Program overview
News stories about far-reaching, high-profile data breaches have become commonplace, pointing to a growing need for information security services. The Graduate Certificate in Data Privacy trains IT professionals to help meet that growing need.
Expand your skill set with training in identifying the legal and regulatory environment for developing standards and policies for data privacy and security. Learn how to assess privacy threats and solutions, and how to communicate this specialized knowledge to a broad range of audiences. Work with the University of Calgary’s leading researchers in cybersecurity, and gain breadth of knowledge from guest lecturers in the Faculties of Science and Law, as well as the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.
Completing this program
- Courses: Students will take four courses: private data management, privacy by design laboratory, policies and standards and programs; and choose one course from topics including applied cryptography or topics in privacy.
Outcomes
Technology sector, system administrator, computer science research, instructor, educator, business analysis, security, IT, loss prevention, employment, advancement, career change, law enforcement, consulting.
A course-based certificate in Data Privacy is usually considered a final degree
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Twelve months to a maximum of two years
Supervisor
No supervisor is required
Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
A four year baccalaureate degree, or equivalent from a recognized institution in Computer Science. If the baccalaureate is not in Computer Science, the candidate must have successfully completed an undergraduate course in each of the following areas: computer programming with understanding of execution environments, algorithms and data structures, and either operating systems or computer networks.
Work samples
None
Documents
None
Reference letters
Two letters of recommendation
Test scores
None
Alternate routes to admission
Individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievement may be considered for admission to this program. The candidate must provide the Information Security Program Director with evidence demonstrating the potential to successfully undertake this certificate program. Such candidates may also be required to participate in an in-person interview with the Program Director and be required to take additional courses to meet completion requirements.
Students who successfully complete one of the post-baccalaureate certificate programs, and who then apply to the other post-baccalaureate certificate program within 5 years of completing the first certificate, will not be required to submit reference letters or transcripts.
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0 (Academic version).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or higher (academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 60.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of B+ in each course.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
Canadians and permanent residents:
- May 1 application deadline
International students:
- Feb. 1 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
Information Security graduate programs
ICT Building Room 602,
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.7495
Faculty of Science
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
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