Cybersecurity
Overview
Cybersecurity Advanced Diploma prepares graduates to protect organizations from evolving digital threats through hands-on, industry-focused training in network security, ethical hacking, threat detection, systems protection, and cyber risk management. Designed for graduates of the Network Administration Technology (or similar) program, this advanced diploma builds on existing technical foundations to develop specialized cyber security knowledge and practical problem-solving skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates are able to:
- Assess organizational cybersecurity risk by applying industry-recognized principles, frameworks, and best practices (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, CIS Controls) to protect information systems, networks, cloud environments, and digital assets.
- Implement technical and administrative security controls — including identity and access management, zero-trust principles, cryptography and key management, and network and endpoint hardening — that strengthen the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational technology environments.
- Automate cybersecurity solutions using scripting languages and secure-coding awareness to improve operational efficiency, threat detection, and incident response.
- Respond to cybersecurity threats using security operations tools, network traffic analysis, threat intelligence, and digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) methodologies.
- Conduct ethical penetration tests using recognized methodologies (e.g., PTES, MITRE ATT&CK) — including scoping, rules of engagement, technical and social-engineering testing, and risk-based reporting — to validate security controls and recommend remediation.
- Assess the security of applications, networks, and cloud environments by identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities, analyzing attack paths, and recommending appropriate mitigation measures.
- Apply governance, risk management, compliance, and privacy principles — including business continuity and disaster recovery planning — to support organizational cybersecurity programs and regulatory requirements (e.g., PIPEDA).
- Communicate cybersecurity findings, risks, and recommendations through professional documentation and presentations tailored to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Collaborate effectively within cybersecurity teams by integrating offensive and defensive practices (purple-team approaches) to improve organizational resilience through continuous assessment and improvement.
- Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional responsibility while adapting to emerging technologies, evolving threats, and the continuous learning required of cybersecurity professionals.
Examples of what jobs graduates from this program can do:
- Analyze computer systems, networks, and applications to identify security vulnerabilities and recommend corrective actions.
- Configure, monitor, and maintain cybersecurity tools to protect networks, systems, and data from cyber threats.
- Conduct vulnerability assessments, security testing, and penetration testing to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls.
- Monitor security events, analyze system logs, and investigate suspicious activity to identify potential security incidents.
- Detect, investigate, contain, and respond to cybersecurity incidents and support recovery efforts.
- Collect and analyze digital evidence to support incident response and forensic investigations.
- Apply security updates, system hardening techniques, and access controls to reduce security risks.
- Secure cloud environments, web applications, and network infrastructure using industry best practices.
- Develop and maintain security documentation, procedures, and technical reports.
- Automate routine security tasks and support the implementation of cybersecurity solutions using scripting and security tools.
Success Factors
You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy:
- Working with technology
- Troubleshooting technical issues
- Solving problems or puzzles
- Working closely with team members
- Learning new tools and techniques and growing as a professional
The industry and program environment require individuals to:
- Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work.
- Communicate effectively with team members and clients.
- Continually seek and be open to feedback and critiques.
- Listen to direction and act on that accordingly.
- Maintain professionalism, attention to detail and quality of work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
- Manage projects and time effectively, meeting deadlines and delivering work within industry standards and best practices.
- Perform static tasks, such as sitting and using a computer.
- Perform physical tasks, such as operating and maintaining small-medium sized equipment.
- Use and keep up to date with changes in technology and be willing to continuously learn and adapt.
- Work in a collaborative team environment or independently as the situation requires.
- Take ownership of your work and be accountable for meeting deadlines, communicating progress, and solving problems independently as they arise.
- Adhere to ethical and legal standards related to cybersecurity and information technology, including privacy, security, and intellectual property rights.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- 2-year diploma or university degree in Information Technology or closely related field, such as Network Administration Technology, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Science, Systems Administration, or Computer Programming
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements. IELTS score of 6.0 with no sub-score less than 5.5 or equivalent is acceptable for this program.
Note: Applicants are expected to have foundational knowledge of computer networking, Windows and Linux operating systems, scripting or programming, computer hardware, and IT infrastructure. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience may be considered on an individual basis.
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Careers & Connections
Connections
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, see Articulation Agreements.
Tools & Supplies
ASSINIBOINE BOOKSTORE
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.
Technology Requirements
Students in this program are expected to have a computer at home with internet access that meets the technical needs outlined by the program. See Technology Requirements for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
| Credits | 60.0 |
| Tuition | $6,530 |
| Course Fees | TBD |
| Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | TBD |
| Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | TBD |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International students)
| Credits | 60.0 |
| Tuition | $19,995 |
| Course Fees | TBD |
| Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | TBD |
| Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | TBD |
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.
For more information, visit the Fees and Charges page.
Courses
To graduate with a Cybersecurity advanced diploma, students must successfully complete 60 academic credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.
Year One Courses
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cloud Security (NETW-0029)Corequisite: NETW-0030 Governance, Risk & Compliance |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)This course improves students' ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Governance, Risk & Compliance (NETW-0030)Prerequisite: NETW-0026 Network Defense 3, NETW-0028 Web Application Security |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Network Defense 1 (NETW-0021)This course focuses on securing enterprise networks through traffic analysis, intrusion detection, firewall configuration, and network monitoring. Students analyze network communications, identify malicious activity, and implement layered security controls using industry-standard tools and techniques. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Network Defense 2 (NETW-0024)Prerequisite: Network Defense 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Network Defense 3 (NETW-0026)Prerequisite: NETW-0024 Network Defense 2 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Network Offense 1 (NETW-0025)Prerequisite: NETW-0021 Network Defense 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Network Offense 2 (NETW-0027)Prerequisite: NETW-0025 Network Offense 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Scripting for Security (NETW-0022)Students develop scripting skills using Python, Bash, and PowerShell to automate cybersecurity tasks and improve operational efficiency. Students create security-focused scripts for log analysis, system administration, threat intelligence, and |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Security Fundamentals (NETW-0023)This course introduces the foundational principles of cybersecurity, including security architecture, risk management, cryptography, identity and access management, and modern security frameworks. Students develop an understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and defensive strategies while learning to apply industry best practices for protecting organizational systems and information. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Web Application Security (NETW-0028)Prerequisite: NETW-0025 Network Offense 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |