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.
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.
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.
Program outline
The Information Security Analyst certificate requires 27 credits (nine courses) to complete.
The program spans 21 weeks.
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.
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.