The demand for specialized information security workers is on the rise, and the future indicates that this field will continue to grow. To help prepare professionals for this burgeoning field, Niagara University in Ontario is establishing pathway partnerships to allow students who have completed four-year degrees at several Ontario colleges to transfer credits into its master’s degree program in information security and digital forensics.
The M.S. in Information Security and Digital Forensics, a full-time program which is offered at Niagara University in Vaughan under consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities, provides students with rigorous, advanced study in the areas of cybersecurity and digital forensics, utilizing professional applications in computer and mobile forensics. Hands-on training gives students a technical understanding of network security, ethical hacking, and privacy.
Articulation agreements for the graduate program have been signed with Centennial College, Conestoga College, Sheridan College, and Seneca College. These agreements, which remain in effect until Sept. 1, 2025, recognize the academic preparation students receive in their college degrees, allowing graduates from specific degree programs at these partner colleges to build on their existing credentials and experience through a pathway to the M.S. in Information Security and Digital Forensics program offered by Niagara University in Vaughan.
“These articulation agreements make Niagara University’s exceptional academic programs available to a larger number of students in Ontario and give them a comprehensive and seamless pathway to completion of a master’s degree,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president. “Our graduate programs prepare students for leadership positions in the global marketplace and are aligned with the opportunities that are available regionally and nationally.”
“These agreements support an area of focus at Niagara University, which is to build partnerships to provide access to our programming,” said Dr. Vince Rinaldo, Niagara University's vice president of Ontario administration. “The alignment between Niagara University and Ontario colleges with respect to a student-focused academic approach presented a natural opportunity for Ontario college students to explore graduate studies.”
Niagara’s programs provide students with small class sizes, flexible schedules, a highly collaborative and experiential learning environment, and optional co-op and internship opportunities. Courses are offered by highly qualified faculty with industry experience and can be completed over four full-time semesters, with courses scheduled on evenings and weekends for the convenience of working professionals.
In January 2019, Niagara University began offering classes in its permanent location in the Vaughan Metropolitan Center, building upon the university’s more than 35-year legacy in the region. In addition to the MBA, the M.S. in Educational Leadership and the M.S. in Finance programs, a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Education which is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers is also offered at the site.