented by occasional remote participation in classes, group-study sessions and lectures using our BigBlueButton web conferencing system. Big Blue Button is used to supplement the classroom learning and allows students to stay up to date on lecture material they may have missed if not in the classroom, or rewatch lectures for studying or language purposes. The moodle learning management system is also available to students outside of class time to collaborate on their assignments and projects. All course notes can be found in Moodle.

An advisor is assigned to you when you are admitted to the program. Your advisor helps you sort out your course program and offers general academic advice. A thesis supervisor is a formally designated faculty member who accepts responsibility for helping you with your thesis by providing research advice and direction. He or she helps you in the research process from research topic development all of the way through to the formal defense of your thesis. After completing at least one term of study, you can approach a faculty member to discuss having him supervise your thesis. Faculty also supervise projects.

Students usually have a thesis supervisor before the end of their second term, but no later than their Gate 0 presentation (a thesis goes through stages or gates as described in gate review process). You do not get assigned a thesis supervisor. You pick each other by exploring common research interests (often within courses), and developing some mutual confidence and trust in each other.

Yes, you can select and develop your own thesis or project topic. You will need to ensure that the faculty member you select to supervise you feels that he or she is competent in the research area that you have selected (also see the areas of research pursued by faculty in the program). Because projects often involve a small team of students, negotiation among students and faculty is necessary while developing a topic.

The cost of the program and up to date information can be found with the Tuition Fee Estimator linked here here under Master of Applied Science, Master of Engineering, or Master of Entrepreneurship.

SInce the M.A.Sc. is a research degree, there is financial support for students in the thesis option. This support comes in the form of research assistantships, departmental and tuition scholarships. Those are awarded on a competitive basis. International students are expected to be self-funded. More information on Carleton financial assistance can be found here