Information Technology Security (Master's Program)

The master's program in Information Technology Security is one of the first of its kind in Canada and one of few specialized IT security graduate degree programs available in the world.

The Master of Information Technology Security (MITS) program is a graduate professional program that prepares individuals to work in the high-demand IT security industry. The program adopts a project method that provides students with the experience to apply core course materials to a substantial project in the workplace during the latter part of the program.

The MITS program is one of the first of its kind in Canada and one of few specialized IT security graduate degree programs available in the world. Through theory and applied learning, the program enables students to develop an extensive understanding of business and information technology security, polish communication skills and examine business and IT ethics in a team environment.

To achieve the objectives of the program and to enhance students' learning experience, it is important for the program to provide students with the necessary hands-on skills and knowledge. 

The Faculty of Business and Information Technology provides a Hacker Research Lab to enhance the curriculum of the MITS program. This lab facility hosts an array of network settings and consists of a variety of network equipment and wireless devices in a secure setting. It offers students a secluded environment within which to work on various IT security projects and experiments.

The MITS curriculum contains the domains found in the Certified Information Systems Security Profession (CISSP) exam. The curriculum also provides students with the opportunity to apply core course concepts to a substantial project in the workplace. 

This plan of study introduces students to the fundamental knowledge of the ever-changing IT security field. MITS graduates will not only be able to understand and apply the best of current practice but will also be able to act as managers of transformation to improve that practice as the field evolves. MITS graduates are prepared to work in different levels as IT security professionals.

Fields:

MITS students have the option to study the field of Artificial Intelligence in Security within the program. This professional stream is the first of its kind in Canada and combines a deep knowledge of IT Security with hands-on knowledge of artificial intelligence systems and machine learning, and provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the applications of this technology. Graduates of this program can seek employment in the growing artificial intelligence industry as well as IT security firms.

Admissions:

• While applicants may hold any four-year honours undergraduate degree (or its equivalent from a recognized institution), preference is given to applicants whose undergraduate degree is in the field of information technology, engineering, science or related fields.
• Minimum overall academic standing of a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent), with a minimum B average in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent.
• Successful completion of at least one course in advanced programming (e.g., Java/C/C++/C#) and advanced mathematics (e.g., linear algebra, calculus, number theory, etc.), and at least one course or proven work experience in operating systems (Windows and/or Unix or Linux).
• Work experience in IT-related jobs is preferred.
• Direct entry (college pathways):
• Graduates of the graduate certificate program in Information System Security (GC-ISS) at Durham College will be considered for admission under the following conditions:
• Completion of the GC-ISS program at Durham College with a minimum GPA of B+ (3.3 on a 4.3 scale). 
• Must have also completed a three-year college advanced diploma program in a relevant field such as computer technology or information science with a GPA of B+ or higher. This program should include courses in programming, operating systems and college-level mathematics.
• Two letters of reference from employers and two letters of reference from instructors in the GC-ISS program.
• At least three years of technical work experience in the field of information technology, computer systems or programming.