Overview
Enhance your current IT skills with training in cyber security while you develop a broad knowledge of cyber security risk and compliance, incident response, and security operations to drive business value.
You will become a cyber security professional and play a critical role in today's tech-driven economy, helping support critical data and infrastructure from cyber threats and attacks. Taught by experienced instructors using an industry-supported curriculum, you will gain a broad exposure to cyber security domains, best practices, and technologies. By enhancing your skills, you’ll be set for a career in cyber security.
Demand for cyber security professionals will continue as the growth of the IT sector creates more opportunities. Position yourself for a rewarding career supporting critical business operations in the dynamic and ever-evolving tech sector and have a vital role in any organization.
To apply for this program, you must:
- be employed and sponsored by your employer
- submit your application through Apply Alberta.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Cyber Security Analyst Post-Diploma Certificate.
Before you apply
To be eligible to apply for this program, applicants must be currently employed and sponsored by their employer.
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $14,559.60
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
The importance of future-proofing tech programs
In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, graduates need to future-proof their skills – now more than ever.
Admission requirements
Program requirements
- To apply for this program, you must be employed and sponsored by your employer.
- 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 must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
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.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | April 28, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course code | Course name | Credits |
| ITSC 410 | Cyber Security Essentials | 3.0 |
| ITSC 411 | Cyber Operations | 3.0 |
| ITSC 412 | Governance, Standards, and Compliance Frameworks | 3.0 |
| ITSC 413 | Cyber Security Risk Management | 3.0 |
| ITSC 414 | Incident Response | 3.0 |
| ITSC 415 | IT Infrastructure Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC 416 | Globalization in Information Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC 417 | Emerging Trends in Cyber Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC 418 | Cyber Security Career Exploration | 3.0 |
| ACWE 410 | Cyber Security Analyst Field Placement | 3.0 |
| Total program credits | 30.0 |
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Length of program | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 weeks (over an 18-month period) | $12,000 | $1,413 | $1,146.60 | $14,559.60 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic fee table.
Note: Tuition and fees are charged on a semester basis.
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 quoted are based on taking this program over four full-time terms, with nine credits or more per semester, then one part-time term, with less than nine credits.
Students in this program do not qualify for the UPass.
Learn more about what your fees are for
| SAIT fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.51 | $103 | $463.50 |
| Student support fee | $105.50 | $52.75 | $474.75 |
| Student technology fee | $105.50 | $52.75 | $474.75 |
| Program total | -- | -- | $1,413 |
| Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|
| Saitsa fee* | $486.60 ($16.22/credit) |
| Health plan** | $344 |
| Dental plan** | $316 |
| Program total | $1,146.60 |
*This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Saitsa fees are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
**Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. The fees quoted are based on students paying for health and dental coverage for the duration of the program. Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,300 per full-time year.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation (ORNT 118) for students starting in Spring 2023 will take place online on May 4. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a custom hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
The recommended hardware and software requirements are:
- Processor: i7
- RAM: 16 GB or greater
- Storage: 512 GB SSD or greater
- Video card: onboard integrated
- Screen size: 15" or greater
- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080 or greater
- OS version: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit with antivirus/malware protection
- Approximate price (CAD): $1,800
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Textbooks and materials will be identified during your courses. You will not need to purchase these ahead of time.
Contact
403.284.8543
sadt.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Jessica Ager
jessica.ager@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
