Master of Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence (MCTI)

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing career fields around the world. As canada's only one-year master cybersecurity program that focuses on threat intelligence (mcti), the university of guelph will help create the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 

Located adjacent to Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT) and only a one hour drive from Toronto, our in-person program strongly connects to local industry and career opportunities. Graduates of the master's program will become leaders in security analysis and design, threat intelligence, penetration testing and malware analytics, cryptography engineering and digital forensics.

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields around the world. Threats to public safety are evolving at a rapid rate with the expansion of technology, networks and devices in existence and coming to market.

Fill the Talent Gap

• Our graduates are equipped to help close the significant gap between skilled cybersecurity professionals and the need for this expertise.

Relevant Topic Areas

• Topic areas include: Threat Intelligence, Security Architecture, Cryptography, Public Safety, Digital Forensics, Attacks and Defence. Artificial Intelligence, Privacy.

Part-time and full-time courseload

• Complete the program in as little as one year, or up to two, providing flexibility for your career pathway in Canada.

Why a degree in cybersecurity?

• MCTI graduates enter exciting careers, growing an area that is advancing research and playing a major role in industry and consumer products around the world. 

Here are just a few careers our alumni choose to Improve Life:

• Security Architect
• Security Engineers
• Security Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Forensic Analyst
• System Administrator
• Cybersecurity Consultant
• Vulnerability Analyst

Degree Details

• The MCTI program is a full-time, one-year, course-based program (3 semesters, or 12 months). Alternatively, a part-time enrolment is typically two years to complete the requirements. Students will complete eight courses covering key topics in the cybersecurity field.
• Students will also have the opportunity to apply for competitive independent project opportunities. In these projects, students will produce an evidence-based solution to a complex cybersecurity problem in partnership with an industry or academic expert.

State-of-the-art learning environment

• The University of Guelph has invested over $4M in a new state-of-the-art research, teaching and cybersecurity innovation facility. The 4,000-square foot facility opened in January 2023. It offers dedicated space to equip our Master's students with practical learning experiences in the classroom and collaborative work spaces.

Gain valuable experience through internships

• MCTI students will have the opportunity to apply for prestigious internships with many of our prominent industry partners. Research-oriented students will have the opportunity to work on a cutting edge cybersecurity research project with one of our world-renowned faculty members. Project placements are encouraged, but not guaranteed.
• Depending on your cohort, students will complete industry or research projects in either the summer or fall semester.

What you will learn - course outline

• CIS 6510 (0.50) Cybersecurity and Defense in Depth
• CIS 6520 (0.50) Advanced Digital Forensics and Incident Response
• CIS 6530 (0.50) Cyber Threat Intelligence and Adversarial Risk Analysis
• CIS 6540 (0.50) Advanced Penetration Testing and Exploit Development
• CIS 6550 (0.50) Privacy, Compliance, and Human Aspects of Cybersecurity
• CIS 6570 (0.50) Advanced Cryptography and Cryptanalysis
• CIS 6580 (0.50) Security Monitoring and Cyber Threat Hunting
• CIS 6590 (0.50) Professional Seminar in Cybersecurity
• CIS 6670 (0.50) Special Topics in Cybersecurity