Overview
This diploma in Industrial Network Cybersecurity will prepare graduates for entry level positions in this emerging occupation. This program focuses on preparing graduates to provide industrial networking and industrial network security for the operational technology on the plant side of an organization.
About the program
Students undertake a comprehensive study of industrial measurement and control technologies; computer information technologies; and networking, industrial networking and industrial network cybersecurity. A strong component of the program involves the development of relevant, practical skills by working with modern industrial equipment in well-equipped labs.
Many industrial organizations can be divided into two distinct entities – plant operations and business operations. Plant operations produces goods for consumption whereas business operations manages the financial well being of the organization. Business operations employs traditional information and networking technology to manage daily operations. Plant operations employs operational technology such as sensors, controllers, and final control elements to automate production of consumables. A cyberattack on the plant operations can be much more costly, irreversible, and detrimental to business continuity than a cyberattack on business operations. Hence the need for Industrial Network Cybersecurity.
The food we eat and water we drink, the petroleum products that fuel our cars and heat our homes, and the electricity that powers our modern society all rely on industrial control systems. The measurement and control devices that make-up an industrial control system are collectively known as operational technology. Today’s operational technology often employs embedded hardware and operating systems and Ethernet-based networking interfaces that make them susceptible to the same electronic attacks that plagues traditional information technology. This has created a significant need for, and shortage of, network security professionals that understand the unique computing and networking requirements of industrial control systems. Students will graduate with a solid foundation in industrial networking and industrial network cybersecurity.
Who it’s for
This program is intended for those who are interested in the development of relevant, practical skills by working with modern industrial equipment in well-equipped labs. Students in the program come from all walks of life. Some came directly from high school while others had jobs and were looking for a career change. But the things they had common were coding and an interest in computers and networking.
What grads can do
Industrial Network Cybersecurity graduates are expected to be employed in positions that support the networking and network security of operational technology and industrial networks. You might work in engineering consulting firms, manufacturing companies, energy management firms, food-and-beverage processing plants, technical sales and service, the natural resources, or the mining industry.
The diagram below illustrates where we intend to place graduates of the Industrial Network Cybersecurity program.
Studying Cybersecurity at BCIT provides students with strong hands-on experience and job skills as shown in this Cybersecurity at BCIT video.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis, as long as space remains.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 12 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
- Chemistry 11 (67%)
- Physics 11 (67%)
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Note: Applicants who are currently enrolled in the Technology Entry (TE) program may receive conditional acceptance, subject to successfully completing the program and any applicable entrance requirement courses.
Recommended for success
- Strong mathematic skills are required for success in this program. If you would like to upgrade your mathematic skills, or any of the entrance requirements listed above, you should consider taking the Technology Entry (TE) program.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another post-secondary school?
Transfer credit may be granted for courses completed at another post-secondary institution where the learning outcomes duplicate those of the BCIT course. The Industrial Network Cybersecurity program reserves the right to determine the granting of credit where appropriate. Please contact us for details.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) lets you use knowledge and skills learned outside recognized programs to gain exemption for particular courses in the Industrial Network Cybersecurity program. Please contact us for details.
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enroll in Computing, Engineering, Electronic, and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics, and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The TE program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through re-admission. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Submit the Technology Re-admission Form [PDF] with your application.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Level 1: $1500; Level 2: $500; Level 3: $500; Level 4: $500
Ownership of a laptop computer meeting or exceeding the advanced level in Student Technology Requirements - BCIT is highly recommended.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
8:30 to 5:30Program matrix
| Term 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACIT 1421 | Introduction to Windows PC Systems Administration for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 4.0 | |
| ACIT 1516 | Python Scripting for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 4.0 | |
| COMM 1130 | Technical Communications 1 for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 3.0 | |
| ELEX 1610 | Electrical Systems for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 5.0 | |
| INCS 1110 | Networking Fundamentals | 5.0 | |
| MATH 1600 | Technical Mathematics for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 6.0 | |
| Term 2A (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| ACIT 2421 | Linux System Administration for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 4.0 | |
| ELEX 2610 | Industrial Systems and Safety for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 4.0 | |
| ELEX 2620 | Engineering Fundamentals for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 4.0 | |
| INCS 2110 | Advanced Networking | 5.0 | |
| INCS 2610 | Programmable Logic Controllers | 4.0 | |
| MATH 2601 | Calculus for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 4.0 | |
| Term 2B (5 weeks) | Credits | ||
| INCS 2210 | Industrial Networking | 8.0 | |
| Term 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| ACIT 3421 | Windows Server Administration for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 4.0 | |
| ELEX 3610 | Process Measurement and Control Fundamentals for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 5.0 | |
| INCS 3310 | Industrial Network Security | 6.0 | |
| INCS 3320 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | 6.0 | |
| INCS 3610 | Embedded Systems | 4.0 | |
| Term 4A (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| ACIT 4421 | Virtualization and Database Systems for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 6.0 | |
| COMM 2130 | Technical Communication 2 for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 3.0 | |
| ELEX 4610 | Distributed Control and Safety Instrumented Systems for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 4.0 | |
| INCS 4310 | Cyber Operations | 6.0 | |
| INCS 4320 | ICS Cybersecurity Standards | 6.0 | |
| Term 4B (5 weeks) | Credits | ||
| COMM 2230 | Technical Communication 3 for Industrial Network Cybersecurity | 1.0 | |
| INCS 4810 | Culminating Project | 4.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 115.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
The Industrial Network Cybersecurity program is a full-time two year diploma that provides a solid, practical competence in industrial networking and industrial network cybersecurity, industrial measurement and control technologies, and computer information technology that is built upon strong and relevant foundations. This program is committed to providing professional, interdisciplinary training and prepares students to be effective critical thinkers in industrial networking technology, capable of collaborative expression based on a clear understanding of industrial processes, control systems, network security and its practice.
