In the current national and geopolitical context, compounding factors underscore a growing concern for Canada’s cybersecurity. The cybersecurity risk Canadians face is increasing year over year, as more individuals and organizations move online and more public and private services are digitized. In tandem with this trend, the frequency and complexity of cyber threats are growing. Moreover, an increasing number and range of malicious cyber actors now have relatively easy access to exploitation tools and tradecraft to access networks and online information for purposes of intelligence, power, profit, or intimidation. It follows, then, that cyber incidents have and will continue to have an increased impact on Canadians and Canadian governments and businesses as operations and services are disrupted, privacy is breached, critical information is stolen, critical infrastructure is attacked, recovery costs soar and reputational damage is incurred.
The new Specialization in Cybersecurity builds on Carleton’s internationally-recognized excellence in the many and diverse facets of cybersecurity.
Working alongside professors from across the disciplines—including international affairs, critical infrastructure protection, computer engineering, computer science, and information technology—and with private and public sector cybersecurity stakeholders from across Canada, students participating in this Specialization will grapple with building stronger technological systems, processes, and platforms, and developing international norms, laws, and standards for cyberspace, and better consider the nexus between human rights, governance, security, and technology.
Career Potential
Students completing the collaborative Specialization in Cybersecurity will appreciate the science and the social science of cybersecurity, blending multidisciplinary knowledge of technology and engineering with law, governance, economics, and policymaking. Students will be exceptionally well-placed for a variety of careers across a number of fields, industries, and sectors, able to position themselves at the very nexus between technology and society.
Partnering Programs
Infrastructure Protection & International Security
Norman Paterson School of International Affairs
Systems and Computer Engineering
School of Information Technology
Degrees
Students will earn their degree in one of the academic disciplines listed above with a Specialization in Cybersecurity.
Application Process
Applicants do not apply directly to the Specialization. Instead, they apply to the primary program (see above) and, upon acceptance, express their interest in joining the Specialization.