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For the winter 2021 term, students will take their classes online. Students entering their third semester will receive instruction in a blended format, with some classes online and others on-campus. Learn more
Overview
Train to enter the computer and systems security profession with a mastery of programming, operating systems, networking and strategy — using practical applications of defensive and offensive technologies.
Computer and systems security is an integral part of our everyday lives. When the systems work it is transparent but when they fail it can be catastrophic. Not only are businesses focused on the security of their data, nation states are focused on the security of their people. Terrorism, rogue states, organized crime and low level cyber-warfare are all part of today’s threat landscapes.
The Information Systems Security program prepares you for entering the security profession with confidence and solid fundamental knowledge. You will use a wide variety of defensive and offensive tools while learning the fundamentals of: networking, malware analysis, reverse engineering, tool construction, operating systems internals, forensics, legal/ethical issues, social engineering and military strategy.
Information Systems Security will have some of its courses delivered in a unique lab environment designed to contain and control the possible spread of the malware being analyzed. The first year of the program rests on a strong base of fundamental skills: programming, operating systems, networking and strategy. The second year moves into the more practical applications of defense and offensive technologies accumulating with a capstone project in which students will apply knowledge learned from previous courses. The program is two years in length with each academic year divided into two 15-week semesters.
A criminal records check may be required by potential employers. Basic level of computer networking and “C” language programming will greatly enhance your success as a student in this program.
Is this a good fit for me?
Applicants with strong curiosity, good problem-solving skills and excellent work habits are usually more successful in programs such as Information Systems Security.
Credential
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Information Systems Security.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as an information systems analyst in:
- penetration testing
- log analysis
- threat analysis
- risk management
- network security
- Internet of Things hardening
- physical security
- quality assurance
- malware analysis
- security audits
Related careers include:
- information systems consultant
- software engineer
$65,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $14,062
Year 2: $14,062
Year 1 (International): $28,780
Year 2 (International): $28,780
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $27,742 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $29,684 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020, until the program start date.
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020, until the program start date.
- Spring or fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020 until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 65% in Math 30-1 or Pure Math 30, or at least 70% in Math 30-2 or Applied Math 30, AND,
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1, or at least 65% in English Language Arts 30-2.
- 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.
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 Information System Security and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
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 ict.info@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe sender's list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-256 | Professional Communication and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| ITSC-200 | Network Protocols and Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC-201 | Military and Strategic Studies | 3.0 |
| ITSC-202 | Secure Programming Essentials | 3.0 |
| STAT-245 | Statistics for Engineering & Tech l | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ITSC-203 | Offensive and Defensive Tool Construction | 3.0 |
| ITSC-204 | Computer Architecture - Exploitation and Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC-205 | Operating Systems Internals | 3.0 |
| ITSC-206 | Advanced Networking for Offensive and Defensive Environments |
3.0 |
| LAWG-200 | Security Practice and the Canadian Legal System | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ITSC-301 | Wireless Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC-302 | Web Application Security | 3.0 |
| ITSC-303 | Malware Analysis | 3.0 |
| ITSC-304 | Operating System Exploitation | 3.0 |
| ITSC-305 | Reverse Engineering of IoT Systems | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ITSC-306 | Computer Forensics | 3.0 |
| ITSC-307 | Payment Card Industry Compliance and Encryption | 3.0 |
| ITSC-308 | Security Policies and Operations | 3.0 |
| ITSC-309 | Social Engineering | 3.0 |
| ITSC-310 | System Security Capstone | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 60.0 | |
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 to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Business Academy Aarhus
- Griffith University
- NAIT
Visit Transfer Options to learn more.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12,840 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $14,062 |
| 2 | $12,840 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $14,062 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,742 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | $29,684 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
Find out 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.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Orientation details for new students will be provided closer to the program start date. Watch your inbox!
Delivery
All classes in the first, second and fourth semester of this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
All classes offered in the third semester will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
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.
Required equipment/tools
Students will require their own:
- Beaglebone Black Wireless (model BBBWL-SC-562)
- TP-Link N450 wireless access point
- SunFounder Raspberry Pi starter kit
- Sensor kit
- Cloud computing services subscription is approximately $800 - $1,200 per year.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available in late November.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Student Guidelines
Review the student guidelines to learn about the School of Information and Communications Technologies' expectations before you start your studies.
Academic chair
Jessica Ager, Academic Chair
Email: jessica.ager@sait.ca
Next steps for students that began in Fall 2020
Fall 2020OrientationOrientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 4, 2020. To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page. DeliveryAll classes offered in the third semester will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. How to register for classesYou'll follow an open registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis is an e-learning program, which means you will be provided with a laptop with all the necessary software required. Find instructions on how to pick-up your e-learning laptop. Preparation coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices. Required textbooksThe Fall 2020 booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start. We recommend you wait to buy your books until your first few days of classes and speak with your instructors. |
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.