The Davis Centre building (DC) on Waterloo's main campus
Address complex challenges in digital security, data protection, and privacy.
Combining expertise in cryptography, software and systems security, and privacy, the Master of Cybersecurity and Privacy program emphasizes practical applications and real-world problem-solving. You'll gain valuable industry experience and develop the skills needed for careers in cybersecurity across industry and the public sector.
Program highlights
- Gain real-world, hands-on experience with paid co-op placements, giving you a competitive edge.
- Opportunities to engage with cybersecurity professionals in industry or the public sector through work-integrated learning.
Program overview
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Master's, Co-operative, Professional
Length of program: 20 months (full-time with 2 work terms), 16 months (one work term only)
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Coursework
Application deadlines
- February 1(for admission in September of the following year)
Key contacts
Please note
The University of Waterloo is now accepting applications for this program but processing of these applications and admission of students will not occur until the program is approved by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance (Quality Council). The University will acknowledge and store applications, but will be unable to evaluate or act on them in any way until the program has been formally approved by the Quality Council. In the unlikely case that the program is not approved, the application fee will be refunded.
Please contact the Math Graduate Office for more information.
Admission requirements
- An honours bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science, mathematics or a related field with at least a 78% standing.
- Experience or background knowledge in at least one of: Operating Systems, Distributed Systems, Cryptographic Implementation and Deployment, and/or Networking and Computer Programming.
Note: Applicants who meet the above admission conditions and who have completed an undergraduate degree that included either a co-op or internship experience related to cybersecurity and privacy, or who have Canadian industry experience related to cybersecurity and privacy can apply to transfer to the non-co-op version of the program. The transfer must be approved by the Program Director and must take place in term 1 before the student is matriculated (made active in their program).
Degree requirements
- Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
Application materials
- Resume
- Statement of interest
- Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
- Program-specific questions (PSQ)
- These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application.
- References
- Three references are required; at least two academic.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
- TOEFL 5 (writing 4.5, speaking 4), IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.5)
Tuition and fees
- Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
- Review living costs and housing.
- Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.