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.
This program is undergoing review and is subject to change effective for the 2022-2023 intakes.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, but nation-states are also 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.
The first year of the program delivers a strong base of fundamental skills in programming, operating systems, networking, and strategy. The second-year moves into the more practical applications of defensive and offensive technologies, cumulating with a capstone project in which students apply the sum of their learning in the program. Underscoring the rigorous nature of the training, a selection of courses are conducted in a unique lab environment that is designed to contain and control the possible spread of the malware being analyzed.
Is this a good fit for me?
Students who experience success in this program and profession:
- embody curiosity and strong problem-solving skills
- make their education a priority by demonstrating excellent working habits and focus
- have higher secondary and/or post-secondary grades
- are dedicated to the life-long learning that is critical to professional success
- possess basic literacies in computer networking and 'C' language programming (an asset, but not required).
Credential
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Information Systems Security.
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Career opportunities
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
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $15,209
- Year 2: $15,209
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $29,974.10
- Year 2: $29,974.10
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.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for spring 2022 open June 14, 2021.
- Applications for fall 2022 open on Oct. 6, 2022.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 30, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2022 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
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Admission and selection
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Spring 2022 start: applications opened on June 14, 2021.
- Fall 2022 start: applications opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
- Winter 2023 start: applications opened on March 30, 2023.
Program 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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
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 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 sadt.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
This program is undergoing review and is subject to change effective for the 2022-2023 intakes.
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 |
| CPWK-225 | Cooperative Work Term (optional) | 0.0 |
| 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 |
| PROJ-309 | Capstone Project | 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 in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13,353 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $14,686 |
| 2 | $13,353 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $14,686 |
International tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,742 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $29,075 |
| 2 | $30,214 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $31,547 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
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.
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.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $458
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $13,740 | $916 | $553 | $15,209 |
| 2 | 2 | $13,740 | $916 | $553 | $15,209 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $950.17
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $28,505.10 | $916 | $553 | $29,974.10 |
| 2 | 2 | $28,505.10 | $916 | $553 | $29,974.10 |
*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.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
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.
Spring 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place online on Friday, May 6 from 9 am - noon. Watch your inbox for further details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable 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 custom hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
The recommended hardware and software requirements are:
- Processor: i7
- RAM: 16GB RAM 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 with antivirus/malware protection
Required equipment/tools*
Students will require their own:
- TP-Link N450 wireless access point
- SunFounder Raspberry Pi starter kit
- Sensor kit
- Cloud computing services subscription is approximately $800 - $1,200 per year.
*Please wait for instructors to provide further direction before purchasing equipment.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to 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.
Required textbooks
Required textbooks will be discussed in class. You will not need to purchase them ahead of time.
Contact
Phone: 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.
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