Overview
The Cyber Security for Control Systems post-diploma certificate program addresses the business risks of securing control systems in 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 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 applies 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 how 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
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $15,475
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $25,432.87
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.
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
Program requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following (or equivalent):
- 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.
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.
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. You must read the ideal candidate statement above to ensure you are a good fit for these courses.
You may apply to complete the credential at any time through Apply Alberta 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 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Aug. 16, 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 (choose 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 must 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 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
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $13,905 | $948 | $622 | $15,475 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $23,862.87 | $948 | $622 | $25,432.87 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
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 of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students 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/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
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.
*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 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.
Your journey starts here
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