Come visit us at
Register now
Saturday April 1
View programs
FORMER TITLE: INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY – COMPUTERS AND NETWORKING
Security violations, data breaches, privacy failures and other technology failures are in the news every day 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. Students develop, evaluate and support information technology (IT) security solutions by creating cost-effective and secure computing environments that will safeguard networked computer systems, including both on-premise and cloud-based systems. This program helps students become skilled in formulating and organizing security policies and procedures to protect corporate information assets including legal, regulatory and governance issues, and teaches how to detect various hacking and penetration attacks. Students also learn from leaders and industry-connected professors in industry-standard labs.
The weekend delivery format is designed and intended for students looking for more flexible opportunities to study full-time and benefit from on-campus learning experiences, without having to attend traditional weekday in-person classes. With weekend delivery, at least half of the classes will be offered in-person on Saturdays and Sundays. Friday evening instruction will be delivered remotely through a combination of real-time (synchronous) and self-directed (asynchronous) learning.
The weekend delivery format will cover the same material as the traditional weekday program. To learn more about the traditional weekday program, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/CYSC.
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 whose first language is not English or who are internationally educated in a non‐English speaking country must meet Durham College’s English Language Proficiency Policy.
View full costs
View all courses
View all career options
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 (please see the entrance requirements section of this page for more detail).
This program will enable you to 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.
This program incorporates a hybrid delivery model that includes both in-class and online learning to allow for added flexibility.
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 and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
More than 50% of this program is delivered in-person.
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. 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.
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.
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.
Effective September 2022, 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 or unpaid 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 in order 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.
905.721.3000
App Store
Google Play