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Master of Information Technology Security – Artificial Intelligence in Security Field (MITS-AIS)

Ontario Tech University offers a specialized field within the Master of IT Security program with a focus on Artificial Intelligence in the Security Field (MITS-AIS). This professional stream is the first of its kind in Canada and combines a deep knowledge of IT Security with hands-on knowledge of artificial intelligence systems and machine learning, and provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the applications of this technology.

The MITS-AIS program has been recognized by the Vector Institute as an AI-Related Master’s program in Ontario; thus allowing students in the program to apply for the competitive Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence.  

Graduates of the MITS-AIS program can pursue opportunities across the growing artificial intelligence and cybersecurity sectors, including public and private organizations and specialized IT security firms.

Artificial Intelligence

Work with intelligent systems, machine learning technologies and AI-driven security applications.

Cybersecurity

Help organizations identify threats, protect digital systems and strengthen their security practices.

IT Security Firms

Support specialized security services, threat analysis and technology-focused security solutions.

Public Sector

Apply cybersecurity and AI expertise within government agencies and other public organizations.

Private Sector

Help businesses protect information, systems and digital infrastructure from evolving security risks.

Security Innovation

Contribute to emerging technologies that combine artificial intelligence with advanced security solutions.

Hands-on learning opportunities

Build security skills through real-world practice

MITS-AIS combines classroom learning with practical experience in networking, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence through labs, cloud-based environments, research projects and industry opportunities.

Security Labs

Complete hands-on and laboratory assignments that simulate computer networking, cyber attacks and defensive security scenarios.

Cloud Practice Environment

Gain practical exposure to different areas of IT security using a dedicated cloud-based learning environment.

Capstone Research

Conduct a faculty-supervised research project exploring an advanced topic at the intersection of artificial intelligence and security.

AI-Based Security

Explore topics such as predictive security methods, AI-based penetration testing and intelligent approaches to cyber defence.

Adversarial AI & Trust

Investigate adversarial AI, trust management and the security challenges created by intelligent systems.

NLP & Robotics Security

Work on areas such as NLP module prototyping and security and privacy issues in robotics.

Industry Internship

Qualified students may complete an approved industry internship in AI and IT security in place of a Capstone project.

12+ Weeks of Experience

The internship option includes a minimum of 12 weeks or 420 hours of work in an industry position related to AI and IT security.

Applied Industry Learning

Put technical knowledge into practice while gaining experience in a professional security-focused environment.

Visit our School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to learn more about the application process.

The program includes eight courses, a seminar, and a capstone project or internship as following:

  • MITS 5100G - Law & Ethics of IT Security
  • MITS 5400G - Secure Software Systems
  • MITS 5500G - Cryptography and Secure Communications
  • MITS 5600G - Security Policies and Risk Management
  • MITS 6700G - Network Data Analysis
  • MITS 6800G - Machine Learning
  • MITS 5900G - MITS Seminar
  • MITS 6300G - MITS Capstone Research Project I
  • MITS 6600G - MITS Capstone Research Project II
  • MITS 7000G - MITS Internship**
  • Two Elective Courses in the area of AI and IT security

Examples of elective courses offered in the past include:

Blockchain Technologies; Global AI Ethics; Trust systems; Deep Learning Techniques; Big Data Analytics; Operating System Security; Recommender Systems; and Special Topics in IT management. (Note: an elective course may not necessarily be offered every year).

AI-related master’s program

Vector Institute Recognition

The MITS-AIS program has been recognized by the Vector Institute as an AI-Related Master’s program in Ontario, thus allowing students in the program to apply for the competitive Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence.