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 program will develop skills to identify and interpret information security threats and risks in a business context. They can adapt industry-standard frameworks to propose practical solutions to mitigate risks.
Graduates will also learn to investigate cybersecurity events or crimes related to IT systems, networks and digital assets. 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.
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Tuition and fees*
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $15,941
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $26,949.98
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits 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.
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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.
Ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for the Information Security Analyst post-diploma certificate has a previous post-secondary diploma or degree, ideally in a technical or information technology discipline.
You have education or work experience in software development and/or computer networking or related fields. You understand the critical nature of cybersecurity and are intrigued by the ever-changing ways that both corporate and personal information continue to be compromised. You have a strong ethical standard and a curious mind.
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.
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 Information Security Analyst program allow for registration into individual courses without going through the SAIT application process. It is important you read the ideal candidate statement above to be sure you are a good fit for these courses.
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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022* |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023** |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 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 | 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 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $536
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $14,472 | $916 | $553 | $15,941 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $804 |
| 3.0 | $1,608 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $943.74
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $25,480.98 | $916 | $553 | $26,949.98 |
International cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $1,415.61 |
| 3.0 | $2,831.22 |
*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.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
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.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental 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.
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 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.
