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Ministry-approved title: Information Systems Security
Security violations, data breaches, privacy failures and other technology failures are becoming more common and pose a growing threat to business and personal information. This eight-month, full-time graduate certificate program provides students with the security background needed in network technologies, computing hardware, operating systems and protocols to harden and further secure such systems from attack.
In this program, students will:
OR
Working knowledge of transmission control and Internet protocols (TCP/IP); basic networking concepts; Microsoft and Linux server platforms; virtualization and cloud computing; and basic understanding of computer hardware.
Applicants who are internationally educated in a non‐English speaking country must meet Durham College’s English Language Proficiency Policy.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic upgrading courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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905.721.3000
Please contact the international office.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.
This graduate certificate program is designed for students with previous education and/or relevant experience.
In this program, students will learn to develop, evaluate and support information technology (IT) security solutions by creating cost-effective and secure computing environments that will safeguard networked computer systems. You will become skilled in formulating and organizing security policies and procedures to protect corporate information assets including legal, regulatory and governance issues. In addition, you will learn to detect various hacking and penetration attacks while exploring forensic methods designed to mine data and preserve the chain of evidence in accordance with regulatory standards.
The curriculum will consider information systems security as it applies to business and provide a hands-on approach to understanding a broad range of security concepts and industry best practices.
Gaining the knowledge required to manage the strategic and operational aspects of information security you will focus on the following areas:
You will learn detailed, practical aspects of security such as risk analysis, vulnerability testing, writing security policies, implementing access controls and performing security audits. Emphasis will be placed on interpersonal, organizational, technical, communication and troubleshooting skills applied to enhance the effective implementation of information systems.
Students may choose to pursue the following industry certifications, which may require additional exams and/or related work experience to qualify:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Participating in the optional work term semester is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations.
Students in the Cybersecurity graduate certificate program will be invited to apply to the optional work term semester during their first academic semester. Entrance to the optional work term semester is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students who qualify for the optional work term semester will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term after academic semester 2.
Supports are available through the Experiential Learning office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Experiential Learning office is in contact with work term students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.
Once transferred to the work term option of this program, students will have an administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to work term students. These services are dedicated to support student success.
If you are an international student enrolled in the work term option, you are required to have a valid co-op work permit before starting your work term. You must apply for and receive a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada. Documentation and instructions on how to apply for a co-op work permit will be provided only to students who are successful with their application into the work term option once semester 1 grades have been finalized.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op student.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op employer.
E: co-op@durhamcollege.ca
Graduates of this program with an appropriate three-year advanced diploma and three years of appropriate work experience, graduating with a grade point average of B+ or higher will be considered for direct entry into Ontario Tech’s Master of IT Security program. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.