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
- 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
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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 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)
Deadlines
Fall Admission
- November 1: Application start
- March 26: Deadline for International applicants
- May 1: Deadline for Canadian/Permanent Residents
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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