Program Overview

Cybersecurity (graduate certificate)

Program Overview

Security violations, data breaches, privacy failures and other technology failures are becoming more common and pose a growing threat to business and personal information. This eight-month, full-time graduate certificate program provides students with the security background needed in network technologies, computing hardware, operating systems and protocols to harden and further secure such systems from attack.

In this program, students will:

• Gain the skills to develop, evaluate and support IT solutions by creating cost-effective and secure computing environments that will safeguard networked computer systems for both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
• Learn from leaders and industry-connected professors in industry-standard labs.
• Have the opportunity to pursue an optional work term to explore career paths, apply in-class knowledge and build professional networks.
• Be prepared to pursue the following industry certifications upon graduation.

Intakes and Availability

Admission Requirements

• Three-year advanced diploma or degree in a computer-science, IT or business-related field
• Proof of English language proficiency required

OR

• Minimum of three years of related industry experience detailed in a professional resumé with a letter of intent may be considered
• Proof of English language proficiency required

Recommended

• Working knowledge of transmission control and Internet protocols (TCP/IP);
• Basic networking concepts;
• Microsoft and Linux server platforms;
• Virtualization and cloud computing;
• Basic understanding of computer hardware.

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Cybersecurity Careers and The Digital Portfolio (CYSC 1100)
• Network Systems and Components (INFT 1100)
• Wireless Network Security (INFT 1101)
• Information Security (INFT 1102)
• Operating System Security (INFT 1103)
• Law and Ethics In Forensic Investigations (LAWW 1201)
• Business Processes and Security Policy (MGMT 1100)

Career Options

• Chief information security officer
• Security architect
• Information security administrator
• Network and systems security analyst
• Security auditor
• Penetration tester
• Computer forensics analyst
• Threat-risk/vulnerability specialist

Experiential Learning

Participating in the optional work term semester is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations.

Program Sequence

SEPTEMBER INTAKE:

JANUARY INTAKE:

Tech Requirements

• Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
• Minimum required hardware:
  • Intel I7 9th gen processor or newer with 8 cores or AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor or better with chipset that must support virtualization
  • 16 GB of RAM
  • 1 TB hard drive
  • Ethernet Network Card or USB to Ethernet adapter
  • Wireless Network Card
  • One USB 3.0 port (two preferred)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone (headset preferred)
• Software requirements:
  • Windows 10 Professional Edition

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Graduates of this program with an appropriate three-year advanced diploma and three years of appropriate work experience, graduating with a grade point average of B+ or higher will be considered for direct entry into Ontario Tech’s Master of IT Security program. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.