May 08, 2024

PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog

Information Security Analyst

Location(s): Blended (Main Campus & Online)

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.

Traits, skills and aptitudes

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.

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

You’ll participate in a capstone project incorporating all the skills you’ve learned to solve complex, security-related issues.

Accreditations, designations or certifications

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

Credential

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Information Security Analyst post-diploma certificate.

Program length

21 weeks

Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible

This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.

CAJG-eligible

This program is eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant.

Related careers

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

Potential careers (NOC):

Computer and information systems managers (20012)
Data scientists (21211)
Cybersecurity specialists (21220)
Business systems specialists (21221)
Information systems specialists (21222)
Web designers (21233)

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.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

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.

Program outline

The Information Security Analyst certificate requires 27 credits (nine courses) to complete.

The program spans 21 weeks.

Required courses

CPNT 400 - Advanced Networking Security 3 Credits
ITSC 400 - Standards & Compliance Frameworks 3 Credits
ITSC 404 - Security Risk Identification 3 Credits
ITSC 405 - Data & Network Security Intelligence 3 Credits
ITSC 406 - Security Tools 3 Credits
ITSC 407 - Web & Application Security 3 Credits
ITSC 408 - Global Information Security Acumen 3 Credits
ITSC 409 - Security Risk Management 3 Credits
PROJ 402 - Information Security Analyst Capstone Project 3 Credits

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 >

Books and supplies

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.

Advanced Digital Technology program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School for Advanced Digital Technology.

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

Program outcomes

Analyze and assess key security risks.
Interpret and communicate security threat impacts on business.
Achieve the technical skills to identify and interpret cyber incidents/events.
Identify, analyze and mitigate threats to internal IT systems and networks.
Secure organizational web presence through analysis and threat monitoring.
Work within industry standard governance and compliance frameworks.
Interpret business security needs within a global environment.