Master of Nuclear Technology Management

On-campus

Location

All on-campus programs are delivered at the University of Niagara Falls Canada campus in downtown Niagara Falls. Students attend in-person classes, access labs, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with faculty. Certain programs include specialized equipment and lab components, which are provided by the university.

Schedule

Courses follow a structured weekly schedule. Most classes use a flipped-classroom model, meaning students complete pre-class learning and then apply concepts through active, in-person sessions. Expect approximately two hours of in-person class time per course each week, with additional guided activities, labs (where applicable), and independent study. Exams for on-campus courses are conducted in person.

Timeline

UNF follows a four-term academic year. Terms consist of 10 weeks of instruction, followed by an additional final evaluation period that is typically one to two weeks.

Break term: One scheduled break term is included annually.

Study terms: Students typically complete three study terms each year.

Graduate programs are structured for 18-month completion, while undergraduate programs follow a four-year honours pathway. Students may take longer within the approved maximum duration for their program.

Course content

Each course includes a detailed syllabus outlining learning outcomes, weekly topics, assessments, and required materials. Coursework blends theory with applied learning, supported by case studies, simulations, hands-on activities, and real-world assignments. Some programs also include labs or specialized equipment, all provided by UNF.

Participation

On-campus learning is highly interactive. Students engage through discussions, group projects, presentations, and applied challenges. Collaboration is central, approximately a 60/40 split between individual and group assessments is typical. Students also meet with instructors during scheduled classes and can arrange additional meetings as needed. Faculty integrate real-world tools, AI applications, analytics platforms, and industry-focused technologies into classroom activities.

Assessments

While individual courses vary, depending on the subject matter and instructor, students can expect a mix of quizzes, exams, presentations, case studies, projects, and applied assignments. Undergraduate programs generally include more quizzes and exams, while graduate programs emphasize applied work such as projects, research, and capstones. Assessment weights vary by course, typically ranging from five to 50 percent per component.

Learning environment

Studying on campus provides direct access to faculty, student services, academic advising, and the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Office. Students form networks through peer collaboration, challenge-based learning, and internship or practicum opportunities (where applicable). Capstone projects are completed under faculty supervision as the culminating applied component of each master’s program.

Technology and resources

On-campus students use the same learning technologies as online learners, including D2L Brightspace and industry-relevant digital tools. Additional equipment or lab access is provided for programs that require it. Students benefit from a full suite of on-campus supports, including tutoring, writing assistance, and program hubs.

Online

Location

This is a fully online program. You can complete your coursework from anywhere.

Schedule

There will be no scheduled classes. Asynchronous learning means you can study at your own pace. All course materials will be made available at the start of term, except for exams and quizzes.

Timeline

Weeks 1-10: You will be able to access your course content online and complete tasks throughout this period.

Weeks 11-12: You will need to complete any review activities and final assessments, including exams and final projects.

Course content

Each course will have a syllabus as well as additional course materials that will be made available at the start of the term, except for exams and quizzes.

Participation

While components vary depending on the individual course, you can expect to use discussion forums and group chat platforms, participate in videoconferences, as well as utilize project management tools. There will be group assignments in addition to individual assignments.

Term 1

Term one courses

Introduction to Nuclear Science and Engineering
Managing nuclear technology requires a foundational understanding of nuclear science and engineering principles and their application to nuclear technology. Key topics covered include atomic structure and nuclear composition, types of nuclear reactions, energy release in nuclear reactions, principles of neutron moderation and diffusion, and the nuclear fuel cycle. Students will explore how nuclear science impacts and enhances nuclear technology development and implementation with an emphasis on safety.

Nuclear Energy Policy, Regulation, and Economic Impacts
Future leaders in the nuclear industry need a thorough understanding of the policy, regulatory, and economic forces that shape nuclear energy development, governance, and management. Delving into the complex legal and institutional frameworks that govern nuclear energy, students examine international treaties, agreements, and the roles of organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Integrating policy analysis with economic considerations, students evaluate how nuclear policies are formulated, regulated, and implemented.

Organizational Theory and Leadership
This course explores organizational structures, processes, and culture, and their impact on employee behavior. It covers contemporary leadership theories and practices, examining individual, team, and organizational factors. Students receive practical training to understand and enhance their aptitudes, skills, and leadership capacity in dynamic settings.

Term 2

Term two courses

Nuclear Technology Applications
Examining the diverse applications of nuclear technology, from energy production and medicine to industry and research, this course explores innovative advancements and practical applications that drive the field forward. Students delve into the various applications of nuclear technology across various sectors. Key topics include innovations in nuclear energy production, technological advancements in medical applications such as diagnostics and treatment, and industrial uses of nuclear technology in areas such as material analysis and manufacturing.

Nuclear Reactor Operations
Managers of nuclear facilities understand the operational principles of nuclear reactors. Building on the introduction to nuclear science and engineering students delve into advanced knowledge of nuclear reactor operations and analyze the operational principles of different reactor designs, including pressurized water reactors, boiling water reactors, CANDU reactors, fast reactors, and emerging small modular reactors. Emphasis is placed on the integration of reactor systems, control strategies, fuel management, and thermal-hydraulic performance.

Finance for Managers
Finance for Managers equips students with essential financial knowledge and skills for managerial decision-making. Covering finance fundamentals, corporate structure, accounting, financial analysis, capital raising, investment strategies, forecasting, and risk management, it also includes entrepreneurial finance and feasibility studies. Students develop skills to analyze data and manage financial resources.

Term 3

Term three courses

Nuclear Reactor Safety
Focusing on advanced safety principles in nuclear reactor management, students learn the principles and practices of reactor safety with particular emphasis on the role of materials, chemistry, and radiation protection. Key topics include nuclear safety regulations, organizational safety culture, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, crisis management, and case studies of major nuclear incidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima.

Nuclear Waste Management and Environmental Impacts
Managing nuclear technology demands leadership focused on nuclear waste challenges and environmental impacts. Leaders must understand waste classification, management technologies, regulatory and compliance frameworks, and mitigation strategies. Through case study evaluation, students assess waste management effectiveness, extract lessons learned, and recommend best practices supporting sustainable nuclear waste management worldwide initiatives.

Project Management
A review of project management principles and planning/control techniques. Students learn to use computerized project management tools applicable to startups and established organizations. The course aligns with the Project Management Institute's Body of Knowledge, covering ten knowledge areas and five process groups, providing instructional hours applicable towards Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.

Term 5

Term five courses

Advanced Topics in Nuclear Technology Management
Exploring the forefront of nuclear technology, students explore cutting-edge topics, methodologies, and applications shaping the field. This course offers an immersive journey into the latest advancements, challenges, and future directions in nuclear technology research and development. Students engage in a range of emerging topics.

Practicum
Combining structured and experiential learning, the Nuclear Technology Management Practicum provides students an opportunity to experience the application of nuclear technology management principles and practices to a real-world situation or setting. This self-directed learning experience provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.

Term 6

Term six course

Capstone Project
Applying skills and expertise learned through the program, students will complete a major nuclear technology management project with a sponsor, such as their employer, a government department/agency, industry organization, or research centre. Students focus on project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing a project guided by a faculty advisor.