Program Overview
The Post Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity (PGCS) is a 30-credit, 30-week program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills for cybersecurity careers. Through a blend of in-class and online instruction, the program covers foundational cybersecurity topics, industry certifications, and hands-on projects. Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Security Engineer, and Cloud Security Engineer.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Post Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity (PGCS) is a 30-credit, 30-week program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in cybersecurity careers. The program is offered through a combination of in-class and online instruction.
Objectives:
- Gain foundational knowledge, insight, and understanding of cybersecurity as it relates to networking, databases, data and business analytics, and cloud computing.
- Develop employability and life skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, communications, collaboration, teamwork, ethics, and legal issues.
- Prepare students to complete a range of cybersecurity, information technology, data and business analytics courses that will help to inform their decisions regarding their future field of study and/or career path.
- Enable students to select courses that will inform and assist them in earning industry certifications such as CompTIA Security +, CompTIA A+ (Hardware and Software), CompTIA Network+, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Program Description:
The PGCS program consists of 10 courses that cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics. The courses are delivered over the course of two semesters.
Semester 1:
- Advanced Writing and Research I
- A+ Certification (Hardware)
- A+ Certification (Software)
- Introduction to Cloud Computing (AWS)
- Cybersecurity Foundations (Security +)
Semester 2:
- Advanced Writing and Research II
- Introduction to Computer Networks (Network +)
- Cybersecurity Risk
- Application Security
- Cloud Security
- Cybersecurity Capstone
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The PGCS program is delivered over the course of two semesters. The following is a tentative course schedule:
Semester 1:
- Advanced Writing and Research I (3 credits)
- A+ Certification (Hardware) (3 credits)
- A+ Certification (Software) (3 credits)
- Introduction to Cloud Computing (AWS) (3 credits)
- Cybersecurity Foundations (Security +) (3 credits)
Semester 2:
- Advanced Writing and Research II (3 credits)
- Introduction to Computer Networks (Network +) (3 credits)
- Cybersecurity Risk (3 credits)
- Application Security (3 credits)
- Cloud Security (3 credits)
- Cybersecurity Capstone (3 credits)
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students in the PGCS program will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Projects
- Presentations
Assessment Criteria:
Students will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of the course material, their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, and their ability to communicate their findings effectively.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The PGCS program is taught using a variety of methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Group work
- Case studies
- Simulations
Faculty:
The PGCS program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their field. The faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.
Unique Approaches:
The PGCS program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- A focus on hands-on learning. Students in the program will have the opportunity to work on real-world cybersecurity projects.
- A strong emphasis on industry certifications. The program is designed to help students earn industry certifications that will make them more competitive in the job market.
- A collaborative learning environment. Students in the program will have the opportunity to work with other students, faculty members, and industry professionals.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the PGCS program will be prepared for a variety of careers in cybersecurity, including:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- Information Security Manager
Opportunities and Outcomes:
Graduates of the PGCS program will be in high demand in the job market. The program will prepare students for a successful career in cybersecurity.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential for cybersecurity professionals is high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for cybersecurity analysts is $103,590.
Entry Requirements:
Completion of a baccalaureate degree Be at least 19 years of age Provide proof of English proficiency:
Grade 12 or higher-level English course. High School English 12: C (or equivalent) from an English speaking country. University or College level English course (non‐ESL): C from an institution where English is the language of instruction. English Language Test (only valid for two years): TOEFL: 68 iBT (with no individual score less than 16), 190 CBT, or 520 PBT IELTS: Academic version 6 (with no band test score less than 5.5) Cambridge International Exam: GCE O level C TOEIC: 700 LPI: 4 VPC English Proficiency Exam: 75% Completion of VPC ENGL 099 Completion of AEL/ESL to an equivalent level Completion of at least 12 credits from a post-secondary institution in Canada or where English is the principal language of the country and the language of instruction.
- This is based on new PTIB policy guidelines for use of the term “Post-graduate” in a program title. The program must meet both of the following criteria: The admission requirements of a post-graduate program must include at minimum a baccalaureate degree, and Content must be at a post-baccalaureate level.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English proficiency is required for admission to this program. The following are acceptable forms of proof of English proficiency:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 68 iBT (with no individual score less than 16), 190 CBT, or 520 PBT
- A minimum IELTS score of 6 (with no band test score less than 5.5)
- A minimum Cambridge International Exam GCE O level C
- A minimum TOEIC score of 700
- A minimum LPI score of 4
- A minimum VPC English Proficiency Exam score of 75%
- Completion of VPC ENGL 099
- Completion of AEL/ESL to an equivalent level
- Completion of at least 12 credits from a post-secondary institution in Canada or where English is the principal language of the country and the language of instruction.
