Advanced Cyber Security Certificate
In partnership with York University's School of Continuing Studies, Mount Royal is pleased to offer two stackable certificate programs designed to deepen your understanding of cyber security topics, strengthen your skills as an IT manager or project lead and prepare you to advance your career in cyber security.
The Advanced Cyber Security Certificate is ideal for aspiring information systems security specialists. In this program, you will build on the foundational knowledge gained in the Cyber Security Fundamentals Certificate and develop a more thorough understanding of the eight knowledge areas required for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation from the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)².
You will develop the critical, cross-functional skills and knowledge that employers value most. This includes ethical responsibility and enhancing skills in problem-solving and verbal communication.
To register directly in the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate, you must either complete the Cyber Security Fundamentals Certificate first or hold the CISSP designation. Special exceptions may be granted upon review and approval by program administration.
The program is also designed for students to start and progress through the courses in order as a group, a format that will help you form connections with your peers and colleagues.
Program details: Advanced Cyber Security
Format
Fully online until further notice
Live, online class requirements: You will use Google Suite (Google Classroom, Google Meet) to participate in this live, online class. You will need to access the class through a laptop or desktop computer that has a functional webcam and microphone. A reliable Internet connection is required. Google Chrome browser is recommended for best results.
Duration
Complete 3 required courses (108 hours).
This program can be completed in 5 months.
The listed course hours indicate the estimated time to attend the on-campus sessions and complete the online learning units - your actual time spent completing assignments may vary.
Registration
Students must register in all three courses in the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate. Use Block Code: CYSADV
Registration can be completed by calling 403.440.3833 or 1.877.287.8001.
Courses in this program must be taken in the order they are listed.
Please Note: Students are required to complete the Cyber Security Fundamentals Certificate before registering in the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate.
Blackboard & MyMRU Email - Course communication & information
MRU uses Blackboard for the Cyber Security Programs, to distribute instructions, course announcements, program & course information, textbook info, etc. Students should log into Blackboard upon registration, to access important information and instructions in preparation for their courses. You will be required to first activate your MyMRU.ca to access Blackboard and your MyMRU student email.
Students are required to use their Mount Royal University student email account for course correspondence with program staff.
| Cyber Security Winter 2021 | Start Date | End Date | Live, Online Classes |
| Engineering for Information Security | Feb. 15, 2021 | March 28, 2021 | March 20 & 21, 2021 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Cyber Security Operations Management | March 29, 2021 | May 9, 2021 | May 1 & 2, 2021 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Security Assessment and Testing | May 10, 2021 | June 20, 2021 | June 12 & 13, 2021 7 a.m. - 3p.m. |
| Cyber Security Spring/Summer 2021 | Start Date | End Date | Live, Online Classes |
| Engineering for Information Security | May 25, 2021 | July 4, 2021 | June 26 & 27, 2021 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Cyber Security Operations Management | July 5, 2021 | Aug. 15, 2021 | Aug. 7 & 8, 2021 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Security Assessment and Testing | Aug. 16, 2021 | Sept. 26, 2021 | Sept. 18 & 19, 2021 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Cyber Security Fall 2021 | Start Date | End Date | Live, Online Classes |
| Engineering for Information Security | Sept. 7, 2021 | Oct. 17, 2021 | Oct. 2 & 3, 2021 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Cyber Security Operations Management | Oct. 18, 2021 | Nov. 28, 2021 | Nov. 20 & 21, 2021 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Security Assessment and Testing | Jan. 10, 2022 | Feb. 20, 2022 | Feb. 12 & 13, 2022 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Advanced Cyber Security Certificate
Block Code Registration Required, use Block Code: CYSADV
Students must register in all three courses in the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate.
Registration can be completed by calling 403.440.3833 or 1.877.287.
Engineering for Information Security
Security engineering requires an understanding of security models, secure design principles and the ability to assess a variety of systems for vulnerabilities. Students will learn these fundamental concepts as well as information on selecting controls and countermeasures, and the application of cryptography.
| Subject code: XCYS 10004 | 36 hours. Fee: $1045 | |
| Block code: CYSADV | Online | May 25 - July 4 Live, Online Classes: June 26 & 27, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. MST |
Cyber Security Operations Management
Effective leadership in the field of information security requires an elevated understanding of security operations concepts and how to apply these in real-world situations. Discover how to apply concepts, from best practices in vendor procurement, through to investigations and preventative measures, resource management, disaster recovery and business continuity.
| Subject code: XCYS 10005 | 36 hours. Fee: $1045 | |
| Block code: CYSADV | Online | July 5 - Aug. 15 Live, Online Classes: Aug. 7 & 8, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. MST |
Security Assessment and Testing
The development, evaluation and validation of assessment processes is integral to securing system infrastructure and detecting vulnerabilities. Develop an in-depth understanding of the techniques and industry standards for assessment validation, continuity, analysis, reporting and facilitating audits.
| Subject code: XCYS 10006 | 36 hours. Fee: $1045 |
| Block Code: CYSADV |
Online | Aug. 16 - Sept. 26 Live, Online Classes: Sept. 18 & 19, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. MST |
Suresh Durairaj, CISSP, CISA, CIPP, ITIL, PMP
Engineering for Information Security , Cyber Security Operations Management and Security Assessment & Testing
Suresh Durairaj is a cyber security leader and practitioner with over 20 years of rich experience. Suresh possess extensive knowledge in the areas of cyber security, with specialization in security strategy, security architecture and security operations in both information technology and operational technology domains. Suresh's experience varies from working as a developer building encryption products, providing security consulting and CISO advisory for Fortune 500 companies and held security leadership roles in the industry.
