Cyber Security Program (Postgraduate) (T433)
Program Description
Program Overview
With more businesses putting their data into the cloud, the ability to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of digital assets is vital to their success and survival. Cyber security professionals are critical in protecting business assets in all areas of our economy, and we created the Cyber Security one-year graduate certificate program to meet the high demand for cyber security and related IT security professionals across multiple sectors – including consulting services, finance and health care.
To keep pace with the rapid advancement in technology and trends, today’s cyber security professionals must be proficient in traditional networking and cloud-based technologies while possessing strong communication skills. They must also be up to date with security trends and practices, the legal landscape and ethical hacking. This program will give you the knowledge you need to succeed in this exciting field.
Full Description
As a student in the one-year Cyber Security graduate certificate program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical skills necessary to excel in the field of cybersecurity. This includes learning about the differences and similarities between cyber security and hacking, primary attack surfaces, methods for compromising these surfaces and how to effectively mitigate vulnerabilities.
In the third semester, we’ll teach you advanced ethical hacking incident response techniques. A capstone group project will allow you to showcase your skills and talents to potential employers. These skills include:
- digital forensics and incident response management
- ethical hacking and analyzing malware
- delivering security training
- applying cryptography
On top of traditional technical skills, today’s cyber security professionals require many non-technical skills and talents, such as:
- analytical skills
- written and verbal communication
- project and time management skills
- interpersonal and conflict management skills
After graduating from this program, you’ll be prepared to help defend organizations from the many current and emerging cyber threats, including malware, network attacks and data compromise. You’ll know how to monitor, assess and evaluate security risks and threats to physical and digital infrastructure. Plus, you’ll be able to develop and implement security contingency planning and lead the development of policies and procedures to mitigate security risks.
Delivery
- This full-time program is delivered in a blended format, combining face-to-face sessions with online delivery, designed to accommodate those who wish to work while taking the program.
- This schedule will require that learners attend classes that generally take place in the late afternoons and evenings during the week and all day on Saturdays.
Technology Requirements
This program requires you to have access to a personal laptop with the following specifications:
- 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
- support for virtualization
- 256 GB SSD Hard Drive (500+ GB is optimal)
- 2 TB (minimum) external hard drive
- webcam + mic
- consistent access to a reliable high-speed Internet connection
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Students who successfully complete this program may qualify for entry into Ontario college graduate certificate and university degree programs.
For further information, see Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1154 | Networking Technologies Fundamentals |
| COMP 1240 | Operating Systems |
| COMP 4040 | Introduction to SOC |
| COMP 4043 | Legality and Compliance in Security |
| COMP 4044 | Introduction to Cyberspace Security |
| COMP 4064 | Career Planning and Portfolio Development |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP 4055 | Cryptography and Network Security |
| COMP 4056 | Secure Network Architecture |
| COMP 4057 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing |
| COMP 4058 | Security Trends and Issues |
| COMP 4065 | Intermediate SOC |
| COMP 4066 | SETA Development and Delivery |
| COMP 4067 | Cloud Infrastructure and Application Security |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP 4060 | Risk Analysis |
| COMP 4063 | Capstone Project |
| COMP 4071 | Digital Forensics and Incident Response |
| COMP 4074 | Wireless Network Security |
| COMP 4077 | Advanced Ethical Hacking |
| COMP 4078 | Advanced SOC |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop and implement cyber security solutions considering the affordances and limitations of the computer operating systems, networks, application software and packages available.
- Develop best practices to protect business resources through the application of knowledge of vulnerabilities and exploits.
- Develop cyber security strategies for the deployment of security procedures and protective devices.
- Integrate cyber security strategies that support business functions by employing knowledge of best practices of business processes and systems.
- Develop cyber security strategies and processes for business communications that respond to the needs of all the internal stakeholders.
- Develop cyber security solutions and strategies that ensure the integrity of information in compliance with best practices, relevant policies, standards and regulations.
- Plan, implement and evaluate cyber security policies and strategies using project management principles to effectively respond to the needs of the organization's information security requirements.
- Perform security audits to ensure risk mitigation and compliance with security plans, policies, standards, regulations and best practices.
- Develop and deliver a corporate training program to communicate both orally and in writing the cybersecurity requirements for compliance with security policies.
- Communicate cyber security protocols, policies and audit results and related documentation to any level of the organization.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024 Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Two-year college diploma or bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Sciences or a related field.
OR
- Two- or three-year college diploma or bachelor’s degree in any field.
- PLUS one year of related work experience, as evidenced by a resumé. Resumé should be submitted through ontariocolleges.ca with your application or via the GBC Online Application System (OAS) for international applicants.
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency is essential. Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287
Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca
The office hours are:
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Program coordinator: Jacky Min
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 6691
Email: jmin@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
The Cyber Security program is offered through our School of Computer Technology from our Casa Loma Campus at 146 Kendal Avenue in Toronto. Sign up for an information session or campus tour to learn more about George Brown College and the program. You can also explore our virtual tour.
