Frequently Asked Questions - Information Security Graduate Program

The Fall 2024 admission cycle is now open

Fall is the only semester we offer admission for presently, we do not offer admission to the Winter, Spring, or Summer semesters.

• You can access the portal by clicking the “online application” link found under step 3 of “Start your application” on the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Apply Page.
  • Note: you require an eID account to complete the application.
• After you’ve submitted an application, you can upload your unofficial transcripts, Proof of Program Prerequisites, and your CV/resume through your Student Centre.
  • Please do not provide us with any application related documents via email unless explicitly requested by the program.

See the rest of our Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

The application's "To Do" list is automatically populated within the application portal, which can lead to concern over "To Do" lists items being outstanding, but that the program itself does not require.

The following items may populate but are not required by applicants until they have been offered admission:

• Official Transcripts (see our section on transcripts below for more information)
• Proof of Canadian citizenship
• Proof of Permanent Residency
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• References (if you choose not to submit them)

If the Admissions Committee requires additional material from you regarding your admissibility, you will be contacted at the email address supplied in your application.

The Master application will have an option to include References, but they are not required by the program, however, as the program is very popular it is advantageous to use all possible opportunities to highlight yourself as an applicant. 

References can be professional or academic.  

The reference section is done through an online form, not through the submission of independent letters. As the system will not allow the reference portion to be left blank, if you do not wish to include references, to get around this issue you’re welcome use prograd.science@ucalgary.ca and informationsecurity@ucalgary.ca as placeholders, and whatever text for the other required fields. The program will not be providing references, these requests will be archived and eventually removed from your To Do List. 

The laddering pathway sees students complete 3 separate credentials within our program, 1 Graduate Certificate at a time, and then the final Master Internship or Capstone. 

This option has been designed for those seeking:

• Part-Time studies
• At least initially, only 1 Graduate Certificate rather than our Master degree
• The option for extended breaks (multiple semesters) from study

This option does not work with the following:

• Full-Time studies
• Students seeking direct entry to the Master program
• Most immigration requirements e.g. for Post-Graduate Work Permits

Fall 2023

ISEC 601 - Applied Cryptography (September)

ISEC 603 - Network Security (October)

ISEC 621 - Ethical Hacking Lab (November)

ISEC 631 - Privacy by Design Lab (December)

Winter 2024

ISEC 611 - Private Data Management (January)

ISEC 643 - Policies, Standards & Programs (February)

ISEC 651 - Topics in Security and Privacy (March)

ISEC 641 - Governance & Risk Management (April)

Please note that we anticipate offering the same courses, but the exact schedule is subject to change each academic year. 

Each course consists of lab and in-class lecture components. "In-class" lectures make up 1 week of each month’s class, students will then have course work assigned to them that will be due at the end of the month the class was taught in (e.g. ISEC 601’s class will run  from Sept 11 to Sept 15 from 9am - 5pm, and will have additional course work due for submission on September 30). 

For questions surrounding courses and timings, please e-mail prograd.science@ucalgary.ca and we will be able to assist you.

FALL 2023 and WINTER 2024

All ISEC courses are currently scheduled to occur in-person at the University of Calgary main campus for our Fall 2023-Winter 2024 cohort. 

The Information Security and Privacy graduate program's ISEC 600-level courses are available exclusively to students who are actively enrolled in the Information Security and Privacy graduate program.

While we appreciate the continued interest we receive from those not actively enrolled in our program, we are not able to accommodate requests to register in, audit, or otherwise attend our courses. This restriction includes but is not limited to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Calgary or any outside institution, Open Studies students, Visiting Students, alumni or staff.

Current tuition costs are listed here in CAD $, on the Program Specific Fees page, under Faculty of Science. Students can find the latest fee information available here: General Fees. Please note that tuition is subject to change per the Faculty of Graduate Studies guidelines and regulations. If there are discrepancies between the FAQ page and the University Calendar, please use the University Calendar for reference.

A student enrolled in 4 courses per semester would be able to complete either the Data Privacy or Network Security Graduate Certificate in 2 semesters (8 months) or our Master in 3 semesters (12 months). 

The laddering pathway is not 1 program, but rather 3 separate credentials within our program, 2 Graduate Certificates, and 1 Master Internship or Capstone. 

Students can pursue this graduate program on a part-time basis and have a maximum of 4 years to complete the Master of Information Security & Privacy degree. 

Students can pursue this graduate program on a part-time basis and have a maximum of 3 years to complete the Data Privacy graduate certificate. 

Students can pursue this graduate program on a part-time basis and have a maximum of 3 years to complete the Network Security graduate certificate

Federal legislation stipulates that only certified consultants may offer advice about immigration issues. Students who have been accepted to the University of Calgary will have access to International Student Services (ISS) at the University of Calgary, who are certified in this area. See the following websites for more details:

• Study permits
• Post-Graduate Work Permits
• Work permits

The Faculty of Graduate Studies maintains a scholarship database; eligibility is determined by the applicant. 

