Concordia launches two undergraduate programs in cybersecurity
Concordia has launched two new undergraduate programs in cybersecurity, giving students a clear choice between a science- or engineering-based path into one of Canada’s fastest-growing fields. Applications are now open for students looking to begin their studies in fall 2026.
Offered by the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, the new Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cybersecurity and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Cybersecurity are designed to meet urgent workforce needs in Quebec and across Canada, where tens of thousands of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled. The programs are offered by the Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering, which has been offering cybersecurity education at the graduate level for 20 years and is expected to adopt a new department name after the programs launch.
From protecting personal data to securing critical infrastructure such as power grids, transportation systems and public services, cybersecurity has become a national priority.
“These programs respond directly to the scale and complexity of today’s cyber threats,” says Chun Wang, chair of the institute. “They offer two complementary pathways to build the skills needed to protect the digital systems and services our society depends on.”
Two pathways into cybersecurity
Students can now choose the path that best matches their interests and career goals. The BSc offers a shorter, focused route into technical and analytical roles, while the BEng provides a broader engineering foundation and access to professional licensure.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is a focused program that can be completed in three or four years. It is designed for students who want a direct and accelerated entry into the field. The curriculum emphasizes cybersecurity theory and practice, including secure software development, security management, network security, security auditing and more. Graduates are prepared for technical and strategic roles or for graduate studies.
The Bachelor of Engineering in Cybersecurity is a 120-credit program that can be completed in four or five years. It is designed for students who want a deeper engineering education and to take on complex cybersecurity challenges for existing and emerging technologies, particularly for systems and services with a mission-critical nature. The program is the first undergraduate engineering degree in Canada dedicated entirely to cybersecurity.
Designed to meet Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board requirements, the BEng prepares graduates to pursue professional engineering licensure in Quebec and across Canada. Career opportunities include cybersecurity engineer, security architect, penetration tester and leadership roles in sectors such as information technology, finance, aerospace, defence, transportation and energy.
Learning from real-world challenges
Both programs offer extensive experiential learning opportunities through Concordia’s Institute for Co-operative Education. Students can access paid co-op work terms, Career Edge and Accelerated Career Experience internships, as well as research placements and summer jobs.
Students also benefit from Concordia’s strengths in cybersecurity research carried out through the Security Research Centre and other research groups at the Gina Cody School. Ongoing projects emphasize such topics as critical infrastructure protection, AI-enabled cyber defence and national security.
“Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue. It is a societal one,” says Mourad Debbabi, dean of the Gina Cody School. “These programs reflect our commitment to training graduates who can protect critical infrastructure, support national security and help Canada respond to evolving cyber threats.”
Learn more about Concordia’s new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Bachelor of Engineering in Cybersecurity.
