TORONTO, ONTARIO – Building on the historic launch of its first-ever Master’s degree, Humber Polytechnic is introducing the new Master of Computer Science in Cybersecurity Operations and Management.
Designed in collaboration with industry partners, the program addresses some of today’s most urgent challenges: a global cybersecurity workforce shortage projected to exceed 3.5 million unfilled positions. As digital threats grow in complexity, Humber’s new credential will empower graduates to secure critical systems, safeguard sensitive data, and lead with confidence in an increasingly connected world.
Unlike traditional graduate programs, Humber’s applied model ensures research and scholarship are grounded in real-world challenges. The curriculum integrates advanced technical training with strategic leadership development, offering coursework and projects in areas such as advanced network security, secure software development, post-quantum cryptography, cloud security architectures, and privacy engineering.
Scheduled to launch in May 2026, the two-year, four-semester program culminates in a capstone Applied Research Industry Project. Over the course of more than 300 hours, students will work alongside industry mentors and faculty advisors to tackle real cybersecurity challenges facing sectors from financial services and healthcare to energy, government, and telecommunications.
Students will learn at Humber’s Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation, home to a state-of-the-art Digital Technology Hub featuring a dedicated data centre, cyber range capabilities, and specialized penetration equipment. These facilities serve as a collaborative space where students, faculty, staff, and industry experts converge to design, test, and implement solutions to real-world cybersecurity threats.
By combining technical mastery with business acumen, the program prepares graduates for diverse roles – from security analyst and incident response specialist to senior positions such as cybersecurity architect, consultant, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Graduates will be ready to make an immediate impact in the workforce while shaping the future of cybersecurity leadership in Canada and beyond.
Visit Humber's Master of Computer Science in Cybersecurity Operations and Management webpage for more information.
QUOTES:
“Now more than ever, it is vital that Ontario has a robust workforce of cybersecurity professionals, and that starts in the classroom. With the launch of their Master of Computer Science in Cybersecurity Operations and Management, Humber Polytechnic is ensuring that students get the world-class education and hands-on skills they need to protect Ontario’s digital infrastructure.”
- Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
“Humber is committed to tackling Canada’s productivity crisis by building our nation’s cybersecurity leadership, ensuring organizations can operate securely, safeguard innovation, and ensure the resilience of our economy. This innovative credential further establishes Humber as a national leader in applied graduate education and marks another milestone in the Ontario government’s initiative to allow colleges and polytechnics to deliver Master’s level education in specialized and high-demand fields of study.”
- Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO, Humber Polytechnic
“Humber Polytechnic’s new Master of Computer Science in Cybersecurity Operations and Management is an important development for the cybersecurity industry in Canada. This program will develop the highly skilled talent needed to strengthen the cyber resilience of Canadian organizations through the development of specialized skills. I’m excited to see its impact and continue my collaboration with Humber.”
- Imran Ahmad, Partner & Co-Head of Cybersecurity and Privacy at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LPP
"Cybersecurity threats are escalating in both scale and sophistication, and Canada urgently needs professionals who can bring both technical expertise and strategic leadership skills. Humber’s new applied Master’s program answers that call at a critical moment.”
- David J. Smith, former Cybersecurity executive, Program Advisory Committee Chairperson
"As the host of a cybersecurity podcast, I'm constantly doing stories about the need for a closer connection between business leadership and cybersecurity. Humber Polytechnic’s program offers a unique opportunity to develop the business savvy cyber professionals we so desperately need."
- Jim Love, Host of Cybersecurity Today Podcast
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About Humber Polytechnic
Humber is Canada’s competitive advantage. Like the world around us, we’re constantly in motion, creating a new expectation for education, while helping solve Canada’s wicked productivity problem. More than just a place to learn, it’s a place to belong. Offering the largest depth and breadth of programming to more than 76,000 learners, Humber is pioneering innovative and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning. With the support of our deep-rooted industry connections, dedicated faculty, and amazing staff, at Humber, we build brilliance every single day. Visit humber.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Chad Derrick
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist
Humber Polytechnic
chad.derrick@humber.ca / 416-729-8940