Cyber Security for Control Systems

Credential:: Post-Diploma Certificate More info on program credentials
Program length:: 21 weeks Learn more about program length
Location:: In person (Main Campus) or Blended (Main Campus and Online) or Online More info on program location
International applicant info:: Accepted | PGWP eligible | CIP: 11.0901 Learn more about international applicant eligibility
Faculty:: School for Advanced Digital Technology

Credit credentials

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The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

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You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

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Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

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These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

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Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Mandatory requirements

To apply for this program, you must have previously completed post-secondary studies at an accredited post-secondary institution or provide proof of related work experience.

Review admission requirements for more details.

Overview

Are you ready to take your knowledge and experience in cyber security to the next level? The Cyber Security for Control Systems program is designed for individuals who have completed related post-secondary studies or gained work-related experience in the field.

Whether you are an IT professional or technician, an industrial control systems (ICS) specialist, or someone focused on cyber-physical systems (CPS) and IT, this program equips you with the skills to safeguard critical control systems in diverse industrial environments.

In this post-diploma certificate, you will:

explore the unique challenges of securing digital control systems in drilling and wellsites, power plants, power grids, water plants, manufacturing facilities, production lines, telecommunications networks and hospitals.
learn how to defend systems that have transitioned from analog to digital, making them more susceptible to cyber threats and cybercrime
gain insights into risk management principles with universal application, essential to every industry, by enhancing control systems' safety, reliability, security and resilience
learn from experienced instructors with real-world knowledge and practical insights to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats in industrial settings.

Our program is designed to accommodate professionals at different stages of their careers. Our curriculum can meet your needs whether you're looking to upskill or pivot your career to computer security.

Master the challenges of cyber security in the industrial domain.

You should have education and/or work experience in industrial systems (SCADA, PLCs, Instrumentation, etc.) and/or computer networking or related fields.

You understand the importance of cybersecurity and are intrigued by how critical infrastructure and operations technologies can be compromised and want to protect these assets.

People in the cyber security field tend to be innovative, objective, and directive.

You need:

analytical skills
speaking and writing skills
an inquiring and inventive mind
an eye for details
patience and an organized approach to troubleshooting
decision-making and problem-solving skills
math and science skills
teaching skills
time-management skills
high ethical standards.

To do well in this field, you should enjoy being innovative, working with others or independently, and doing your work with precision.

You'll participate in a capstone project to use all the techniques gained throughout the program to expose vulnerabilities in large systems specific to industrial control systems.

Once you graduate, you'll be prepared with the knowledge to challenge the Security+ and Comp Tia+ exams and earn your certifications.

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll receive a SAIT Cyber Security for Control Systems post-diploma certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 20012, 21211, 22220, 21220, 21221, 21222.

Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Take our career finder quiz

Courses

The Cyber Security for Control Systems certificate requires 27.4 credits (10 courses) to complete.

Course	Credits
This course examines industry standards used in the life cycle management of industrial control systems. You will consider NIST, ISA/IEC 62243 and ISO 27001 in the context of industry examples. You will also learn how to assess the maturity of an industrial control system through audits and related compliance activities, and how to develop remediation projects in response to audit reports.	3
This course defines and explores the industrial control system (ICS) and where it is used in our day-to-day lives. The topics include attack vectors and the application of appropriate barriers to ensure the reliability, availability, confidentiality and integrity of systems. The ICS security ecosystem, the future of ICS, the industrial internet of things, cyber security and ongoing cyber security professional development will also be covered. Pre-requisites: One of: CPSY 401 CPRG 407	3
Understanding criticality of ICS, how physical process works and understanding consequences, and differences between corporate & control AND threats & vulnerabilities. Being able to assess risks, defensive, postures and recommend actions. Understand security basics (CIA, TRIAD, AIC). Pre-requisites: One of: CPSY 401 CPRG 407	3
This course provides an introduction to basic switching, routing and general network communication protocols from the functionality and vulnerability viewpoints. Topics include TCP/IP networking, ICS protocols and terminology, network design, troubleshooting and tools. Pre-requisites: Concurrent Pre-Requisites: One of: CPRG 407 CPSY 401	3
This course examines the evolution of strategic thought from antiquity to the modern day. The coursework focuses on continuities and discontinuities in strategic analysis and theory.	1.5
This course examines the concepts used in the threat and vulnerability management of industrial control systems. You will consider the real life examples in managing threats, vulnerabilities of ICS systems and attacks aimed at ICS systems. You will also learn how to leverage cyber intelligence including darkweb based cyber intelligence in improving the cyber maturity of an industrial control system.	3
Defending and developing a response to cyber attack incidents. Pre-requisites: ITSC 402	3
This course provides an overview of business operations and change management for ICS security. You will learn basic communication skills, including technical writing and presentation skills, and examine topics such as continuity planning, business drivers for ICS operations, and the importance of self-attitude and customer focus. You will also consider ICS network design and how to troubleshoot network issues.	1.5
This capstone project provides students simulated environments for penetration testing and hardening. The emphasis is for students to use all the techniques gained throughout the program to expose vulnerabilities in large systems specific to ICS. The final project will be a documented penetration of a well-protected system and a presentation of recommendations for hardening the system. Pre-requisites: CMPC 401 CMPC 402 CMPC 403 CMPN 403 ITSC 401 ITSC 403 MMGT 400	3

Choose one of the following courses.Many of your required courses require this elective course as a prerequisite. We recommend you complete your elective course first.

Course	Credits
This course provides an overview of industrial control systems using digital controllers. Besides providing learners with an introduction to Programmable Logic Controller, practical outcomes for this course include configuring and programming a Programmable Logic Controller, applying the IEC 61131-3 industrial controller programming languages, and then combining this knowledge to program an automatic control system.	3
This introductory course provides ICS operators with training in IT concepts and shell scripting, and an understanding of devices with an embedded OS/firmware. Topics include Wintel, networking and storage.	3

Course

Credits

This course provides an overview of industrial control systems using digital controllers. Besides providing learners with an introduction to Programmable Logic Controller, practical outcomes for this course include configuring and programming a Programmable Logic Controller, applying the IEC 61131-3 industrial controller programming languages, and then combining this knowledge to program an automatic control system.

This introductory course provides ICS operators with training in IT concepts and shell scripting, and an understanding of devices with an embedded OS/firmware. Topics include Wintel, networking and storage.

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of one of the following courses or equivalents:

a two-year diploma or undergraduate degree in information technology, instrumentation or related technical discipline.

Three to five years of experience in information technology, instrumentation or a related technical discipline may also be accepted with approval from the program Academic Chair. A combination of education and experience will be considered.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Spring 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: April 30, 2025

International students: Open: Application deadline: March 28, 2025

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Sep 02, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: June 30, 2025
International students: Open: Application deadline: May 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$14,175	$1,608	$15,783
Total cost:				$15,783

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$21,624	$1,608	$23,232
Total cost:				$23,232

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

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 textbooks will be discussed in class. You will not need to purchase them ahead of time.

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

International bundle program applicants

International applicants can only apply to this program as part of a program bundle.

Once you have reviewed the admission requirements for both programs in this bundle, sign in to the application portal to begin your application.

When selecting your programs, your first choice should be the program delivered in year one. The second choice program will be the program delivered in year two.

The bundle is unavailable to domestic applicants, who may apply to the stand-alone program.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to 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 the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School for Advanced Digital Technology

Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: sadt.advising@sait.ca

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Cyber Security for Control Systems

On this page:

Mandatory requirements

Overview