Please read all the application procedures carefully prior to commencing with your application. You may want to print a copy for your reference.
There are two program intakes per year. The SCIS Graduate office must receive all application materials by March 1 for admission to the program for Fall semester, and by October 1 for consideration to the program for the Winter semester.
Applications for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Information Security (GC InfoSec) Program are submitted online, including payment of the application fee.
IMPORTANT: If you have been a student at Athabasca University (AU) or have received an AU student ID number as part of a previous application:
- You must first login by clicking the Login link (left-hand side, under the General heading);
- Click on Graduate Application and complete the required steps;
- Be sure to select "Application for Graduate Certificate”
- Then select Major “Information Security".
- You will be required to pay the GC InfoSec Program Application fee.
Complete all components of the online GC InfoSec Program application. Each component must be finalized.
Track receipt of hardcopy documents and the status of your application online through the online Application Checklist. It is your responsibility to ensure that all components of your application package have been received by the application deadline. Allow sufficient time prior to the deadline for receipt of letters of reference, transcripts, credential assessments (if required), and CIPS ISP designation or equivalent.
Transcripts
Request that the institution you graduated from send an official transcript(s), including the date of graduation, the Bachelors degree granted, and any graduate-level courses you have completed to the GC InfoSec Office. Transcripts must be received directly from the accredited institution(s).
Assessments
Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside North America, documentation attesting to its equivalence to a North American baccalaureate is required. Such documentation can be provided through:
- NACES - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
Contact NACES at: naces@ierf.org- CICIC - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
- AACRAO - American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers.
Contact IES at: (202) 296-3359 or email: ies@aacrao.orgWhen requesting an assessment please select the assessment type that includes a description of course work that lists the courses completed towards credential if you would like to be considered for Advanced Standing.
Letters of Reference
All letters of reference must be sent directly to fst_grad_success@athabascau.ca as an attachment by the referees to the School of Computing and Information Systems. Athabasca University will not accept letters of reference not received directly from referees. Applicants may download the GC InfoSec Reference Template to send to the referees:
*It is the applicant's responsibility to notify his or her referees, that, in accordance with the Province of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the information contained in the letter of reference is not considered to be confidential and it may be viewed by the applicant upon request. For more information, contact us.
Please note that a student's application file will automatically go inactive 12 months after the initial application date, if the student does not proceed with the application process and/or there has not been any contact with the School of Computing and Information Systems.
Students, once admitted as program students, will be considered to have MSc IS program status. Where applicable, the following official documentation must be received before your application can be processed.
Ensure that all documentation is directed by mail or courier to:
Graduate Certificate in Information Security
School of Computing and Information Systems
Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
Canada
Note: All transcripts, references, test scores, and other documents become the property of Athabasca University and will not be returned to the applicants or forwarded to another program or institution.
Information effective September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.
Updated April 14 2021 by laurab
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