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Explore Your Passion. Find out more about Computer Security at Lassonde.

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About the Program

Learn about protecting the largest of databases to the smallest of IoT devices. The highly trained professionals who maintain and defend our security are in high demand from both government and the private sector.

Computer security is the specialized part of computer science that studies threats to computer systems and networks. It is the science and practice of how to mitigate them. In our Computer Security program you will build a solid background in computer science and math. You will study a variety of courses, including cryptography and operating systems. You will become an expert on all those topics. 

We offer both BA and BSc degrees, which share the same computer science and math requirements. In the BA, you can complement your studies with courses from the Liberal Arts such as humanities, social sciences, history, philosophy and more – fields that help you understand human social and creative endeavours and the potential impact of computing. In the BSc, complementary courses will be in the sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics).

Every part of modern life, whether it’s our financial systems, transportation, power supplies or distribution networks, depend on safe, protected IT systems. You’ll be prepared to protect these infrastructures with a Computer Security degree from Lassonde. 

Computer code on a screen

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Advanced knowledge of C and Java – used for projects involving software applications, server-side services, and mobile app development
  • Software design models including design pattern and development
  • Various networking and security tools
  • Other languages include: C++, Eiffel, Unix Shell, SQL/mySQL database, PHP, Python

Some of our Co-op Employers

  • Beyond Media
  • CIBC
  • Interac Corp
  • University of Twente (Holland)

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Enhance your Computer Security experience

Take it to the next level

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Co-op

Work a minimum of 12 months up to a maximum of 20 months while on co-op.

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BA or BSc

Complement your CS studies with either Science or Liberal Arts courses. It’s your choice.

students working on laptops

BEST Certificate

Through entrepreneurial, academic and experiential achievements during your time at Lassonde, you can earn the BEST Certificate.

Application and Admissions Info

Important Information for applicants

  • How to Apply

    You can apply to the Lassonde School of Engineering through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) website or you may use York University’s online application.

    Use the OUAC application if you are:

    • Current Ontario high school student, or
    • Currently reside in Canada and not currently in an Ontario high school day program, or
    • Canadian citizen/permanent resident residing elsewhere and not attending an Ontario high school, or
    • International applicant (not a Canadian citizen/PR, not residing in Canada and not in Ontario high school)

    Use York University’s online application if you are:

    • Previous York student, or
    • Mature or university/college transfer applicant and you’re only applying to York.

    Applying to one of our Engineering programs?

    Since we offer a common first-year, our engineering programs are merged into a single selection on the OUAC application form Engineering (BEng) – including Co-op.

    When we receive your application, you’ll be sent details on how to let us know what your preferred programs are.

    Read More

  • Boost Co-Application

    You want to explore your passion – we want to help you get there.

    And while having good grades usually means you have the academic chops to do well in your classes, it’s your passion for science, technology & engineering that will help you succeed.

    That’s why we created Boost, an optional co-application to our School.

    Through a digital interview, you’ll get the chance to tell us who you really are and demonstrate to us that you possess the traits of a future Renaissance Engineer – creativity, passion, ingenuity, rational thinking and confidence.

    Plus, if you’re an engineering applicant you’ll also have the chance to provide up to three engineering program choices.

    Find out more about Boost

  • Important Dates

    Applications Open (OUAC and York Direct) – September, 2020

    Boost Co-Application Opens –  Mid February, 2021

    Ontario High School Applicant Deadline – January 15, 2021

    International and Transfer Applicant Deadline – March 15, 2021

    Boost Co-App Deadline (Engineering 2nd Year Program Guarantee) – April 1, 2021

    Read More

  • Program Requirements

    Ontario Applicants

    For all Engineering programs (Including IDS Dual Degree)

    • English
    • Advanced Functions
    • Calculus & Vectors
    • Physics
    • Chemistry

    With no prerequisite grade below 70%
    Recommended average:     80

    For Computer Science or Computer Security

    • English
    • Advanced Functions
    • One other 12U Math course (Calculus & Vectors strongly recommended)
    • For BSc and iBSc programs: All of the above plus Physics or Chemistry

    With minimum average of 75% on Math courses, with no Math grade below 65%  
    Recommended average: Mid 80s

    For Digital Media

    • English
    • One 12U Math course (with minimum grade of 75%)
    • One 12U Arts course or equivalent training recommended
    Recommended average: High 70s 

    For Earth & Atmospheric Science

    • English
    • Advanced Functions
    • Calculus & Vectors
    • Physics

    Chemistry 12 strongly recommended for Atmospheric Science & Space Science streams
    Recommended average: High 70s 

    International Curricula

    –– GCE; IB; Indian; CAPE; Chinese; WAEC

    Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL) plus the program-specific requirements (at the Grade 12/Senior level) below.

