BACHELOR of PUBLIC SAFETY and JUSTICE
CYBERSECURITY STUDIES MINOR
Identity theft, digital fraud, cyberattacks on emergency services—these threats don’t just target businesses; they endanger public safety. As technology continues to evolve, so does the need for professionals who can protect vital systems and uphold the law in a connected world.
In this interdisciplinary minor, you explore how cybercrime intersects with policing, law and community protection. You learn to identify risks, investigate digital evidence and protect individuals, organizations and communities from online threats.
Why take this minor?
Cybercrime is one of the fastest‐growing areas of criminal activity worldwide. From ransomware attacks on hospitals and critical infrastructure to online scams that target vulnerable populations, public safety now depends on strong cybersecurity practices.
This minor prepares you to understand how digital threats affect policing, legal systems and the protection of individuals and organizations. You gain the technical, ethical and investigative knowledge needed to respond to cyber incidents, assess risks and help prevent future attacks.
What to expect
You start by building a foundation in information security and cyber risk management. You learn to protect data, evaluate vulnerabilities and understand the legal frameworks that guide cybersecurity in Canada.
Through courses in cybersecurity investigations, digital forensics and sustainable business, you explore how technology and human behaviour shape online security. You gain experience examining real‐world cases, assessing ethical dilemmas and applying investigative strategies that align with justice system standards. You also develop an understanding of accounting and business fundamentals—skills that help you interpret financial data, follow digital money trails and understand how organizations manage risk.
When you complete the minor, you can clearly communicate technical findings to legal professionals, decision‐makers and the public to support safer, more resilient communities.
Your future
When you choose the cybersecurity studies minor, the skills you develop help you protect critical information and maintain public trust. Your ability to prevent, detect and respond to digital threats makes you a valuable asset in any organization.
When you choose a minor in cybersecurity studies, you learn to do the following:
- Understand cybercrime laws, regulations and legal procedures.
- Recognize and assess cyber threats to public safety.
- Identify ethical dilemmas in digital investigations.
- Protect personal, organizational and government data.
- Apply investigative methods to digital evidence.
- Communicate findings to justice and public safety professionals.
- Evaluate cybersecurity practices within justice and community contexts.
- Promote responsible and ethical use of technology.
When you graduate with a cybersecurity studies minor, you can work in government agencies, law and regulatory environments, educational institutions, health care, non‐profit organizations and the private sector in areas such as these:
- digital forensics and investigations
- cybercrime research and analysis
- cybersecurity education and awareness
- information security and data protection
- investigation and enforcement support
- records management and privacy
- crime prevention and risk reduction
- fraud prevention and victim services
- technology coordination and systems support
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 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
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS): expert advice, guidance, services and support on cybersecurity for Canadians
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-FACULTY MINOR | Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice
This program of study is open to students in the Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice. 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 your minor.
