School of Information and Communications Technology

Cyber Security

Post-Graduate Certificate
Cyber Security

Program Overview

The Cyber Security post-graduate certificate will prepare students for the challenges of identifying network and computer system vulnerabilities, conducting ethical hacks to determine system risk and designing organizational cyber security plans. The program content is based on the expectation that students will have developed problem-solving skills and basic research skills in their undergraduate information and communication technology degrees, and that the Cyber Security post-graduate certificate program will enhance their existing knowledge and skills. Cyber security is everyone's business, and developing current practical knowledge is important in this digital growth industry.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Through your studies, you will develop knowledge and skills in:

  • cyber security operations
  • penetration testing
  • information security investigation and forensics
  • web security
  • security consultation
  • security analysis
  • security administration

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
"Manager, Information Systems"Computer and Information Systems Managers (0213)$80,000 - $147,300
Cyber Security AnalystInformation Systems Analysts and Consultants (2171)$50,000 - $120,000
Systems Security AnalystInformation Systems Analysts and Consultants (2171)$50,000 - $120,000

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

January and September - Saskatoon

Effective 2024: January - Regina and Saskatoon; September - Saskatoon


Length:

40 weeks (January - October) or (September - June)


Locations

  • Regina
  • Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Note:

Applicants should have previous networking training. Applicants might need a Criminal Record Check and be bondable to meet future employer requirements.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

2022/23 Academic Year

$14,220

This program is Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Students are required to bring their own laptop to class daily. The minimum requirements for this device are:

  • Intel I5
  • 16GB memory
  • 256GB HD
  • Windows (not MAC)

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

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Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
CNET 601
Routing and Switching
3
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You will describe the roles of routers and switches in an enterprise network and analyze their operation. Your studies will include switching; Spanning Tree Protocol (STP); Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs); routing protocols, Internet Address Protocols, IPv4 & IPv6; inter-VLAN routing; Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Network Address Translation (NAT). The course content is based on the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching Essentials curriculum.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CSEC 600
Operating Systems and Applications Security
3
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You will focus on the vulnerabilities of Windows and Linux operating systems. Your studies will include the best practices and methodologies to ensure that critical security upgrades and system patches are installed. You will explore vulnerabilities to web applications.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CSEC 601
Web Security
3
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You will delve into the current scripting and computer languages used by modern web clients and servers. Your focus will be on the programming methodologies used to prevent exploitation of web security vulnerabilities.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CSEC 602
Security Planning
3
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You will develop the skills to identify essential elements of a Security Management System and the business processes that require protection. You will develop the skills and knowledge to conduct risk assessments that will identify vulnerabilities and countermeasures to prevent and mitigate system failures. You will be able to identify the consequences of data loss and the safeguards to prevent data loss. Your studies will concentrate on the principles of implementing security in an organization, the preparation of cybersecurity policies and the assessment of effectiveness of existing cybersecurity policies.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
TCOM 600
Business Technology Communications
3
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You will learn how to manage communication in a business environment using best practices and common software tools. You will learn how to produce effective content delivered with appropriate tools.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
Total semester credits: 15

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
CSEC 603
Information Security Testing
3
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You will learn how cyber-attacks penetrate Information Technology (IT) systems by circumventing security or exploiting vulnerabilities in the systems. You will apply a methodical approach to surveying, testing and auditing systems, and you will learn to prepare secure system designs, identify vulnerabilities, and defend systems against intrusion.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CSEC 602
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CSEC 605
Network Monitoring and Penetration Testing
3
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You will learn techniques used to monitor networks for unauthorized access. Your studies will include the concept of ethical hacking and the tools and methods systems used to test the security of systems currently in operation.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CNET 601, CSEC 600, INTL 600(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CSEC 606
Ethical Hacking and Exploits
3
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You will learn various attack and defense methodologies. While exploring current and emerging security topics you will learn how computer security affects businesses and business data. You will be introduced to the protection of an organizations assets, intellectual property and employees as well as methods for maintaining business continuity.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CSEC 602
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CSEC 608
Cloud Security
3
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You will delve into the use of cloud computing services. You will be able to identify the benefits and downsides of integrating cloud-based services in a company’s operation. You will study best practices to manage the configuration and security of cloud environments to host business applications. You will develop the skills and knowledge to conduct evaluations of cloud adoption and migration.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CNET 601, CSEC 600, INTL 600(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
INTL 600
Information Technology
3
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You will learn the essential concepts of information security triad, confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA). You will examine the common vulnerabilities in computer and network systems and the methodology hackers use to exploit these systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
Total semester credits: 15

Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
CSEC 607
Digital Forensics
3
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You will study the principals of digital forensics to detect, recover, trace, analyze and interpret digital evidence. You will file structure, data recovery techniques, data hiding and the process for conducting a digital investigation.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): INTL 601(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
INTL 601
Information Technology Auditing
3
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You will learn about the concepts of auditing, controls and security in an Information Technology (IT) environment. You will study the following topics: general internal controls and their application, security, governance, standards, guidelines and regulations. You will examine methods and procedures used to assess the risks and evaluate controls over information systems in an organization.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CSEC 603, CSEC 605
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
PROJ 603
Capstone Project
3
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You will learn how to work in a group to plan and execute a major information technology (IT) project. You will manage and monitor the project and produce documentation to communicate effectively with your stake holders.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CSEC 607(concurrent), INTL 601(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
Total semester credits: 9

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

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Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

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