Information Security Analyst

Credential:: Post-Diploma Certificate
Program length:: 21 weeks
Location:: In person (Main Campus) or Online
International applicants:: Accepted Not PGWP eligible
Faculty:: School for Advanced Digital Technology
CAJG Eligible

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Mandatory requirements

To apply for this program, you must have previously completed post-secondary studies at an accredited post-secondary institution or provide proof of related work experience.

Review admission requirements for more details.

Overview

Are you ready to become a frontline defender of digital assets in the cybersecurity world? Our Information Security Analyst program is your gateway to this growing field.

Whether you’ve completed related post-secondary studies or have valuable work-related technology experience, we’ll equip you with the skills to identify, investigate and mitigate cyber threats.

In this program, you will learn to:

thwart cyber threats by learning to detect and assess threats that loom over modern businesses
conduct real-world analysis by applying your analytical skills to examine and understand the who, what, and why behind these incidents
become an asset to organizations by helping them strengthen their security posture by proposing practical solutions that mitigate risks based on your knowledge of industry-standard frameworks
review, analyze and evaluate incoming threats, providing actionable insights that influence critical decisions.

As an information security analyst, you will safeguard sensitive data, ensure business continuity and protect the reputation of organizations.

Cybersecurity threats impact not only an organization’s technology, but their overall strategy and operations. The demand for skilled professionals in the computer security field is soaring, making it a career path with promising prospects. Other roles include cybersecurity consultant, chief information security officer, risk management specialist or compliance officer.

Become the shield that safeguards IT systems, networks, and digital assets from potential disasters. Complete this program, and you will be on your way to making a tangible impact on the safety and success of businesses and organizations.

People in the cyber security field tend to be innovative, objective, and directive.

You need:

analytical skills
communication skills
an inquiring and inventive mind
an eye for details
patience and an organized approach to troubleshooting
decision-making and problem-solving skills
math and science skills
teaching skills
time-management skills
high ethical standards.

You should enjoy being innovative, working with others or on your own and doing your work with precision.

To do well in this program, you should understand the importance of cybersecurity, and be intrigued by how critical infrastructure and operations technologies can be compromised and want to protect these assets.

You require a degree or diploma from a recognized university, institute, or college to enter this program. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

You’ll participate in a capstone project incorporating all the skills you’ve learned to solve complex, security-related issues.

Once you graduate, you’ll be prepared with the knowledge to challenge the Security+ and Comp Tia+ exams and earn your certifications.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Information Security Analyst post-diploma certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.

people icon 100% graduate employment rate

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 20012, 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21233.

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Information Security Analyst certificate requires 27 credits (nine courses) to complete.

The program spans 21 weeks.

Course	Credits
This course explores IP networking fundamentals, internal and external routing protocols, network edge security, network virtualization and public cloud networking. Topics include the fundamentals of IP networking, securing routing protocols, designing intrusion detection and prevention systems, implementing modern firewalls, and securing virtual and cloud networks. Students will participate in a range of activities, including hands-on lab work, case study activities and project work. Corequsites: ITSC 404	3
Students will learn current industry security control frameworks and apply accepted practices to function within various security environments.	3
Students will classify security risks and threats to assess the impact on business operations. Exploration of current cyber threats will assist the students in identifying potential impacts of security breaches.	3
Students will learn to consolidate event logs from device endpoints within a network to identify threats. Skills developed will include security intelligence and event management, such as data security, event offences, asset profile offences and event rules.	3
In this course, you will learn the strategies and tools to prepare you to manage cybersecurity threats that can occur in the ever-changing cybersecurity threat landscape. You will explore all phases of ethical hacking, including reconnaissance, scanning, gaining and maintaining access, and clearing tracks. You will also learn about vulnerability scanning, wireless and web attacks, malware and system exploits. Finally, you will explore how to discover and remediate security vulnerabilities, provide measures to defend systems, respond to security incidents and design and implement security controls for system hardening. Corequsites: CPNT 400	3
This course will teach you to scan web applications to detect vulnerabilities and prevent attacks. You will develop skills in web application security, including scanning and testing applications to identify and analyze security vulnerabilities. Topics include OWASP security standards, Glassbox scanning, cross-site scripting, broken authentication, threat analysis and reporting.	3
As global cyber security evolves, industry professionals need to understand current developments. In this course, students will explore the current cybersecurity environment, security laws and ethical practices. Students will analyze cyber capabilities as the fifth domain of warfare, learn how to make an organization’s cyber assets resilient, implement incident response plans and communicate security-related issues to an organization’s senior management. Corequsites: ITSC 407	3
Students will implement a security risk management framework in an enterprise environment. Using best practices, students will determine the most appropriate risk management framework and tools for analysis and assess the likelihood and impact of security risks on business objectives. Students will also define appropriate response and mitigation options and implement the necessary controls, monitoring and reporting to ensure business continuity. Corequsites: ITSC 408	3
Students will complete a final security project, incorporating all skills learned to solve complex, security-related issues. Corequsites: ITSC 409	3

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents:

completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma from a recognized university, institute, or college
a combination of education and experience may be considered and is subject to approval by the academic chair.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Spring 2024

Start dates:

May 06, 2024

Domestic students: Cancelled: Application deadline: Extended

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Sep 03, 2024

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed: Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$14,742	$1,608	$16,350
Total cost:				$16,350

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$26,001	$1,608	$27,609
Total cost:				$27,609

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a power-user hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

The textbooks you require will be discussed in class. You do not need to purchase them ahead of time.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$14,472	$1,570	$16,042
Total cost:				$16,042

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$25,990.47	$1,570	$27,560.47
Total cost:				$27,560.47

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Information Security Analyst

On this page:

Mandatory requirements

Overview