New cybersecurity program to be offered at VCC this winter
Starting January 2025, VCC is pleased to launch a new post-degree diploma program in Cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance. With support from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, domestic students are eligible for a limited time offer of 50 per cent off the tuition rate for the Winter 2025 intake.
This program will equip students with essential skills in privacy and security frameworks, risk communication, enterprise IT operations, evolving compliance standards, and business communication. Graduates will be prepared for roles such as cybersecurity risk analyst, security specialist, and IT auditor.
Learn more about what you can expect to learn from the program.
What key skills and knowledge areas would students expect to gain from the new cybersecurity program?
Students will master cybersecurity fundamentals, including identifying and managing IT risks, and developing incident response and disaster recovery plans. Learn to navigate governance, risk, and compliance frameworks, ensuring organizations adhere to regulatory standards. The program emphasizes business communication and project management skills to prepare students to effectively communicate complex cybersecurity issues and lead projects. Gain expertise in privacy, data protection, internal controls, and policy development while advancing the critical skills needed to help organizations to tackle today’s cyber threats.
How does this program meet the current and future needs of the cybersecurity industry in BC and Canada?
The curriculum aligns with industry trends and regulations, and grants the practical skills and strong industry partnerships (such as with ISACA) so graduates are future-ready for the demands across BC and Canada’s evolving cyberthreat landscape. As of 2023, the cybersecurity workforce gap in Canada alone was estimated to be over 38,000 (an increase of more than 50% over previous year), and over 500,000 in North America.
What types of hands-on learning and real-world applications are included in the curriculum?
Students can expect a variety of experiential learning approaches, such as practical exercises, hands-on labs, analysis and discussions of real cybersecurity breaches, risk assessments, simulated scenarios, case-studies / scenario-based activities, and a final capstone project. Graduates will gain the practical skills and real-world experience to confidently enter the cybersecurity workforce.
What are the potential career paths and job opportunities for graduates of this program?
A variety of career paths include cybersecurity analysts, security auditors, risk analysts, cybersecurity controls assessor, business information security officer, and policy/compliance analyst.
How does the cybersecurity program at VCC stand out from similar programs at other institutions?
The post-degree diploma at VCC offers a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This one of a kind program brings industry experience, certification opportunity, and comprehensive industry-focused curriculum to any student looking to make a difference in the cyber world.
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The deadline to apply for the January 2025 intake is Thursday, December 5.