Graduate Certificate in Information Security

At a glance

Credential: graduate certificate
Credits: 12
Next start: see program details

If you’re already working in the information technology (IT) field and want to move into information security, Athabasca University’s online Graduate Certificate in Information Security is for you.

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About Graduate Certificate in Information Security

If you're looking to level up your career in information technology by specializing in information security, Athabasca University has the perfect program for you—our online Graduate Certificate in Information Security (InfoSec). This 12-credit program equips you with the skills to design secure networks, make ethical IT decisions, and manage information systems across enterprises. Not only will you learn alongside students in our Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) program, but completing this certificate also opens doors to various roles like computer security specialist, systems analyst, and more.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in a related area or equivalent education and experience.

See full Graduate Certificate in Information Security admission requirements

Program details

Overview

If you're already working in the information technology (IT) field and want to move into information security, Athabasca University's online Graduate Certificate in Information Security is for you.

You will learn how to:

design, implement and manage enterprise-wide computer networks
make effective, reasoned and justifiable moral IT decisions
develop secure information systems for enterprises

As Graduate Certificate in Information Security courses are part of the Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) program, you will take your courses with MScIS students.

Why take the Graduate Certificate in Information Security?

Completing the Graduate Certificate in Information Security will qualify you for positions such as:

computer security specialist
computer specialist
information technology specialist
security analyst
systems analyst

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline	Start date
March 1	Every Sept.
Oct. 1	Every Jan.

The Graduate Certificate in Information Security is a 12-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 6 credits through Athabasca University. All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates.

Routes and options

Ladder to a degree

Once you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Information Security, you may apply to the Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) program. If you're admitted within 7 years, your Graduate Certificate in Information Security credits may be applied towards the MScIS degree.

Learn more about laddering to an MScIS degree

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1.5 years of full-time study. You can take up to 2 years to complete all requirements.

Tuition and fees

A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.

The following fees are effective for courses starting Sept. 1, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services, such as workshops, publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

program application and admission fees
Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies:	$184
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable)	$255
Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once:	$116

fees in Canada and out
Students living in Canada	$1,983¹
Students living outside Canada	$2,229¹

¹ GC InfoSec Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $167, a Course Materials fee of $35 per course, and the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fee of $13 per credit.

Estimated program tuition cost (2023 - 2024):

The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University would be $7,932 ($1,983 x 4, three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees, the Course Administration and Technology fee, and the Course Materials fee are included in the above calculations. Application and admission fees are not included.

Other fees

other fees
Transfer credit evaluation fee:	$325/course
Supplemental examination fee:	$116
Course extension fee:	$312
Program extension fee. Same as course tuition fees (see above).
Letter of Permission fee:	$93
Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-AU visiting students)	$250/course
Course withdrawal processing fee¹:	$423
AU Graduate Student Association fee (per credit)	$13
¹ The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to Course Withdrawal.

Fee information effective Sept. 1, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024.

Courses

In the Graduate Certificate in Information Security program, you'll complete four comprehensive courses that cover key areas like enterprise computer networks, ethical considerations in IT, and information security management. Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, you have the flexibility to start in 1 of 3 semesters each year, ensuring the program fits seamlessly into your life and career plans.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Information Security.

Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program regulations

Top courses

Here are some of the most popular courses students take in this program.

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Career options

Upon completing the Graduate Certificate in Information Security, you'll be well-prepared for a range of specialized roles in the tech industry, such as a computer security specialist or systems analyst. This credential is a stepping stone to opportunities in information technology security, where you can work to safeguard vital enterprise networks and data.

Careers could include:

computer security specialist
information technology specialist
security analyst
systems analyst
network security engineer
ethical “white-hat” hacker
security consultant
security auditor
risk assessment analyst
security architect
incident responder
forensic analyst
compliance analyst

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

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