• You can search for scholarships for “Information Security and Privacy” and include your citizenship, and registration status, a list will populate. 

• Please note that most scholarships listed here are exclusively available to Master students (not our Graduate Certificate). 

• The Graduate Awards office advises that students in course-based programs such as ours are unlikely to receive funding through the Graduate Award Competition (GAC) -- these awards are primarily given to students in thesis-based programs -- only exceptional applicants should commit to the lengthy process of submitting a GAC application. 

We will be offering a "Master of Information Security and Privacy", not a Master of Science degree. Our Master degree is a professional, course-based graduate-level credential. 

Our program has been designed to provide technical expertise at a fast-pace to allow our program’s alumni to either elevate their career, or take it in a new trajectory. 

We do not offer a thesis-based program, and our degree will not continue to a PhD-level. 

We’ve laid out our program’s minimum requirements below, and please see our Self-Assessment tool for a more in-depth look at how your profile fits within these parameters: 

The minimum requirements for admission to the Information Security programs are: 

• A minimum admission grade point average of 3.00 on a four-point scale or equivalent, calculated on the last 60 units (20 half-course equivalents) completed in your 4-year Bachelor’s degree 
  • Please note that the GPA from graduate degrees is not included. 
• Successful completion of the following courses at a post-secondary level, with at least a “B” grade or equivalent in each of the following computer science areas: 
  • Computer programming (e.g., CPSC 233) 
  • Algorithms and data structures (e.g., CPSC 331) 
  • Either Operating systems (e.g., CPSC 457); OR Computer networks (e.g., CPSC 441) 
• Demonstration of English Language Proficiency (ELP)  
  • Please note: If your degree is from an institution that instructed in English, the ELP requirement is waived.  
  • View English Language Proficiency requirements here in the University of Calgary calendar: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications.  Also, for information on how to submit your scores please view information on "Submitting Official Proof of English Language Proficiency & other Test Scores" (found on the Graduate Science Centre website).

Outside North America: find the grade equivalency and minimum GPA requirement for your country here.

North American institutions: we are generally seeking a "B" average for a letter score, or 72% as a percentage. 

Please note:

• Do not attempt to convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale.
• If you possess any graduate-level degrees, e.g. Master/PhD etc. these are not included as part of your GPA calculation. 
• Transcripts frequently include an institution's grading scale, that is the one that the University of Calgary will use. If your institution's grading scale is not included on your transcripts, it is helpful to include the Grading Scale as part of the document you upload.

If you hold a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree from an institution that instructs in English, the proof of English Language Proficiency required is waived, and we ask that no test results be provided.

If your previous post-secondary education was taught in a different language, proof of English Language Proficiency is required. 

View English Language Proficiency requirements here in the University of Calgary calendar: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications.  Also, for information on how to submit your scores please view information on "Submitting Official Proof of English Language Proficiency & other Test Scores" (found on the Graduate Science Centre website).

Applicants to the Master program will be asked to provide two references.

• Program specific: Please note that the Graduate Certificate do not have the option to include references.
• Format: References are completed through an online form that is generated as part of your application, not through the submission of independent letters.
• Who to use: References can be professional or academic: we recommend choosing someone who can best speak to your strengths and recent accomplishments in relation to the program. The Faculty of Graduate Studies provides recommendations on how to secure a strong reference here.
• Deadline: References must be submitted by the application deadline to ensure they are considered; references submitted after the application deadline may potentially be considered but this cannot be guaranteed. 
• Whether to complete: As a highly competitive program, with many qualified applicants, we strongly recommend you complete this portion of the application.
  • Each aspect of the application should be seen as a way to demonstrate an applicant’s aptitude for the program.
  • If you do not wish to include references, because the reference portion cannot be left blank you will still need to complete the fields.

Yes you can take courses outside your bachelor degree to meet the program prerequisites. If you are missing any of the prerequisites you could take other prerequisites, provided they meet the following criteria:

• They are from an accredited institution or learning resource
• The course is evaluated/graded in some way 
• You can produce a certificate or transcript that documents your completion and grade for the course
• Students are required to have at least a “B” grade, or equivalent, to meet the minimum requirements.

