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Master of Computer Science - Cybersecurity Operations and Management

Humber Polytechnic’s First Master’s Degree

Program code: TBD

Be part of something groundbreaking.

Humber's new Master of Computer Science - Cybersecurity Operations and Management program bridges a critical gap in the cybersecurity industry by developing leaders who possess both advanced technical expertise and strategic management capabilities.

As Ontario's first applied master's degree in this specialized field, this program represents a pioneering approach to graduate education in high-demand disciplines. What distinguishes Humber's applied master's model is its commitment to industry-integrated learning: all research and scholarly activities directly address real-world cybersecurity challenges facing organizations today.

Developed through extensive collaboration with industry leaders, the curriculum seamlessly integrates technical mastery with strategic leadership. Core courses span integrated infrastructure cybersecurity, advanced network security, secure software development, post-quantum cryptography, ethics and governance frameworks, privacy engineering, and cloud security architectures. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are equipped to navigate both current threats and emerging challenges in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Students benefit from access to Humber Polytechnic's cutting-edge Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI), a hub of technological advancement and applied research.

Within the Barrett CTI, the Digital Technology Hub serves as a collaborative nexus where students, faculty, and industry experts converge to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges. This advanced facility features enterprise-grade infrastructure including a dedicated data centre, cyber range capabilities, and specialized penetration testing equipment. Here, students work directly with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profit organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture against evolving threats.

These facilities provide an authentic learning environment where theoretical knowledge transforms into practical solutions, preparing graduates to lead cybersecurity initiatives in complex organizational settings.

Program Highlights

  • Ontario’s first applied master’s in cybersecurity
  • Industry-driven curriculum blending tech and strategy
  • Hands-on training at Barrett CTI cyber labs
  • 300+ hour real-world capstone project
  • Prepares for roles from analyst to CISO

Sample Project Areas

Driving secure, resilient, and innovative solutions across industries. 

  • Fortifying the Grid
  • Bank-Grade Armor
  • Guardians of Health Data
  • Securing Industry 4.0
  • Retail Lockdown
  • Powering Up Protection
  • Digital Shield for Democracy

Experiential Learning

The program culminates in a comprehensive industry applied research project spanning the entire fourth semester, providing at least 300 hours of hands-on experience solving authentic cybersecurity challenges. Working closely with industry mentors and faculty advisors, you will tackle complex problems facing real organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to community agencies.

Sample project areas include:

  • Integrated Security Solutions for Critical Infrastructure: Design comprehensive security architectures for essential services including power grids, nuclear facilities, water treatment systems, and telecommunications networks against sophisticated multi-vector attacks
  • Financial Services Security Frameworks: Develop advanced fraud detection systems, secure payment processing architectures, and regulatory compliance solutions for banks, fintech companies, and cryptocurrency exchanges
  • Healthcare Data Protection Systems: Create privacy-preserving frameworks for electronic health records, medical device security, and compliant data sharing across healthcare networks
  • Smart Manufacturing and Supply Chain Security: Build blockchain-based tracking and IoT-enabled monitoring solutions for Industry 4.0 environments, including automotive production, aerospace manufacturing, and nuclear fuel supply chains
  • Retail and E-commerce Security Solutions: Design secure payment systems, customer data protection frameworks, and anti-fraud mechanisms for omnichannel retail operations
  • Clean Energy and Smart Grid Protection: Develop specialized security frameworks for renewable energy infrastructure, smart meters, and distributed energy resources, addressing unique operational technology challenges
  • Government and Public Sector Cybersecurity: Create risk assessment tools, citizen data protection systems, and secure digital service delivery platforms for municipal, provincial, and federal agencies

This capstone experience synthesizes technical knowledge with strategic thinking, producing actionable solutions that demonstrate your readiness for cybersecurity leadership across all major economic sectors. Whether your interests lie in protecting critical energy infrastructure, securing financial transactions, safeguarding healthcare data, or defending government systems, you'll gain hands-on experience addressing real challenges in your chosen field.

Your Career

The global cybersecurity workforce gap is projected to exceed 3.5 million unfilled positions, creating unprecedented opportunities for qualified professionals at all career stages. In response to this critical shortage, Humber Polytechnic has developed a comprehensive cybersecurity education ecosystem, with the Master of Computer Science - Cybersecurity Operations and Management preparing you for immediate impact and long-term leadership growth.

This program uniquely positions you for success whether you're entering the field or advancing your career. Recent graduates gain the technical depth and organizational understanding to excel in roles such as Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Cloud Security Specialist, or Incident Response Specialist—while simultaneously developing the strategic perspective that accelerates career progression. The combination of advanced technical skills and management fundamentals means you'll contribute meaningfully from day one while being prepared for rapid advancement.

For those with industry experience, the program provides the framework to transition into senior roles such as Security Architect, Cybersecurity Consultant, or eventually Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). However, the real value lies in understanding cybersecurity from both operational and strategic perspectives. This is the knowledge that proves invaluable at any career level.

Your comprehensive skill set, spanning technical implementation, risk assessment, compliance frameworks, and strategic planning, makes you attractive to organizations across diverse sectors including financial services, healthcare systems, energy and utilities (particularly nuclear and renewable energy), technology companies, government agencies, telecommunications, manufacturing, and consulting firms. Whether you begin as a hands-on practitioner or step directly into management, you'll possess the rare combination of technical credibility and business acumen that distinguishes tomorrow's cybersecurity leaders.

The program's emphasis on both immediate applicability and long-term leadership development ensures you're not just qualified for today's roles but equipped to shape the future of organizational cybersecurity as your career evolves.

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be for a May 2026


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Contact

Francis Syms
Associate Dean
Information & Communication Technology
francis.syms@humber.ca