York University Launches Advanced Cybersecurity Program to Meet Rising Demand

TORONTO – With cyber threats on the rise, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. In response to this growing demand, the York University School of Continuing Studies has announced the launch of its Advanced Post-Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations & Ethical Hacking, a full-time, two-year program designed to equip students with expertise in both defensive cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

Set to begin in September 2025, the program is now open for applications.

“As the world becomes more complex due to advancements in technologies, we are challenged to constantly acquire more competencies to manage the complexities of change and beat the threat actors at their own game,” said Claude K. Sam-Foh, a cybersecurity expert and instructor at the York University School of Continuing Studies.

Aiming to bridge the widening skills gap in the cybersecurity sector, the program offers hands-on training that mirrors real-world cybersecurity challenges. The cybersecurity market in Canada is projected to grow by 7.65% between 2025 and 2029, according to Statista, highlighting the urgent need for trained professionals in the field.

“Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue – it’s a critical business priority,” said Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, assistant vice-president of continuing studies at York University. “The School of Continuing Studies, for years, has been a leader in cybersecurity education and training with a mission to help Canada fill this critical skills gap.”

Comprehensive Training for a High-Demand Career

The program is designed to provide students with practical, industry-relevant skills. The curriculum, developed in collaboration with cybersecurity experts, includes training in:

• Threat Detection and Response – Identifying and mitigating security incidents.
• Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing – Learning to think like hackers to uncover vulnerabilities.
• Cybersecurity Tool Deployment – Gaining hands-on experience with security software and applications.
• Full-Scale Penetration Testing – Conducting vulnerability assessments and providing remediation strategies.

The program also includes a capstone project that allows students to apply their skills in a real-world cybersecurity scenario. Additionally, participants will receive access to CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+ learning materials and exam vouchers, as well as the TryHackMe Platform, a widely used hands-on cybersecurity training tool.

Preparing Graduates for the Workforce

The Advanced Post-Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations & Ethical Hacking is designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals with backgrounds in computer science, IT, or engineering. Upon completion, students will be prepared for roles such as cybersecurity analyst, junior penetration tester, and SOC analyst (Level 1 & 2).

The program is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort. For more information or to apply, visit the York University School of Continuing Studies website.

SOURCE York University School of Continuing Studies