Below are examples of appropriate prerequisites from our institution:

Computer Programming:

• CPSC 217 - Introduction to Computer Science for Multidisciplinary Studies I, 
• CPSC 219 - Introduction to Computer Science for Multidisciplinary Studies II, 
• CPSC 231 - Introduction to Computer Science for Computer Science Majors I

Algorithms and Data Structures:

• CPSC 319 - Data Structures, Algorithms, and Their Applications

Either Operating Systems:

• CPSC 457 – Principles of Operating Systems

OR Computer Networks:

• CPSC 441 – Computer Networks

If you would like to take courses outside those listed above, please ensure they meet the following requirements:

• The learning outcomes are similar to those listed as appropriate examples
• It is from an accredited institution or learning resource
• The course is evaluated/graded in some way 
• You can produce a transcript that documents your completion and grade for the course
• Minimum of 30 hours in length
• Students are required to have at least a “B” grade, or equivalent, to meet the minimum requirements

Questions? Email prograd.science@ucalgary.ca and someone will be able to assist you.

No, this is not a requirement of our program and not accepted.

Unofficial transcripts, the term for those transcripts uploaded through their Student Centre, by the student, will be used to evaluate an application for admission.

Until an offer of admission is provided, only unofficial transcripts (NOT official) are required for an application to be considered complete and ready for assessment.

• Please do not request to have your official transcripts sent until you are requested to do so as part of an unofficial offer of admission provided to you via email by the program.
• After you’ve submitted an application you can upload your unofficial transcripts, proof of prerequisite completion, and your CV/resume through your Student Centre. 

Transcripts frequently include an institution's grading scale, that is the one that the University of Calgary will use. If your institution's grading scale is not included on your transcripts, it is helpful to include the Grading Scale as part of the document you upload.

Please note: for any official transcripts where a degree was awarded, to be considered "complete" the transcripts need to state that the degree was awarded, or the degree itself also needs to be provided.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND PROOF OF DEGREE UNTIL AN OFFER OF ADMISSION HAS BEEN PROVIDED VIA EMAIL. 

Until an offer of admission is provided, only unofficial transcripts (NOT official) are required for an application to be considered complete and ready for assessment. 

"Official transcripts" are those received by the University of Calgary directly from the issuing institution. Please utilize the option of submitting your transcripts electronically if possible. Instructions for delivery methods are below.

VIA EMAIL from ISSUING INSTITUTION:

• Transcripts must come directly from the issuing institution’s appropriate transcript distribution email address (e.g. Registrar Office, Transcript Office).
• Indian transcripts and degrees may be requested via The National Academy Depository (NAD).
• All emails must be sent to gradtranscripts@ucalgary.ca.
• Please be aware that documents sent by students or faculty members cannot be accepted as “official”.
• If possible, please request to have your files sent electronically rather than through the post.

VIA EMAIL from PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS*:

• Important: This option is recommended only if one of the organizations listed is already in possession of your transcripts; we do not require an assessment.
• In light of the difficulties international students may encounter obtaining official transcripts, the Faculty of Graduate Studies will accept transcripts as official if they are sent directly from one of the following professional organizations*:
  • Alberta Education
  • Medical Council of Canada Archive
  • International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
• Emails must be sent to gradtranscripts@ucalgary.ca.

VIA POST from ISSUING INSTITUTION:

• While the electronic method should always be utilized if possible, we understand that some institutions may not be able to offer this service.
• Official transcripts are to be sent in a sealed envelope directly to the program by the issuing institution.
• Mailing Address:

Faculty of Graduate Studies, ES 1010
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Canada

Please note: we do not accept transcripts through WES, or any other method/organization besides those listed above. 

The intention is for all Masters students to complete a 200-hour professional internship (in industry), but under certain circumstances students may complete a research internship, which will be based on campus, in lieu of one in a professional environment. The internship will be worth 6 credits. It is the program’s role to help ensure that students have opportunities to apply for.

The program has a dedicated internship coordinator to facilitate industry connections and assist in the placement of our students with appropriate industry partners, however the students will be required to apply for the position they are seeking and will need to interview to confirm the placement.

Capstone projects could be on campus or off-site.  

Internships can take place at a workplace site or in some instances, on campus for research-based internships.

All students are free to choose between the capstone project or internship.  

The internship or capstone course commences after 8 courses are completed, usually between May to mid-August

No, there are no additional or specific fees for taking the internship course.  

Please note graduate general fees and program tuition may be subject to change per the Faculty of Graduate Studies policies and regulations. Students can find the latest fee structure associated with the graduate program here.

Only ISEC students (at the Master's level) successfully admitted into the program are eligible to register for the capstone/research course (ISEC 681) or internship course (ISEC 691). Currently, the internship coordinator will register students for either ISE 681 or ISEC 691.

These are typically only 2 course offerings for ISEC 681 and ISEC 691 available in the spring and summer each year. 

A certificate or masters in Information Security and Privacy can work within the Canada-Alberta Job Grant model if the employer and employee meet the criteria as set out in the Canada-Alberta Job Grant Applicant Guide. 

For Employers and Students:

Please email science.internship@ucalgary.ca and our Graduate Program Internship Coordinator will be able to assist you further.