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Cybersecurity for Business

The Specialization in Cybersecurity for Business is available to all majors within the Bachelor of Commerce degree. It responds to the growing importance and broad impact of cybersecurity in today’s world, across governments, businesses, health services, and social infrastructure. Cybersecurity is no longer solely the domain of IT professionals; it’s a critical consideration for all business leaders.

This specialization equips students with introductory knowledge and skills in cybersecurity, enabling them to understand threats, risks, and mitigation strategies in a business context. Students will explore the impacts of cyber threats on organizations and society, and learn to integrate security awareness into decision-making. Graduates will be better prepared to enter a competitive job market and/or to pursue advanced studies in cybersecurity.

 

 

The Specialization in Cybersecurity for Business requires students to complete nine credit hours in cybersecurity-focused courses. These credits are taken as part of the existing BUSI or Open electives in the BCom program map.

Through this specialization, students develop:
  • Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices
  • An understanding of how cyber threats impact different business sectors
  • Insight into the organizational, societal, and ethical aspects of cybersecurity

Required Courses

Students in all majors other than Technology Management* must take the following two courses (6 credit hours)

  • BUSI 2900U — Fundamentals of Cybersecurity for Business
  • INFR 4680U — IT Security Policies and Procedures


Elective Courses (Choose 1)

Students in all majors other than Technology Management* must choose one course (three credit hours) from the list below:

  • BUSI 2570U — Cybercrime
  • BUSI 4901U — Special Topics in Cybersecurity for Business
  • BUSI 4920U — Cybersecurity Leadership
  • INFR 4611U — Trust Systems

*Students majoring in Technology Management will take BUSI2900U: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity for Business and two courses from the list of options above.

Important note: Students cannot double-count courses in a specialization and their major(s). If a course is listed in both in a major and a specialization, students must select a different elective to satisfy the requirements of this specialization.


FAQ

  • What is a specialization?
    A specialization is an addition to your degree where you take no additional courses, just specific electives that align with the topic.
  • How do you take a specialization?

    You have to do 2 things to take a specialization:

    1. Apply for the specialization on MyOntarioTech > Undergraduate Forms > Change of program and readmission forms > Change of specialization
    2. Take the courses that align with your specialization, seen on this page and considering your program map

    Then wait for confirmation from an Academic Advisor and you're in! You can apply for the specialization after you've already taken a course. Example: You are entering your fourth year and you have taken Fundamentals of AI for Business already as an elective, you can apply for the AI for Business specialization and sign up for the remaining courses in the specialization.

    NOTE: Registration opens in 2026! Please stay tuned for announcements in the near future.

  • When can I apply for the specialization?

    Apply for the specialization in your second or third year. You can take the first course in the specialization in your second year of studies if the pre-requisites are satisfied.

    NOTE: Registration for both Commerce specializations opens in 2026. Announcements will be posted on our webpage and social media accounts.

  • What are the deadlines for applying?
    There is no specific deadline, but some courses require prerequisites to take before graduation. We recommend that you start taking the courses in the second or third year of your studies. Your academic advisor can help you plan for your courses.
  • What are the benefits of taking the specialization?
    Specializations are designed to not add any extra courses or time to your degree, and give you an enhanced skill set in a specific area. Specializations can prepare you to be more competitive on the job market and hopefully more successful in your careers. Specializations may also spark interest in graduate programs in a related field.
  • Can you take more than one specialization?
    Yes, however you should be mindful of the implications for your program map and degree completion time.
  • I have more questions. Who can I contact for more info?
    Your academic advisor can answer questions about specializations or any other academic matters.

    Please also browse our website and the academic calendar for more information. We also share announcements on our social media accounts!