Information Security and Privacy
Master of Information Security and Privacy (MISP)
Course-based program
Program overview
Cybersecurity threats are the critical issue facing our digital infrastructure, and the projected shortage of professionals equipped to tackle the increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks leaves all industries and sectors vulnerable. The MISP program will prepare the next generation of students and working professionals to defend our software and network systems against known and future threats; in addition to state-of-the-art technical expertise, students in the MISP will have the opportunity to gain professional experience through the internship option as part of this degree.
This program integrates the most recent research and best practices in information security, while being flexible in its approach to ensure that students’ learning can quickly adapt to rapid technological advancements. Students will be able to apply the theories they learn to practice, and solve problems and challenges faced by industry and society as technology continues to advance.
Completing this program
Complete 8 courses (24 credits total) in 2 of the 3 Certificate program options:
- Data Privacy
- Network Security
And an internship or capstone project (equivalent to 6 credits), for 30 credits total.
Laddered Pathway
Students who successfully complete two of the Graduate Certificates: the Graduate Certificate in Software Security, the Graduate Certificate in Data Privacy or the Graduate Certificate in Network Security will be eligible to apply for admission to the Master of Information Security and Privacy, Laddered Pathway, and, if admitted, will receive laddering credit for the 24 units (12 units for each of the two Certificates) of coursework completed.
There can be no more than five years between completing a credential in the laddered pathway and enrolling in the next credential.
Students completing the laddered pathway will receive a parchment for each credential earned in the pathway.
Outcomes
Technology sector, business start-ups, computer science research, government, information technology.
A course-based degree is usually considered a final degree.
The Master of Information Security and Privacy is a continuous program with no scheduled break.
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the last two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized institution.
Successful completion of an undergraduate course (or provide evidence of equivalent knowledge) in each of the following computer science areas:
- Computer programming with understanding of execution environments;
- Algorithms and data structures;
- And either: Operating systems or Computer networks.
Work samples
None
Documents
- All unofficial transcripts and degrees for all post-secondary education to assess prerequisites and a student's GPA. Please include Grade Scale from each institution as well.
- Proof of Prerequisite Completion
- GPA Calculation Worksheet
Reference letters
None
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in different ways. For accepted criteria, please refer to the “Faculty of Science English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements” page in the Academic Calendar.
*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.
Deadlines
Fall Admission
- September 1: Application start
- Deadline for Canadian/Permanent Residents: N/A - See note below
- Deadline for International: April 2
- To accommodate extended study permit processing times for students from Iran, we will be accepting applications from Iranian applicants for the Fall intake until December 1. This deadline is intended to allow sufficient time for review and study permit application.
*Please note: Domestic students must apply to the Certificate program as part of the laddered pathway toward the Master’s. International students should apply directly to the Master’s program.
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
Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.