Frequently asked questions

What skills do I need to do TIM research?
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.

How long does it take?
Typically, a student in the 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 defence commonly occurs about 18 months after entering the program.

Students in the project option take two courses a term and finish the program in six terms over two years. Each entering class forms a cohort that stays together for the two years. They carry out their projects on a fixed schedule and graduate at the same time.

When can I join?
Students can join the program in any term: Fall, Winter, or Summer. To facilitate entry into the program throughout the year, we are offering the introductory course (TTMG 5001) in every term.

What is the real difference between the thesis and project options?
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 defence. The thesis itself is published in hard cover and in electronic format. The expectation is that the research of a TIM thesis is publishable in the open 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. 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 create a set of learning modules on an area of expertise, implement a tool, or solve a management problem for an external stakeholder. The typical time for a project is 1-2 terms.

Can I attend courses online?
A distinctive feature of the TIM program is that all courses are delivered to in-class and remote students. Remote students can interact with professors and fellow students (in-class and remote) using the BigBlueButton web conferencing system. This system is also available to students outside class time to collaborate on their assignments and projects, and is used for thesis and project presentations.

What is the difference between an advisor and a supervisor?
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 defence of your thesis. Faculty also supervise projects.

When and how do I get a thesis supervisor?
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.

May I select my own thesis or project topic?
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.

How much does the program cost?
The cost of the program is about $2,500 per term for domestic students - Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The thesis option normally requires 5 or 6 terms. The project option takes 6 terms. Total tuition for 6 terms is about $15,000. Tuition for international, visa students is about 2.3 times that for domestic students. Details on tuition can be found on the Carleton Finance website.

Is financial support available?
Because 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.