Program overview
PLEASE NOTE: This program is no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2022 term, which is currently at maximum capacity.
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.
This program has a single yearly intake starting in the Fall term.
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
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
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 including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
- Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)
Deadline
For admission September 1:
- Canadian and Permanent Residents March 31
- International: March 31
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
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