Overview
Become an information security analyst and help businesses identify information security threats and risks. Learn to investigate cybersecurity events or crimes to IT systems, networks and digital assets.
Graduates of the Information Security Analyst adapt industry-standard frameworks to propose practical solutions to mitigate risks. They will learn to review, analyze and evaluate incoming cybersecurity threats that impact strategy and operations.
Is this the right fit for me?
This program requires a commitment of both time and energy. Students who experience success are those who make their education a priority throughout the program.
We find there is a direct correlation between the time and energy invested to the amount of success achieved. Learners with strong time management and discipline have a greater propensity to succeed.
Remaining focused and diligent with coursework is important for success in completing the program.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Information Security Analyst post-diploma certificate.
Get important updates about our business and tech programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue cybersecurity job opportunities in:
- public administration
- health care
- business
- finance
- oil and gas
- manufacturing
- supply chain
- transportation
There is an extremely high demand for information security workers across North America.
Related careers include:
- cyber forensic investigator
- computer network administrator
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $16,042
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $26,940.47
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.
Four trends to track for careers in tech
Propel your career forward with these areas of growth
Admission Requirements
Program requirements
Applicants must meet the following or equivalent:
- 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 the application portal.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022* |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024** |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
*Year-end for students taking classes via open enrolment is March 28, 2024.
** Year-end for students taking classes via open enrolment is Dec. 13, 2024.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ITSC 400 | Standards & Compliance Frameworks | 3.0 |
| ITSC 404 | Security Risk Identification | 3.0 |
| CPNT 400 | Advanced Networking Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC 405 | Data & Network Security Intelligence | 3.0 |
| ITSC 406 | Security Tools | 3.0 |
| ITSC 407 | Web & Application Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC 408 | Global Information Security Acumen | 3.0 |
| ITSC 409 | Security Risk Management | 3.0 |
| PROJ 402 | Information Security Analyst Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Total 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 | $14,472 | $948 | $622 | $16,042 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $25,990.47 | $474 | $476 | $26,940.47 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
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 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** | $16.23/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*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - 1,500 per full-time year.
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 Fall 2023 will take place online August 30. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with 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: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
- Approximate price: $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
The textbooks you require will be discussed in class. You do not need to purchase them ahead of time.
Contact
403.284.8543
sadt.advising@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Jessica Ager, Academic Chair
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
Sign up to get important updates on: