Cyber Security 

Gain the knowledge and in-demand skills needed to become an industry-ready IT security professional. Graduates of this two-year post-graduate program will be equipped to help organizations prevent fraud, data breaches and other vulnerabilities.

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Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
CIP Code
11.1003

Note: This is a non-funded program and is therefore not OSAP eligible.

Find your career

The demand for cyber security professionals continues to rise as businesses and organizations increasingly rely on digital technologies and face growing cyber threats. Graduates find careers working in a range of sectors, including computer systems design, health care organizations, technology companies, financial institutions, public administration and government agencies.

Graduate from this two-year program with an in-depth understanding of various aspects of cyber security, including: 

  • Security
  • Network management
  • Analysis
  • Programming
  • Operating systems
  • Cryptography
  • Cyber and digital forensics
  • Investigation
  • Cloud security
  • Penetration testing
  • Wireless and mobile security
  • Incident response techniques
  • Information assurance
  • Risk management
  • Ethical hacking

The faculty helped me through one-on-one mentorship, academic advising, and career guidance, they have always been there to help me navigate challenges and achieve my goals.

How you'll learn

Experiential Learning, including a semester-long co-op experience

Engage in hands-on exercises, lab work, and real-world simulations to develop practical skills in protecting computer systems, networks and data from cyber threats:

  • Learn how to develop, implement and evaluate cyber security solutions to protect organizations from internal and external threats.
  • Practise assessing defensive programming and cyber security strategies, and gain experience recommending security controls for the effective maintenance and deployment of cyber security solutions to protect systems and information.
  • Acquire skills for designing and implementing cyber security polices and strategies using project management principles.
  • Develop strategies for optimizing the effectiveness of the information security in a business environment through risk mitigation and information systems auditing.
  • Explore designing and implementing vulnerability assessment procedures to identify and solve existing network security issues.
  • Learn about legal and regulatory issues related to cyber security, as well as strategies for incident response and recovery.
  • Get first-hand workplace experience during a co-op in semester four.

While completing this program, students will have the opportunity to acquire in-demand industry certifications concurrently with their studies.

Courses

COMM1076 Business Communications in Canada

This course prepares students to use appropriate business communication techniques such as report writing, presentation skills, and how to build client relationships within a Canadian business environment.

CYSE1003 Computer Network Design and Implentation

Learn to design, implement, maintain and troubleshoot network solutions.

CYSE1004 Cyber-Security Principles and Best Practices in Canada

Learn about the principles of cyber security and best practices when utilizing cyber security tools and techniques to prevent common cyber threats within a Canadian context.

CYSE1001 Information Security Fundamentals

This course introduces the fundamentals of information security.

CYSE1002 Introduction to Computer Programming

Introduces computer programming and algorithms.

CYSE1000 Introduction to Networking and Data Communication

Introduces networking and data communication principles.

CYSE1007 Cloud Security

Learn to configure cloud computing and address the associated security risk and cyber threat mitigation.

WKPL1040 Co-op & Career Search Prep 1

This course will prepare students to attain a co-op that will bridge their transition from post-secondary education into Canadian industry experience. Effective cover letters and resumés, positive use of social media such as LinkedIn and polishing interview skills for Canadian markets will be the focus.

CYSE1006 Cryptography and Data Encryption

Develop skills and knowledge about cryptography in data privacy, integrity, non-repudiation, digital signatures, and authentication.

CYSE1005 Implementing Security Policies in Operating Systems

Develop skills and knowledge about securing data and services on Windows operating systems.

CYSE1009 Wireless Communication and Mobile Security

Further develop skills with wireless technology including wireless security and client access, WLAN design, maintenance and troubleshooting, and remote wireless access.

CYSE1008 eCommerce and Web Security

Develop skills with various tools and techniques to ensure the security of e-businesses and web applications.

CYSE2003 AI for Smarter Cyber-Security

Apply artificial intelligence (AI) for the development of intelligent security systems to automatically detect and prevent cyber attacks.

WKPL2083 Co-op & Career Search Prep 2

This course will prepare students to attain a co-op that will bridge their transition from post-secondary education into Canadian industry experience. Effective cover letters and resumés, positive use of social media such as LinkedIn and polishing interview skills for Canadian markets will be the focus. Prerequisite: WKPL 1040

CYSE2002 Cyber Crime Law, Forensics and Investigation

Explore the legal issues related to cyber crimes. Develop technical expertise and investigative skills to perform forensic investigations.

CYSE2004 Cyber-Security Incident Response

Learn how to effectively respond to cyber security incidents.

CYSE2000 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

Learn about the concepts of ethical hacking and penetration testing to enable understanding of a hacker's mindset to better protect networks.

CYSE2001 Secure Network Infrastructure and Routing and Switching

Learn how to secure network infrastructure devices including routers, firewalls, switches, servers, load-balancers, intrusion detection systems, domain name systems, and storage area networks.

CYSE2005 Cyber-Security Co-Op

Students will apply their skills in cyber security in a Canadian working environment. Prerequisite: COMM 1076, CYSE 1000, CYSE 2004, WKPL 2083, CYSE 1001, CYSE 1002, CYSE 1003, CYSE 1004, CYSE 1005, CYSE 1006, CYSE 1007, CYSE 1008, CYSE 1009, CYSE 2000, CYSE 2001, CYSE 2002, CYSE 2003

*Courses subject to change.

Three people wearing lanyards and business attire stand behind servers looking at a tablet. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission Requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • A diploma or degree in Information Technology from a recognized college or university or equivalent. 

All teaching within Loyalist is conducted in English. In order to be successful in a program, skills such as communication, listening comprehension, and reading and writing must be at a level sufficient to meet the demands of post-secondary studies. All applicants to Loyalist whose first language is not English, or whose previous education was in another language, will be expected to provide an English proficiency assessment for admissions approval. Details about language and general admission requirements are available here. 

 

This program may be PGWP-eligible. Learn more and explore Loyalist’s PGWP-aligned programs.

How to Apply 

If you are an international applicant, click here for details about how to apply to this program. 

If you are a Canadian resident and are interested in applying to this program, please contact admissions@loyalistcollege.com.  

 

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,026

Additional program costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies

Co-op Work Term and Applied Project Fees

During semester four, students do not pay the standard tuition fee. Instead, there is a co-op work term fee of $900 or an Applied Project fee of $2,800. Students are encouraged to participate actively in securing a Co-op Work Term and will be provided skill-building supports and access to employment opportunities from Loyalist College. In the event that a student is ineligible or cannot secure a Co-op Work Term, they will complete an Applied Project in their final semester.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Industry certifications

Certification Pathways 

As a graduate of Loyalist’s full-time Cyber Security post-graduate program, you may be eligible to advance your profession through the following certification pathways: