Post Diploma in Cybersecurity

The Post Diploma in Cybersecurity (PDCS) is a 10-course, 30-credit program that enables students to complete cybersecurity courses linked to industry certifications and address immediate and future workforce needs.

Admissions Requirement

Recognized diploma or degree in a relevant career area or completion of 90 credits in a relevant career area from a recognized post-secondary institution.
Be at least 19 years of age or older at the start of the program.
Meets one of the options below where English is a principle language:
- Option 1 – Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education from a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction.
- Option 2 – Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below:
  - IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.0
  - TOEFL IBT: Minimum overall score of 68
  - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General: 7.0
  - Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: 50
  - Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 46
  - Duolingo English Test (DET): 105
  - Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First Exam (FCE): Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
  - Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 Level
  - LANGAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
  - The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
  - ITEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
  - EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Required Curriculum

The Post Diploma in Cybersecurity is a 10-course, 600-hour, 30-credit program that can be completed in 30 weeks via in-class and/or online instruction.
The 10-course PDCS program is efficiently delivered over the course of two semesters.

Graduation Requirement

Complete a minimum of 30 credits.
Attend at least 75% of program lectures/classes.
Pass each individual course with 50% or higher.
Achieve a minimum program 2.50 AGPA.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate the technical knowledge and skills required to protect and defend computer systems
etworks from unauthorized access, attacks, and breaches.
Demonstrate an effective understanding of security protocols, encryption, and access controls as well as the technical skills required to identify, analyze, and effectively remediate computer breaches.
Demonstrate a knowledgeable understanding of incident response procedures, vulnerability assessment, and threat detection.
Demonstrate an ability to clearly/effectively communicate cybersecurity-related results, terms, and information to a diverse organizational audience.
Acquire the knowledge needed to earn industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CompTIA A+ (Hardware and Software), CompTIA Network+, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Courses

PGCS 502: Advanced Writing and Research I
PGCS 505: A+ Certification (Hardware)
PGCS 507: A+ Certification (Software)
PGCS 509: Cloud Computing (AWS)
PGCS 511: Cybersecurity (Security +)
PGCS 515: Computer Networks (Network +)
PGCS 517: Cybersecurity Risk
PGCS 519: Application Security
PGCS 521: Cloud Security
PGCS 525: Selected Topics: AI in Cybersecurity

Course Details

Each course consists of:
- 3 credits per course
- 60 hours per course

Accreditation

Post Diploma in Cybersecurity was reviewed and approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

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.
A strong emphasis on industry certifications.
A collaborative learning environment.

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.