BACHELOR of COMMERCE
CYBERSECURITY STUDIES MINOR
Identity theft, data breaches, compromised elections, unregulated use of artificial intelligence—these challenges are transforming the business landscape, and cybersecurity must evolve to meet them. That’s where you come in.
As a cybersecurity specialist, you understand these critical issues and the need to protect sensitive information in the digital marketplace. In this interdisciplinary minor, you explore how cybercrime affects organizations, impacts economic stability and threatens business success.
Why take this minor?
Between 2018 and 2022, cybercrime more than doubled in Canada (Statistics Canada). In response, businesses and organizations are looking for experts to keep them safe from cyber attacks. This minor prepares you to safeguard sensitive information and defend against digital threats in the business world.
What to expect
In this minor, you start by learning the basics of information security. This foundational knowledge helps you develop skills to protect personal and professional data while managing cyber risks. You take courses that showcase the importance of cybersecurity across business sectors and the strategies required to keep sensitive information safe.
As you dive into topics such as threat analysis, risk assessment, encryption and AI-assisted investigations, you gain a strong understanding of the challenges organizations face in maintaining cybersecurity. You look closely at the legal, ethical and technical challenges professionals encounter. Enhance your knowledge with electives in accounting, computer science and criminology. You graduate skilled at communicating these key concepts to management and clients, helping them understand and implement essential cybersecurity practices.
Your future
As a cybersecurity professional, you contribute to your organization’s growth and prosperity. Because cybersecurity is integral to any organization’s day-to-day operations, you provide skills and knowledge that all employers value.
When you choose a minor in cybersecurity studies, you learn to:
- Understand cybercrime laws, regulations and legal procedures
- Identify ethical dilemmas
- Prioritize justice, privacy and digital security
- Conduct security audits
- Integrate investigative, legal and communication skills
- Gather and preserve evidence
- Ensure compliance with regulations
- Understand general business practices
When you graduate with a cybersecurity studies minor, you can find a job in private business, public institutions, government, not-for-profit organizations, hospitals, industry and consulting firms. Career options include:
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Information security manager
- Security consultant
- Risk and compliance analyst
- Security operations advisor
- Business continuity planner
- Cybersecurity auditor
- Cybercrime investigator
- Cyber project manager
- Data privacy officer
We recommend these resources to learn more about working in the cybersecurity field:
- Careers and Experience: Career counselling and support from MacEwan career development specialists
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS): Source of expert advice, guidance, services and support on cyber security for Canadians
- Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX): Cyber threat collaboration forum and source of cyber threat intelligence
- Canadian Cybersecurity Network: Cybersecurity professionals, focused on growing cybersecurity in a Canada wide collaboration of existing resources
- National Cybersecurity Consortium: Member-based organization with funding, networking and training support
The Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) has detailed occupational profiles, salary survey data, trend reports and assessment tools to help you choose and plan a career that matches your skills and interests.
Program of study
OUT-OF-SCHOOL MINOR | BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
This program of study is open to students in the Bachelor of Commerce. Courses for your minor are only one component of your degree. You must complete all courses and requirements outlined in the academic calendar for the year you declare or re-declare your major and minor or the year you are accepted into an Honours program.