The Industrial Network Cybersecurity program consists of twenty-five courses over two years with a summer break between the first and second year. Students can expect to spend an average of twenty-five hours a week in lectures and labs split approximately 50/50. This balanced approach gives you time to apply the theory in a practical lab environment. In addition, you should expect an additional twenty-five hours per week preparing for labs, completing assignments and studying. In this program, you will focus on industrial networking and industrial network cybersecurity where the emphasis will be on protecting the assets of industrial, manufacturing and critical infrastructure facilities.
Program length
Two years, full-time, beginning in September each year.
This program is designed to be completed over 2 years in 4 terms. However, BCIT recognizes that not all students will be successful taking a full courseload and will accommodate students by guiding them through a modified registration path once accepted into the program. A modified path will impact the program length and increase the overall cost of the program.
Accreditation
Students may apply for student membership with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC).
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Industrial Network Cybersecurity graduates are expected to be employed in positions that support the networking and network security of operational technology and industrial networks. In the workplace, you will be expected to: communicate knowledgeably with automation and information technology professionals; plan, select, configure and deploy networking solutions for operational technology and industrial networks; select and deploy network security appliances, software and counter measures to provide defence in depth for the operational technology and industrial networks; and perform a simple risk assessment of an industrial network and assist with integrating current and evolving industrial control system security standards into an organization’s industrial security policy.
Demand for Industrial Network Cybersecurity graduates is expected to span multiple industry segments. You might work in engineering consulting firms, manufacturing companies, energy management firms, food-and-beverage processing plants, technical sales and service, the natural resources, or the mining industry. You might work in an environment where you’re designing, analyzing, configuring or providing technical services involving the application of industrial networks, or in a fast-paced environment where you are involved in many of the above facets, either alone or as part of a team.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Umme Salsabil, MEng
Program Head, Industrial Network Cybersecurity
Tel: 604-412-7592
Email: usalsabil@bcit.ca
Yousry Abdelhamid, PhD
Tel: 604-432-8870
Email: yabdelhamid@bcit.ca
Ali Behradkia, MSc
Tel: 604-412-7578
Email: Ali_Behradkia@bcit.ca
Victor Mendez, MSc, P.Eng.
Program Head, BEng, Electrical Engineering
Tel: 604-412-7763
Email: vmendez3@bcit.ca
Sheena Zhang, MSc
Tel: 604-456-8104
Email: Sheena_Zhang@bcit.ca
Assistant instructor
Jessica Wilson, BA
Program Head, First Year
Tel: 604-412-7692
Email: Jessica_Wilson@bcit.ca
Technical staff
William Han, BEng (on leave)
Ramon Vicencio, BEng
Tel: 604-456-8104
Email: Ramon_Vicencio@bcit.ca
Staff
Roger Gale, BSc, MBA
Interim Associate Dean
Tel: 604-432-8976
Email: Roger_Gale@bcit.ca
Rosmin Gilani
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8369
Email: rgilani@bcit.ca
Gundi Minato
Program Administrator
Tel: 604-451-6892
Email: Gundi_Minato@bcit.ca
Advisory committee
Robin Bell
Long View Systems
Marty Edwards
Sirius PPT
Mark Fabro
Lofty Perch Inc.
Dan Hoag
Delta Controls Inc.
Derek Manky
Forinet
Dave Trask
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Ralph Wright
Cisco Systems Canada
Contact Us
Umme Salsabil, MEng
Program Head, Industrial Network Cybersecurity
Tel: 604-412-7592
Email: usalsabil@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.