Suresh has worked across different industry verticals, namely oil & gas, finance, banking, retail, telecommunication and manufacturing. He has been recognized for successfully establishing information security culture across an organization and managing a global team of security professionals across North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
Suresh holds an engineering degree in Electronic and Instrumentation, along with industry recognized designations like CISSP, CISA, CIPP, ITIL, PMP.
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Instructors listed here teach the two-day on-campus sessions held at MRU.
Online instructors are listed on the York University Continuing Studies site.
Purchase this book online
Students are required to come prepared with a fully charged laptop for the onsite classes. There are no software requirements for the laptops.
Who should take this program?
- Professionals seeking their CISSP designation
- Individuals who want to specialize in cyber security regardless of undergraduate major or industry background
- Recent graduates of programs in information technology, software engineering, computer science, or database administration programs, seeking to focus their IT careers
- Project, team and department leaders who require cyber security knowledge to lead their team more effectively
- Managers, administrators and executives who are seeking to master new information security responsibilities
What do I need to know before I start?
Although it is not required to have an IT background to enter the program, an understanding of basic technology concepts is beneficial. To be successful in the program, participants need knowledge of the following:
- hardware
- software
- networking concepts such as the client-server models (LAN, WAN, MAN, Internet vs. Intranet)
- network topologies
- wireless networking
- the OSI model
Registered students will have access to a free, self-paced, online refresher course covering these topics when they login to the start of the Introduction to Cyber Security course.
Why should I take MRU's Cyber Security certificates instead of programs offered by other organizations?
- Quality of instruction - Our expert instructors are experienced in the field of cyber security and are certified by (ISC)².
- Innovation - We're the first university in Alberta to offer a non-credit program to prepare for the CISSP designation.
- Proven track record - Our cyber security programs are offered in partnership with York University's School of Continuing Studies, which has been offering these programs since 2015.
What does the field of cyber security encompass?
Cyber security refers to the protection of digital environments and assets from internal and external threats and the guarding of intellectual property. The field of cyber security includes industry risk management, engineering, communications, identity protection, assessing and testing, operations, and software development.
How long will it take to complete this program?
The Cyber Security Fundamentals Certificate takes just five months to complete. If you choose to continue on to the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate right away, you can be prepared to write the CISSP exam in as little as 10 months.
What is the likelihood that I will receive employment in this field once I complete the certificate program?
Very likely. According to a recent Deloitte study, Canadian companies will be hiring more than 8,000 new cyber security experts over the next two years. This same report predicts that the demand for cyber security professionals is growing by seven percent every year. Furthermore, they project that the availability of home-grown talent will not be sufficient to meet these hiring requirements. So if you're qualified, you'll most likely get a job.
What's the salary range for roles in cyber security?
According to the Government of Canada's Job Bank, the average hourly rate being paid for cyber security services is between $60 and $98 per hour.
Interested in learning more about the cyber security job market? Visit Cyberseek for up to date information on roles, education and opportunities across North America.
| For a cyber security career in these positions: | These are the qualifications often required: |
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Post-secondary education, such as:
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Post-secondary education, such as one of the following:
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Earn your CISSP designation, faster
Along with the Cyber Security Fundamentals Certificate, the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate is designed to heighten your understanding of the CISSP body of knowledge and prepare you to take and pass the (ISC)² CISSP exam. (ISC)² is an international, nonprofit membership association for information security leaders. The CISSP is a globally recognized designation required for most senior cybersecurity roles.
This program is scheduled to align with CISSP examination dates, allowing you to write the exam in a timely manner after completing this program. Those interested in progressing to the CISSP exam will need to meet experience requirements as required by (ISC)². Learn more about CISSP designation requirements.
Our partner - York University
The York University School of Continuing Studies provides meaningful continuing education opportunities which combine theory with practical application. Our programs are designed to develop well-rounded professionals that employers value, with both the deep discipline-based knowledge and the broad cross-functional skills required to communicate and be effective within a multidisciplinary team. With innovative programs designed to prepare graduates to thrive in emerging careers, York University is preparing Canada's labour force for the future of work.
Education News Canada
School of Continuing Studies partners with Mount Royal University to address cyber security skills gap in Alberta
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Contact us
For more information about the cyber security programs at Mount Royal University, contact us at 403.440.6861 (toll-free 1.888.392.3655) or cebusiness@mtroyal.ca.