Gain the knowledge and in-demand skills needed to become an industry-ready IT security professional. Graduates of this two-year post-graduate program will be equipped to help organizations prevent fraud, data breaches and other vulnerabilities. As a graduate of Loyalist's full-time Cyber Security post-graduate program, you may be eligible to advance your profession through the following certification pathways: CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cyber Security, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP).
Find your career
Cyber security professionals are in high demand and find careers working in a range of sectors, including computer systems design, financial institutions, public administration and government departments.
Develop essential skills in the following:
- Security
- Network management
- Analysis
- Programming
- Operating systems
- Cryptography
- Cyber forensics
- Investigation
- Cloud security
- Penetration testing
- Wireless and mobile security
- Incident response techniques
How You'll Learn
Experiential Learning, including a semester-long co-op work term
With this hands-on program, gain the knowledge and skills needed to protect and support organizations’ cyber security needs:
- Learn how to develop, implement and evaluate cyber security solutions to protect organizations from internal and external threats.
- Practise assessing defensive programming and cyber security strategies, and gain experience recommending security controls for the effective maintenance and deployment of cyber security solutions to protect systems and information.
- Acquire skills for designing and implementing cyber security polices and strategies using project management principles.
- Develop strategies for optimizing the effectiveness of the information security in a business environment through risk mitigation and information systems auditing.
- Explore designing and implementing vulnerability assessment procedures to identify and solve existing network security issues.
- Get first-hand workplace experience during a co-op work term in semester four.
While completing this program, students will have the opportunity to acquire in-demand industry certifications concurrently with their studies.
Co-ops in work terms are valuable work-integrated learning experiences in which students demonstrate outcomes from previous semesters in Canadian industry settings. In addition to building skills and identifying career contacts, co-ops in work terms add industry-relevant experience to students’ résumés. The co-op job market is competitive, and students will be expected to participate actively in their job searches. Students will be supported with information and skills to attain co-ops.
- First Year - Semester One
- COMM1076 Business Communications in Canada
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This course prepares students to use appropriate business communication techniques such as report writing, presentation skills, and how to build client relationships within a Canadian business environment.
- CYSE1003 Computer Network Design and Implentation
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Learn to design, implement, maintain and troubleshoot network solutions.
- CYSE1004 Cyber-Security Principles and Best Practices in Canada
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Learn about the principles of cyber security and best practices when utilizing cyber security tools and techniques to prevent common cyber threats within a Canadian context.
- CYSE1001 Information Security Fundamentals
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This course introduces the fundamentals of information security.
- CYSE1002 Introduction to Computer Programming
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Introduces computer programming and algorithms.
- CYSE1000 Introduction to Networking and Data Communication
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Introduces networking and data communication principles.
- First Year - Semester Two
- CYSE1007 Cloud Security
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Learn to configure cloud computing and address the associated security risk and cyber threat mitigation.
- CYSE1006 Cryptography and Data Encryption
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Develop skills and knowledge about cryptography in data privacy, integrity, non-repudiation, digital signatures, and authentication.
- CYSE1005 Implementing Security Policies in Operating Systems
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Develop skills and knowledge about securing data and services on Windows operating systems.
- CYSE1009 Wireless Communication and Mobile Security
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Further develop skills with wireless technology including wireless security and client access, WLAN design, maintenance and troubleshooting, and remote wireless access.
- CYSE1008 eCommerce and Web Security
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Develop skills with various tools and techniques to ensure the security of e-businesses and web applications.
- Second Year - Semester Three
- CYSE2003 AI for Smarter Cyber-Security
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Apply artificial intelligence (AI) for the development of intelligent security systems to automatically detect and prevent cyber attacks.
- COOP2001 Co-op Placement Preparation
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This course will prepare students to attain a co-op that will bridge their transition from postsecondary education into Canadian industry experience. Effective cover letters and resumés, positive use of social media such as LinkedIn and polishing interview skills for Canadian markets will be the focus.
- CYSE2002 Cyber Crime Law, Forensics and Investigation
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Explore the legal issues related to cyber crimes. Develop technical expertise and investigative skills to perform forensic investigations.
- CYSE2004 Cyber-Security Incident Response
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Learn how to effectively respond to cyber security incidents.
- CYSE2000 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
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Learn about the concepts of ethical hacking and penetration testing to enable understanding of a hacker's mindset to better protect networks.
- CYSE2001 Secure Network Infrastructure and Routing and Switching
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Learn how to secure network infrastructure devices including routers, firewalls, switches, servers, load-balancers, intrusion detection systems, domain name systems, and storage area networks.
- Second Year - Semester Four
- CYSE2005 Cyber-Security Co-Op
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Students will apply their skills in cyber security in a Canadian working environment.
Prerequisite: COMM 1076, CYSE 1000, CYSE 1001, CYSE 1002, CYSE 1003, CYSE 1004, CYSE 1005, CYSE 1006, CYSE 1007, CYSE 1008, CYSE 1009, CYSE 2000, CYSE 2001, CYSE 2002, CYSE 2003, CYSE 2004, COOP 2001
- Second Year - Semester Four (Elective Group 1 )
- CYSE2006 Applied Industry Project: Cyber-Security
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This applied capstone project will enable students to work on Canadian industry-relevant challenges to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and problem-solving abilities in cyber security.
Prerequisite: COMM 1076, CYSE 1000, CYSE 1001, CYSE 1002, CYSE 1003, CYSE 1004, CYSE 1005, CYSE 1006, CYSE 1007, CYSE 1008, CYSE 1009, CYSE 2000, CYSE 2001, CYSE 2002, CYSE 2003, CYSE 2004, COOP 2001
- Notes
- Select courses from above
*Courses subject to change.
How much will it cost?
Approximate costs per year (2022 – 23)
The following fees do not include living costs, textbooks or additional program-specific expenses/supplies.
- International Tuition: $15,000
- Ancillary Fees: $902.38
- Health Insurance (mandatory): $600
- Total: $16,502.38 CAD
*Fees subject to change. The above tuition and fees are based on two semesters of study per academic year.
Co-op Work Term and Applied Project Fees
The fees listed above do not include the Co-op Work Term fee ($900) or the Applied Project fee ($2,800). These fees are not added to fourth semester tuition fees, rather, they replace regular semester tuition fees. Students are encouraged to participate actively in securing a Co-op Work Term and will be provided skill-building supports and access to employment opportunities from Loyalist College in Toronto. However, students are required to complete an Applied Project in their final semester if a Co-op Work Term is not confirmed or they are not eligible for a Co-op Work Term.
Admission Requirements
Required academic preparation
A diploma or degree in Information Technology from a recognized college or university or equivalent.
All teaching within Loyalist is conducted in English. In order to be successful in a program, skills such as communication, listening comprehension, and reading and writing must be at a level sufficient to meet the demands of post-secondary studies. All applicants to Loyalist whose first language is not English, or whose previous education was in another language, will be expected to provide an English proficiency assessment for admissions approval. Details about language and general admission requirements are available here.
How to Apply
International students may now apply to Loyalist College in Toronto by contacting recruitment@edusolutions.ca.
