Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity

With persistent hackings, data breaches, and cyber-attacks on organizations across the globe, demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals able to protect digital assets and guard intellectual property is on the rise across all industries. (Deloitte)

Canadian businesses, according to Statistics Canada, report spending $14 billion to prevent, detect and recover from cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity contributes approximately $1.7 billion to Canada's GDP resulting in over 11,000 jobs. It is estimated that the global cybersecurity industry will grow by 66% by 2021. Gartner forecasts that worldwide spending on information security products and services will reach worldwide spending on cybersecurity, which is expected to exceed $133 billion in 2022. (Deloitte)

Despite the advent of new technologies and evolving threats, there is a chronic shortage of cybersecurity talent, such that the New York Times reports that there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2021. While research from Deloitte shows a lack of talent is being felt across corporate Canada, they expect that organizations across Canada will need to fill an estimated 8,000 additional cybersecurity positions by 2021 as the demand for new cyber security solutions increases. (Deloitte) Many experts see the cybersecurity job market doubling in the next five years. There will therefore be a critical need for qualified individuals trained in cybersecurity to protect digital assets and guard intellectual property. (Deloitte)

This certificate program can help prepare you for the following career paths:

• Computer Security Specialist
• Cyber Security Consultant
• Security System Administrator
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Web Security Specialist
• Information Security Officer
• Cyber Security Investigator
• Penetration tester
• Incident Response Analyst
• Security Operations Centre Analyst
• I.T. Risk Analyst
• Incident and Threat Analyst
• Network Security Specialist
• I.T. Security Consultant
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
• Operations and Security Management Specialist

• Fully online program so you can learn from anywhere
• Work and study at the same time thanks to evening and Saturday courses
• Taught by active industry practitioners and experts
• Covers the essential knowledge and skills to enable graduates to anticipate and protect against cyber threats, fraud, data breaches and other vulnerabilities.
• Focuses on practical skill building through hands-on exercises and assignments
• Covers the required content and skills for roles and specializations as specified by the Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity as part of the Government of Canada National Cyber Security Action Plan 2019-2024
• Helps prepare students to attain cybersecurity designations including Security Systems Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Eligible for loans and bursaries

The program is designed to enable you to:

• Have a thorough technical review of cybersecurity issues
• Gain hands-on experience in tackling common threats
• Identify data threats and attacks
• Implement and administer security measures for organizations
• Apply protective measures with tools and techniques to a company’s technology and business operations
• Cover the critical knowledge domains required for examinations for the following security designations:
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

This program is offered through a Live Online format.

Classes are held at the same time each week in a live virtual meeting room where students and teachers meet together to communicate with voice and video, and may include the use of other tools such as a virtual whiteboard, polls, breakout rooms etc.

Classes are generally scheduled during the week in the evening from from 6 - 9 p.m. ET.

This program has been designed for the following audiences:

• Adults, regardless of their industry background, who would like to specialize in cybersecurity (No previous educational background or experience is required)
• Individuals who would like to strengthen and upgrade their cybersecurity knowledge required in their information security responsibilities in order to advance their career
• Individuals seeking the designations SSCP, CISSP, and CISM

To be admitted to an Undergraduate Certificate in Computers and Information Technology, you must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must hold a CEGEP diploma (DCS, DEC or equivalent) OR
• Applicants who do not have the normal academic background for admission but are 21 years of age and older may be admitted as mature students OR
• Applicants between 18 and 21 years of age who do not have a CEGEP diploma but have at least a high school leaving certificate may be accepted into a qualifying program (a copy of the certificate must be provided).

• The language of instruction for most courses and programs at McGill University is English; however, students may submit any written work that is to be graded in English or French, except in cases where knowledge of the language is one of the objectives of the course.
• Applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English prior to admission, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin. McGill University has this language requirement in place to ensure that all students are provided with the opportunity to succeed in their chosen program.
• In all cases, the University reserves the right to require proof of English proficiency if it is deemed necessary. For more information, visit mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/language-policy

Students can apply to start this program beginning in Fall 2021 in the following sessions:

• Fall
• Winter

This program is eligible for various types of financial aid and awards:

Aide financière aux études (AFE)

As a credit-bearing program, this program is eligible for financial aid through the Quebec Government. More information can be found at quebec.ca/en/education/student-financial-assistance

McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Bursaries

Thanks to donor contributions, the McGill School of Continuing Studies is able to offer a limited number of bursaries to students demonstrating financial need to assist them in covering a portion of their tuition expenses. Available bursaries, eligibility requirements and information on how to apply can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-aid

McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Scholarships

A limited number of donor-funded, merit-based scholarships are awarded to students each year to recognize academic excellence. The full list of scholarships for each academic term can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-aid

McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Graduating Prizes

Graduating Prizes are awarded to graduating students based on academic excellence. The full list of Graduating Prizes for each academic term can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-aid

Note: The amount and number of McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Bursaries, Scholarships, and Graduating Prizes issued varies from year to year depending on funds received and their specifications.

Details of tuition and fees for credit-bearing certificates and diplomas at the School of Continuing Studies for Quebec residents, non-Quebec Canadian students, and international students can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-fees

Please note that as this is a Distance/Online program, the tuition structure is different from other in-person programs. If you will be pursuing your studies from OUTSIDE of Quebec, please make sure to reference the “Online/Distance Programs” link from the above webpage for important information about the de-regulated tuition fees associated with these programs.

In order to apply to an undergraduate or graduate program of study at the McGill School of Continuing Studies, please follow these steps: 

1. Choose a program of study.

Note: If you wish, you can apply to two programs to be followed concurrently, provided they are at the same level and offered by the same department.

2. Review the admission requirements for the program you have selected and gather all necessary documentation.

Note: Students applying to credit-bearing undergraduate and graduate programs at the School of Continuing Studies. Please refer to the "Language Requirements" section on this page for more information

3. Ensure you have a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for the non-refundable application fee. The fee must be paid online to submit your application.

4. Upon completing your online application, you will receive an email confirmation with a McGill ID number and a 6-character PIN (Personal Identification Number).

5. Within 24 - 48 hours after receiving your e-mail confirmation, you can track the status of your application and upload your supporting documents, including transcripts (if applicable), by signing into Minerva (McGill’s online student information system).

6. Ensure that you have uploaded all required supporting documents, as per the admission requirements of your chosen program.

7. Wait for your response. You can check the status of your application at any time using Minerva.

8. Once your file has been reviewed and a final decision has been made, admitted students will receive a “Letter of Admission” confirming the program that you have been admitted to, along with registration instructions. You can then register for your courses online using Minerva during the appropriate registration period.

Need help applying?

For help with the application procedure, contact us at info.conted [at] mcgill.ca or call 514-398-6200

Questions about your admission?

For help with questions related to your admission, contact us admissions.conted [at] mcgill.ca or call 514-398-6200