Program Overview

Overview of the Program

The Master's in Innovation and Digital Transformation is a multidisciplinary program designed to equip specialists in engineering, computer science, administration, and arts with the knowledge, skills, and tools to contribute to, analyze, and manage the changes brought about by digital technology. The program focuses on creating original user experiences in professional and social contexts, with innovation at its core.

Key Areas of Focus

• Technologies of digital transformation
• Innovation management and inclusive innovation
• Data analysis and process exploration
• Process improvement and automation
• Responsible and ethical management of artificial intelligence
• Multidisciplinary communication and leadership

Why Choose the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is among the top 2% of universities worldwide, offering a unique environment for learning and growth. It is the primary hub in Canada for technology talent, with the largest concentration of tech talent in North America.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor's degree with a specialization or major (or equivalent) in a relevant field, with a minimum admission average of 70% (B).
• Have completed a course in statistics, computer science, or management information systems, as well as two specialization courses in one of the following disciplines:
  • Arts and humanities (online multimedia content or communications)
  • Management (administration or digital transformation strategies)
  • Technology (online application development or data science)
• Possess at least two years of work experience.
• Submit two letters of recommendation electronically through the university's portal.
• Submit their curriculum vitae.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $125.
• Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residence in Canada.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
• Start of the Next Cohort: May 4, 2026

International Students

The online Master's in Innovation and Digital Transformation is currently reserved for individuals with Canadian citizenship or permanent residence in Canada. However, similar programs are offered on-campus, which international students may be eligible for.

Program Overview

This unique curriculum is the result of a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering, the Telfer School of Management, and the Faculty of Arts. To complete the program, students must take four core courses:

• Digital Transformation Technologies
• Innovation Management
• Process Modelling, Mining and Automation
• Ethics for Design, AI and Robotics

Students must then enrich their curriculum with six elective courses chosen from six concentrations.

Career Prospects

According to Grand View Research, the global digital transformation market was valued at USD 880.28 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.6% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 3.8 trillion by 2030. This program will equip graduates to become key resources for planning and implementing digital transformation and innovation within their organizations, enabling them to modernize processes, stand out from the competition, and consider ethical and social issues. Graduates will gain a broad understanding of digital transformation technologies, improvement and innovation strategies, and ethical considerations. They will also enhance their analysis, technology application, teamwork, and communication skills.

Course Details

Mandatory Courses

• DTO 5310 Ethics for Design, AI and Robotics: This course explores the ethical considerations surrounding the application of AI and robotics, such as in autonomous vehicles, healthcare, and criminal justice. Students will examine issues of subjectivity, transparency, and accountability through contemporary philosophy and case studies, gaining practical frameworks and conceptual tools to anticipate and overcome ethical challenges.
• DTO 5389 Digital Transformation Technologies: This course provides fundamental knowledge and essential tools for participating in the digital revolution. Students will discover how search engines, cryptography, web services, and secure online transactions enhance current business models. They will delve into value-added e-commerce technologies and explore advanced research questions to identify the tools and strategies that will shape the future of business.
• DTO 6160 Innovation Management: This course examines the dynamic ecosystem where businesses and organizations compete and evolve. Students will explore determining factors for various industries, from national and regional innovation systems to broader political and geographical influences. By examining the nature and evolution of innovation, students will better understand how businesses can foster creativity and prosperity for themselves and society.
• DTO 6231 Process Modelling, Mining and Automation: This course provides tools and techniques to simplify organizational activities. Students will explore operational process management languages and technologies to model and analyze workflows. Using algorithms and exploration tools, students will be able to analyze and improve existing processes. They will optimize efficiency through predictive analytics and performance, examining process automation through robotics and the tools, challenges, and opportunities related to task automation.

Elective Courses

For elective courses, students can choose from six concentrations, selecting courses from different concentrations or following three courses from the same concentration. The concentrations include:

• Technological Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Production Management
• Product Innovation Management
• User Experience Design
• Cybersecurity

Additional Information

For more information on choosing a program or to learn more about the university's approach to education, the team is available to assist.