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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 become a frontline defender of digital assets in the cybersecurity world? Our Information Security Analyst program is your gateway to this growing field.
Whether you've completed related post-secondary studies or have valuable work-related technology experience, we'll equip you with the skills to identify, investigate and mitigate cyber threats.
In this program, you will learn to:
- thwart cyber threats by learning to detect and assess threats that loom over modern businesses
- conduct real-world analysis by applying your analytical skills to examine and understand the who, what, and why behind these incidents
- become an asset to organizations by helping them strengthen their security posture by proposing practical solutions that mitigate risks based on your knowledge of industry-standard frameworks
- review, analyze and evaluate incoming threats, providing actionable insights that influence critical decisions.
As an information security analyst, you will safeguard sensitive data, ensure business continuity and protect the reputation of organizations.
Cybersecurity threats impact not only an organization's technology, but their overall strategy and operations. The demand for skilled professionals in the computer security field is soaring, making it a career path with promising prospects. Other roles include cybersecurity consultant, chief information security officer, risk management specialist or compliance officer.
Become the shield that safeguards IT systems, networks, and digital assets from potential disasters. Complete this program, and you will be on your way to making a tangible impact on the safety and success of businesses and organizations.
People in the cyber security field tend to be innovative, objective, and directive.
You need:
- analytical skills
- communication 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.
You should enjoy being innovative, working with others or on your own and doing your work with precision.
To do well in this program, you should understand the importance of cybersecurity, and be intrigued by how critical infrastructure and operations technologies can be compromised and want to protect these assets.
You'll participate in a capstone project incorporating all the skills you've learned to solve complex, security-related issues.
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 Information Security Analyst post-diploma certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.
100% graduate employment rate
Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 20012, 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21233.
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.
Courses
The Information Security Analyst certificate requires 27 credits (nine courses) to complete.
The program spans 21 weeks.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
This course explores IP networking fundamentals, internal and external routing protocols, network edge security, network virtualization and public cloud networking. Topics include the fundamentals of IP networking, securing routing protocols, designing intrusion detection and prevention systems, implementing modern firewalls, and securing virtual and cloud networks. Students will participate in a range of activities, including hands-on lab work, case study activities and project work. Pre-requisites:Concurrent Prerequisites:
|
3 |
|
Students will learn current industry security control frameworks and apply accepted practices to function within various security environments. |
3 |
|
Students will classify security risks and threats to assess the impact on business operations. Exploration of current cyber threats will assist the students in identifying potential impacts of security breaches. |
3 |
|
Students will learn to consolidate event logs from device endpoints within a network to identify threats. Skills developed will include security intelligence and event management such as data security, event offenses, asset profile offenses and event rules. |
3 |
|
In this course, you will learn the strategies and tools to prepare you to manage cybersecurity threats that can occur in the ever-changing cybersecurity threat landscape. You will explore all phases of ethical hacking, including reconnaissance, scanning, gaining and maintaining access, and clearing tracks. As well, you will learn about vulnerability scanning, wireless and web attacks, malware and system exploits. Finally, you will explore how to discover and remediate security vulnerabilities, provide measures to defend systems, respond to security incidents, and design and implement security controls for system hardening. Pre-requisites:Concurrent Prerequisites:
|
3 |
|
In this course, you will learn to scan web applications to detect vulnerabilities and prevent attacks. You will develop skills in web application security including scanning and testing applications to identify and analyze security vulnerabilities. Topics include OWASP security standards, Glassbox scanning, cross-site scripting, broken authentication, threat analysis and reporting. |
3 |
|
As global cyber security evolves, it is important for industry professionals to understand current developments. In this course, students will explore the current cyber security environment, security laws and ethical practices. Students will analyze the use of cyber capabilities as the fifth domain of warfare, learn how to make an organization's cyber assets resilient, and implement incident response plans. Focus is also placed on communicating security-related issues to an organization's senior management. Pre-requisites:Concurrent Prerequisites:
|
3 |
|
In this advanced course, students will implement a security risk management framework in an enterprise environment. Using best practices, students will determine the most appropriate risk management framework and tools for an analysis, and assess the likelihood and impact of security risks on business objectives. Students will also define appropriate response and mitigation options, and implement the necessary controls, monitoring and reporting to ensure business continuity. Pre-requisites:Concurrent Prerequisites:
|
3 |
|
Students will complete a final security project, incorporating all skills learned to solve complex, security-related issues. Pre-requisites:Concurrent Prerequisites:
|
3 |
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.
Admission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- a post-secondary degree or diploma from a recognized university, institute, or college.
A combination of education and experience may be considered subject to approval by the Academic Chair.
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.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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
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Application deadline: April 30, 2025
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Fall 2025
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 30, 2025
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: May 30, 2025
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Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Domestic students
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with custom computer hardware and software requirements. Laptops should meet the following minimum requirements:
- i5 or i7 processor
- 16 GB RAM
- 500 GB storage
You may also need to subscribe to some specialized software for certain courses.
The textbooks you require will be discussed in class. You do 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.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process
Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
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.
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 Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8543
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Email - sadt.advising@sait.ca
International Student Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8852
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Email - international@sait.ca
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.