    For all Engineering programs (Including IDS Dual Degree)

    • Math
    • Physics
    • Chemistry

    For Computer Science or Computer Security

    • BA/iBA: Math
    • BSc/iBSc: Math + Physics OR Chemistry

    For Digital Media

    • Math

    For Earth & Atmospheric Science

    • Math
    • Physics

    Chemistry strongly recommended for Atmospheric Science & Space Science streams

    University Transfer Applicants

    Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL), plus the program-specific requirements (Grade 12U, equivalent or higher) listed below.
    *Requirement (or equivalent) must have been satisfied within the previous five years. 

    For all Engineering programs (Including IDS Dual Degree)

    • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (B/70% or equivalent)
    • Advanced Functions*
    • Calculus & Vectors*
    • Physics*
    • Chemistry*

    With no prerequisite grade below 70%
    Recommended average:     80

    For Computer Science or Computer Security

    • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (B/70% or equivalent), plus a minimum grade of C+/65% in each of any math courses taken in university
    • Advanced Functions*
    • One other 12U Math course (Calculus & Vectors strongly recommended)*
    • For BSc and iBSc programs: All of the above plus Physics or Chemistry*

    With minimum average of 75% on Math courses, with no Math grade below 65%  
    Recommended average: Mid 80s

    For Digital Media

    • Overall average of 2.3 or betteer on a 4-point scale (C+/65% or equivalent)
    • One 12U Math course (with minimum grade of 75%)*
    • One 12U Arts course or equivalent training recommended
    Recommended average: High 70s

    For Earth & Atmospheric Science

    • Overall average of 2.3 or better on a 4-point scale (C+/65% or equivalent)
    • Advanced Functions*
    • Calculus & Vectors*
    • Physics*

    Chemistry 12 strongly recommended for Atmospheric Science & Space Science streams
    Recommended average: High 70s

    College Transfer Applicants

    Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL), plus the program-specific requirements (Grade 12U, equivalent or higher) listed below.
    *Requirement (or equivalent) must have been satisfied within the previous five years. 

    For all Engineering programs (Including IDS Dual Degree)

    • Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (B+/75% or equivalent)
    • Advanced Functions*
    • Calculus & Vectors*
    • Physics*
    • Chemistry*

    With no prerequisite grade below 70%
    Recommended average:     80

    For Computer Science or Computer Security

    • Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (B+/75% or equivalent), plus a minimum grade of C+/65% in each of any math courses taken in college
    • Advanced Functions*
    • One other 12U Math course (Calculus & Vectors strongly recommended)*
    • For BSc and iBSc programs: All of the above plus Physics or Chemistry*

    With minimum average of 75% on Math courses, with no Math grade below 65%  
    Recommended average: Mid 80s

    For Digital Media

    • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (B/70% or equivalent)
    • One 12U Math course (with minimum grade of 75%)*
    • One 12U Arts course or equivalent training recommended
    Recommended average: High 70s

    For Earth & Atmospheric Science

    • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (B/70% or equivalent)
    • Advanced Functions*
    • Calculus & Vectors*
    • Physics*

    Chemistry 12 strongly recommended for Atmospheric Science & Space Science streams
    Recommended average: High 70s

    Outside Ontario & Other International Applicants

    Applying from outside of Ontario or other International curricula not listed on this page? Have a look at our program-specific requirements available here.

    It is important that you verify requirements based on where you are coming from, but generally our programs require:

    • Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL)
    • Upper level Maths
    • Upper level Sciences (Physics and/or Chemistry)
    • Official Transcripts (High School and/or College/University)
    Read More

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