Overview
The Cyber Security for Control Systems post-diploma certificate program addresses the business risks specific to securing control systems in sectors such as drilling and well sites, power plants, power grid, water plants, manufacturing, production lines, telecommunications, and hospitals.
Many of these systems were previously analog-based, but are currently networked and digital, placing them at greater risk for cyber-attacks. Many of the concepts will be similar to those used to secure information in technology systems, but the training will focus on the specific constraints of securing control systems in the industrial environment.
It is applicable to employees of organizations relying on technology, whether their cybersecurity focus is on information technology (IT), industrial control systems (ICS), cyber-physical systems (CPS), or connected devices more generally, including the Internet of Things (IoT). Thus, while this program is focused on graduates who can improve cybersecurity risk management in control system environments, it can be used by graduates in many organizations - regardless of size, degree of cybersecurity risk, or cybersecurity sophistication - to apply the principles and best practices of risk management to improve safety, reliability, security and resilience of these systems.
Is this the right fit for me?
This is an intensive program requiring a commitment of both time and energy; students who experience success are those who make their education a priority throughout the program.
The ideal candidate for the Cyber Security for Control Systems post-diploma certificate has a previous post-secondary diploma or degree.
You have education and/or work experience in industrial systems (SCADA, PLCs, Instrumentation, etc.) and/or computer networking or related fields.
You understand the importance of cybersecurity and are intrigued by the ways that critical infrastructure and operations technologies can be compromised and want to protect these assets. You have a strong ethical standard and a curious mind.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Cyber Security for Control Systems post-diploma certificate.
Get important updates about our business and tech programs
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $15,374
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $24,863.96
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Giving Calgary youth the upper hand during Cybersecurity Awareness Month
SAIT graduate and Advantus360 co-founder Stefan Herbst (Network Engineering Technologies '07) shares his thoughts on life-long learning, the importance of cybersecurity and why Advantus360 chose to support SAIT's Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Admission requirements
Admission dates
This program may not have an intake every semester. See available intakes above.
| Intake semester | Semester begins | Applications open | Domestic applications close* | International applications close |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | March 30, 2022 | Oct. 27, 2022 | Now closed |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | June 13, 2022 | Feb. 24, 2023 | Now closed |
| Summer 2023 | July 4, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 | April 28, 2023 | June 20, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 | June 28, 2023 | May 23, 2023 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | March 29, 2023 | Oct. 26, 2023 | Sept. 28, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | June 12, 2023 | Feb. 23, 2024 | Jan. 22, 2024 |
*In some instances, domestic applications will be accepted after the application deadline. In that case, the program's intake status will remain open.
Program requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following (or equivalent), as well as the English Proficiency requirement*:
- Completion of a two-year diploma or undergraduate degree in information technology, instrumentation, or related technical discipline.
- Three to five years of experience in information technology, instrumentation, or a related technical discipline would also be accepted with approval from the program academic chair. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
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.
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.
This program is available to international students, however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
Get started as an undeclared student
The courses in the Cyber Security for Control Systems part-time program allow for registration into individual courses as an undeclared student without going through the SAIT application process first. It is important that you read the ideal candidate statement above to be sure that you are a good fit for these courses. Also, you must submit a resume to sadt.info@sait.ca to validate the optional courses you should take as part of the program.
You may apply to complete the credential at any time, at which point you will have to submit transcripts for entrance into the credential. You must complete all pre-requisite courses, or apply for a prior learning assessment if you wish to get credit for a required course based on previous education or experience.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | March 29, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
The courses listed are not shown in the instructional order. Due to the nature of the fast-track programs some courses may be modified or replaced.
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Elective courses (chose one)
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPSY-401 | Operating Systems and Shell Programming | 3.0 |
| CPRG-407 | Programming Industrial Control Systems | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 3.0 | |
Students have to take one or the other of these first two elective courses, considered pre-requisite electives.
Core courses
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ITSC-401 | Strategic Fundamentals of Cyber Warfare | 1.5 |
| CMPN-403 | Networking Protocols and Security | 3.0 |
| CMPC-401 | Security Standards and Compliance | 3.0 |
| CMPC-402 | Industrial Control System Security | 3.0 |
| CMPC-403 | Industrial Control System Security Risk Assessment | 3.0 |
| ITSC-402 | Vulnerability, Threats and Attacks | 3.0 |
| ITSC-403 | Defence and Incident Response | 3.0 |
| MMGT-400 | Business Operations and Change Management for ICS Security | 1.5 |
| PROJ-405 | ICS Cyber Security Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 24.0 | |
| Total Program Credits | 27.0 | |
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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $515
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $13,905 | $916 | $553 | $15,374 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $866.48
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $23,394.96 |
$916 | $553 | $24,863.96 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Books and supplies*
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*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
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held online on Aug. 30. 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 Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 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 power-user 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.
