Program overview
The field of cybersecurity is growing, along with a demand for IT professionals capable of identifying security threats, developing secure networks and communicating cybersecurity risks and solutions to business leaders.
The Graduate Certificate in Network Security provides working IT professionals with the theory, tools, practices, and communication skills needed to help you grow your career in cybersecurity. Professionals completing the certificate can expect to gain a strong conceptual foundation bolstered by hands-on training in network security and applied cryptography methods and practices. This includes a laboratory course in Ethical Hacking, focused on providing experience in identifying network vulnerabilities.
This program has a single yearly intake starting in the Fall term.
Completing this program
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Courses: Students will take courses in applied cryptography, network security, and ethical hacking; students choose one course from topics including: governance and risk management, policies and standards, incidence management and forensics.
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 Network Security is usually considered a final degree
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Eight 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, or algorithms and data structures, either operating systems or computer networks.
Alternate routes to admission
Applicants not meeting formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievement may be considered for admission. The candidate must provide evidence to the Information Security Program Director demonstrating the potential to undertake this certificate program. Such candidates may be required to participate in an interview with the Program Director and complete additional courses.
Graduates who apply to a post-baccalaureate certificate program within five years of completing another UCalgary post-baccalaureate certificate will not be required to submit reference letters or transcripts.
Documents and/or work samples
None
Reference letters
Two letters of recommendation
Test scores
None
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: April 15 application deadline
- International students: April 15 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 Certificate Program
Graduate Science Centre
SA 229, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
403.220.7495
Faculty of Science
Biological Sciences, Room 540
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
403.220.8600
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