Cybersecurity
BSc • BA
Protect the systems modern life depends on
Entry in:
Fall, Winter or Summer
Program overview
Launch your future in one of today’s most in demand fields. Cybersecurity at Lassonde gives you the skills to protect the systems our world depends on, from banks and hospitals to streaming platforms and smart technologies. As these systems become smarter, AI is transforming how they operate and are protected, increasing the need for skilled, forward-thinking professionals.
In this focused undergraduate program, you will learn how to identify risks, stop cyber threats, and build secure software, networks, and IoT systems. You will also explore how AI is transforming cybersecurity through faster detection and smarter defence strategies, preparing you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
With small cohorts of about 40 students, you will be part of a supportive, close-knit community where it is easy to collaborate, connect and grow. You’ll benefit from personalized learning while still accessing the full experience and resources of York University.
Choose from a BA or BSc pathway, both grounded in strong computer science and math foundations, and graduate ready to launch a career as a next generation cybersecurity professional.
We offer both BA and BSc degrees, which share the same computer science and math requirements.
Why Cybersecurity at Lassonde?
Integrating AI into modern solutions
Step into a program where you don’t just learn about AI in cybersecurity, you use it.
Through hands on labs and team projects, you’ll explore how AI detects threats, automates responses, and protects real world systems. You’ll work through real challenges with classmates, building practical skills while learning to recognize risks and adapt to new technologies. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the experience and confidence to keep up with a fast-changing cybersecurity landscape.
Opportunities outside of the classroom
Your experience goes beyond the classroom, giving you space to connect and grow.
Build research experience through opportunities like Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Undergraduate Student Research Awards (NSERC USRA), the Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA) and Research at York (RAY). Apply your skills at hackathons and in YSpace Lassonde. You can also join workshops and events with the Cyber Security & Cloud Computing @ York University club, connecting with peers and building your network along the way.
Exclusive industry events & workshops
Experience what working in cybersecurity really feels like.
Through hands-on sessions like Tech Talks with RBC, you will actively apply your skills to real, industry-inspired challenges. Working in teams, you will explore areas such as IoT, finance and digital health while designing secure systems and addressing complex problems. You will also develop strategies to identify risks, respond to potential threats and create effective solutions in realistic, high-impact scenarios.
Hands-on learning & lab experiences
Digital Support Lab
Equipped with advanced measurement and design tools, the lab supports hands-on learning in areas such as digital logic, embedded systems, computer architecture, very-large-scale integration (VLSI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless communications, providing the space and industry-standard equipment to design, build, and test digital computing devices.
William Small Centre Labs
Used in core courses like programming in Python and Java, object oriented programming, web development with HTML CSS and JavaScript and introductory computing concepts, the labs provide the essential tools and environment to learn by doing.
The Power Systems Support Lab
Used in courses focused on power engineering, distributed energy networks, and sustainable energy systems, this lab provides hands-on experience using industry-standard power measurement tools and workstations to analyze, test and manage real-world electrical power systems.
Lassonde provided a solid foundation in security principles which helped me understand the theory behind the tools and concepts and made it easier for me to apply them in real world scenarios.
— Valeria Chazmava, Cybersecurity student
Work-integrated learning
Gain industry experience with paid work terms
Through Lassonde’s co-op program, co-op work terms begin after your second year, with students applying in year two. This makes first year an important time to build your academic foundation and technical skills.
From there, you’ll take on paid work terms across technology, finance, public service, research, and other areas where computer science plays a key role. With flexible 4, 8, or 12-month placements, you can tailor your experience to your goals while building in-demand skills, growing your network, and exploring what excites you most about your future career, all while being supported at every step.
Notable co-op employers
- Difenda
- Celestica
- Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
- Toronto Hydro
- Government of Canada
- Rakuten Kobo
500+
An average of $22/hr
Co-op employers
Work around the world
Launch your career in the Cybersecurity industry
In demand across every industry
Graduates of our program have gone on to build careers across all sectors, including healthcare, finance, government, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing and tech.
Where our grads work
IBM Canada
Software developer, systems programmer, security analyst
Amazon
Software developer, security engineer, full-stack developer
Manulife
Site reliability engineer, software developer, full-stack developer
RBC
Associate software engineer, information security specialist, software developer
Microsoft
Security engineer, cloud solution engineer, digital security specialist
Shopify
Software engineer, applied machine engineering, site reliability engineer
Grad success stories
Why this career is future-proof
As AI reshapes the field, cybersecurity is becoming more dynamic and creative. With routine tasks automated, you’ll focus on solving complex problems, thinking critically, and designing systems that truly work for people.
In this program, you’ll build a strong foundation across AI, cybersecurity, and data, giving you the flexibility to grow with the field and shape what comes next.
Learn from exceptional faculty
You’ll learn from professors who bring cybersecurity to life through real-world examples, hands-on teaching and research-driven insights.
With top-ranked faculty in AI, research becomes part of your everyday experience. Through projects, mentorship and collaboration, you’ll explore ideas and systems that are actively shaping the future of technology.
Important information for applicants
Course details
Sample first-year schedules
Cybersecurity BSc/BA
Year One Common Core
Fall Term
• Class • Lab • Tutorial
Mon
Introduction to Computing: A Net-centric Approach
Physics with Life Science Applications 1
Applied Linear Algebra
Research Directions in Computing
Tues
Differential Calculus with Applications
Physics with Life Science Applications 1
Differential Calculus with Applications
Wed
Physics with Life Science Applications 1
Applied Linear Algebra
Thurs
Differential Calculus with Applications
Introduction to Computing: A Net-centric Approach
Fri
Physics with Life Science Applications 1
Applied Linear Algebra
Cybersecurity BSC/BA
Year One Common Core
Winter Term
• Class • Lab • Tutorial
Mon
Research Directions in Computing
Integral Calculus with Applications
Tues
Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
Wed
Integral Calculus with Applications
Integral Calculus with Applications
Thurs
Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
Fri
Integral Calculus with Applications
Looking for more? Browse upper-year courses and see the full list of program requirements.
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