Cyber Security Program (Postgraduate) (T433)
Program Description
Program Overview
With more businesses putting their data into the cloud, the ability to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets is vital to their success and survival. Cyber security professionals are critical in protecting business assets in all areas of our economy, and we created the Cyber Security one-year graduate certificate program to meet the high demand for cyber security and related IT security professionals across multiple sectors––including consulting services, finance, and healthcare.
To keep pace with the rapid advancement in technology and trends, today's cyber security professionals must be proficient in traditional networking and cloud-based technologies, while possessing strong communication skills. They also need to be up-to-date with security trends and practices, the legal landscape, and ethical hacking. This program will give you the knowledge you need to succeed in this exciting field.
Full Description
As a student in the one-year Cyber Security graduate certificate program, you'll begin with learning the theory and practical skills you need to become a cyber security professional, including the differences and similarities between cyber security and hacking. You'll learn about the primary attack surfaces (physical, social, electronic), methods for compromising the attack surfaces, and how to mitigate vulnerabilities.
In the third semester, we'll teach you advanced techniques in ethical hacking incident response. A capstone group project will give you a chance to showcase your skills and talents for potential employers. These skills include:
- digital forensics and incident response management
- ethical hacking and analyzing malware
- delivering security training
- applying cryptography
On top of traditional technical skills, today's cyber security professionals require many non-technical skills and talents, such as:
- analytical skills
- written and verbal communication
- project and time management skills
- interpersonal and conflict management skills
After graduating from this program, you'll be prepared to help defend organizations from the many current and emerging cyber threats, including malware, network attacks, and data compromise. You'll know how to monitor, assess, and evaluate security risks and threats to physical and digital infrastructure. Plus, you'll be able to develop and implement security contingency planning, and lead the development of policies and procedures to mitigate security risks.
Delivery
- This full-time program is delivered in a blended format, combining face-to-face sessions with online delivery, designed to accommodate those who wish to work while taking the program.
- This schedule will require that learners attend classes that generally take place in the late afternoons and evenings through the week, plus all day Saturday.
Technology Requirements
This program requires you to have access to a personal laptop with the following specifications:
- 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
- Support for virtualization
- 256 GB SSD Hard Drive (500+ GB is optimal)
- 2 TB (minimum) external hard drive
- Webcam + mic
- Consistent access to a reliable high-speed internet connection
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Students who successfully complete this program may qualify for entry into Ontario college graduate certificate and university degree programs.
For further information, see Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
PRINTABLE CURRICULUM PLANNER 2024-2025
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1240 | Operating Systems |
| COMP 4043 | Legality and Compliance in Security |
| COMP 4044 | Introduction to Cyberspace Security |
| COMP 4040 | Introduction to SOC |
| COMP 4064 | Career Planning & Portfolio Development |
| COMP 1154 | Networking Technologies Fundamentals |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP 4065 | Intermediate SOC |
| COMP 4066 | SETA Development and Delivery |
| COMP 4055 | Cryptography and Network Security |
| COMP 4056 | Secure Network Architecture |
| COMP 4057 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing |
| COMP 4067 | Cloud Infrastructure and Application Security |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP 4074 | Wireless Network Security |
| COMP 4060 | Risk Analysis |
| COMP 4063 | Capstone Project |
| COMP 4071 | Digital Forensics and Incident Response |
| COMP 4077 | Advanced Ethical Hacking |
| COMP 4078 | Advanced SOC |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop and implement cyber security solutions considering the affordances and limitations of the computer operating systems, networks, application software and packages available.
- Develop best practices to protect business resources through the application of knowledge of vulnerabilities and exploits.
- Develop cyber security strategies for the deployment of security procedures and protective devices.
- Integrate cyber security strategies that support business functions by employing knowledge of best practices of business processes and systems.
- Develop cyber security strategies and processes for business communications that respond to the needs of all the internal stakeholders.
- Develop cyber security solutions and strategies that ensure the integrity of information in compliance with best practices, relevant policies, standards and regulations.
- Plan, implement and evaluate cyber security policies and strategies using project management principles to effectively respond to the needs of the organization's information security requirements.
- Perform security audits to ensure risk mitigation and compliance with security plans, policies, standards, regulations and best practices.
- Develop and deliver a corporate training program to communicate both orally and in writing the cybersecurity requirements for compliance with security policies.
- Communicate cyber security protocols, policies and audit results and related documentation to any level of the organization.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023 Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Two-year college diploma or bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Sciences or a related field.
OR
- Two- or three-year college diploma or bachelor's degree in any field.
- PLUS one year of related work experience, as evidenced by a resumé. Resumé should be submitted through ontariocolleges.ca with your application or via the GBC Online Application System (OAS) for international applicants.
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency is essential. Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency for more details
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Computer Technology
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287
Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca
The office hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9 – 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 – 4 p.m.
Program coordinator: Jacky Min
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 6691
Email: jmin@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
The Cyber Security program is offered through our School of Computer Technology from our Casa Loma Campus at 146 Kendal Avenue in Toronto. Sign up for an information session or campus tour to learn more about George Brown College and the program. You can also explore our virtual tour.
