Learn to safeguard the systems of government, business and large institutions with cybersecurity practices to prevent online attacks.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Assess different governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and security tooling, and choose which ones to implement within the organization.
- Develop and manage projects using Project Management (PM) best practices.
- Create a business case for a cybersecurity project and present the case using effective presentation skills and persuasive techniques.
- Recognize emerging technologies and evaluate them using an appropriate framework.
- Prepare for and deliver both written and verbal communications related to IT/security that are appropriate to the intended audience.
- Plan and develop internal controls related to security in response to identified risks based on information and evidence obtained from stakeholders.
- Evaluate the enterprise gaps to prepare or revise security policies, standards, and guidelines.
- Apply different security and compliance frameworks in supporting audit activities (internal and external) and maintaining regulatory compliance certification requirements.
- Design an incident response plan that includes identification of the roles of a cybersecurity incident response team.
- Demonstrate ability to build rapport and trust with a variety of relevant parties and adapt to local business culture context.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This program can be completed in two years with full-time study. The program must be completed within 3 years.
Students will engage with the material in this program through hands-on exercises and projects involving typical IT work situations, including scenarios from industry. Other instructional strategies include the use of case-studies and group discussions based around current events related to IT news, demonstrations, and reflective practice.
Class-time will utilize active learning strategies such as problem-based learning, simulations, writing exercises, and interactive classroom activities. Some classes may be delivered partially or fully online.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
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An undergraduate degree from an accredited post-secondary institution
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Knowledge of English demonstrated by one of the following:
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent. Or,
- English Language Proficiency at a minimum English 12 ‘C+’ level
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
Recommended Characteristics
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A keen interest in technology and in following technology trends.
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A desire to pursue industry certifications.
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Strong communication, leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
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Attention to detail.
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Appreciation for the value of organizational processes and procedures.
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Proficient digital literacy skills.
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students* may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for the following courses:
- CYBR 1101 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- CYBR 1202 Project Management
Methods of PLAR vary by course, and may include exams, professional portfolios, interviews, performance assessments, and other evaluations.
If PLAR is successful, transcripts will reflect an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed), which is not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.
See VCC Policy and Procedures D.3.5 Prior Learning Assessment for more information.
*Note for international students requesting PLAR: Prior to proceeding with the PLAR request, please contact VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term One | Credits | |
| CYBR 1000 | Orientation to GRC and Cybersecurity | 1 |
| CYBR 1101 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 3 |
| CYBR 1102 | Business Communication and Presentation Skills | 3 |
| CYBR 1103 | Business Fundamentals | 3 |
| CYBR 1104 | IT Risk | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Term Two | ||
| CYBR 1201 | Introduction to Security Program Management | 3 |
| CYBR 1202 | Project Management | 3 |
| CYBR 1203 | Report and Technical Writing | 3 |
| CYBR 1204 | Frameworks and Auditing | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term Three | ||
| CYBR 2301 | Cloud Security Principles | 3 |
| CYBR 2302 | Incident Response and Disaster Recovery | 3 |
| CYBR 2303 | Information Technology Infrastructure Library | 3 |
| CYBR 2304 | Privacy and Data Protection | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term Four | ||
| CYBR 2401 | Advanced Cybersecurity Topics | 3 |
| CYBR 2402 | Governance of Enterprise IT | 3 |
| CYBR 2403 | Professional Development | 2 |
| CYBR 2404 | Capstone | 4 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 49 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 32754 | |
| Student union | 273 | |
| College initiative | 88 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 656 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 374 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
| U-PASS | 722 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
STATUS INFORMATION
- Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
- Closed: Applications are not accepted.
- For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.
For more information and tips, see Apply page