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Cybersecurity (BSc)

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, February 21
10 a.m. to 4 p.m

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Program type
Major
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter
Experiential learning
Co-op

Why study Cybersecurity?

Cybercrime is one of the fastest growing threats in today’s digital world. From personal data to cloud infrastructure, everything needs protection. In Canada alone, more than 25,000 cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled.

Concordia’s Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cybersecurity is designed to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity theory and practice. Learn how to secure systems, detect threats and respond to real-world incidents. You will study secure software development, security management, network security, security auditing and more.

This program is ideal for students who want a focused and accelerated path into technical and strategic roles in the cybersecurity workforce or graduate studies. With access to co-op placements and internships, you will graduate with both skills and experience.

Program highlights

  • Join the first undergraduate science degree in Quebec focused entirely on cybersecurity
  • Choose from customizable electives such as blockchain, IoT security, cybercrime investigations or ethical hacking
  • Gain early experience through paid co-op placements, summer internships and industry-sponsored projects, including partnerships and opportunities with Hydro-Québec, Ericsson, Thales, Public Safety Canada and Concordia’s Security Research Centre 
  • Graduates will be able to apply for professional licensure through the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) 

Program structure

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity takes a minimum of three to four years (90-120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background. It is made up of 30-40 courses, including:

  1. Cybersecurity core and complimentary core courses 
    Covers software systems, secure programming, cryptography, database security, security management, network security, operating systems security, security auditing and more.
  2. Cybersecurity electives 
    Choose from specialized topics such as:
    • Blockchain Technologies & Applications
    • Advanced Cybersecurity Management & Governance
    • IoT and Embedded System Security
    • Quantum Computing & Security
    • Cloud Computing and Security
    • Industrial Control Systems & Critical Infrastructure Security
    • Cybersecurity of Healthcare Systems and Devices
    • Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
  3. Mathematics electives 
    Provides analytical foundations for cybersecurity work.
  4. General electives 
    Broaden your knowledge in science, engineering, humanities or business. Ideal for students considering graduate school or roles requiring interdisciplinary thinking.

Co-op program

All Cybersecurity students can apply to the Co-op program through Concordia’s Institute for Co-operative Education.

You’ll gain valuable paid work experience while completing your degree through one of three pathways:

  • Undergraduate Co-op Program
  • Career Edge (C.Edge) Program
  • Accelerated Career Experience (ACE) Program

These programs connect you with employers in the cybersecurity industry and public sector, helping you build your resumé before graduation.

You can also explore summer research or industry internships through programs like Mitacs Accelerate, the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's Undergraduate Student Research Awards and the Concordia Undergraduate Student Research Awards. Internships may be available with partners such as Ericsson, Hydro-Québec or Concordia’s own Security Research Centre.

Admission criteria

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

  • Quebec CEGEP: 25 overall, 26 math, 22 physics
    • Admission is based on applicants’ overall, math and physics CRC indicated above and completion of the following classes as part of their DEC: General Chemistry 1; Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra; Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism.
    • Students completing one of the eligible technical DECs may qualify for admission without the listed prerequisites. However, if the prerequisites are taken, a minimum of 26 in math and a 22 in physics are required.
    • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
  • High school: B- overall, B- in math, B- in physics
  • Indigenous Bridging Program: First Nations, Inuit and Métis students who do not meet Concordia’s conventional admission requirements may be eligible for admission through the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27 overall, 4 HL or SL math, 4 HL or SL physics
    • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
    • one of the math or physics courses must be completed at the HL level
  • International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 4.5/7 overall, 4 HL or SL math, 4 HL or SL physics
  • Baccalauréat français: 12 overall, 12 in math, 12 in science
  • British system of education (GCE):
    • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD, C in math, C in physics or
    • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
    • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
    • Students without math or physics A-levels may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
    • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
  • University transfer (internal): 2.5 overall, 2.5 in math/physics, 2.0 in courses offered by the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
    • PHYS 204 or 205 (or equivalent)
    • At least two of the following (or equivalent): MATH 203, 204, 205
  • University transfer (external): B- overall, B- in math, B- in physics
    • Courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Chemistry and Physics

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Application deadlines

Fall term

FALL ENTRY (September)

Deadline: March 1
U.S. and international applicants: Apply no later than February 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.

Winter term

WINTER ENTRY (January)

Deadline: November 1
U.S. and international applicants: Apply no later than August 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.

We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.

Funding note

United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.

After your degree

This program prepares you for direct entry into a range of technical and strategic cybersecurity roles, including:

  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Security specialist
  • IT professional
  • Cloud security technician
  • Incident response specialists
  • Red team technician
  • Cybersecurity tester
  • Project manager (cybersecurity)
  • Security administrators
  • Cybersecurity consultant

Graduates are in demand in sectors like:

  • Finance and banking
  • Healthcare
  • Aerospace and defence
  • Cloud and IT services
  • Government and public safety

Many also go on to pursue master’s or PhD studies in cybersecurity, information systems or engineering.

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