From cyberattacks to data breaches, cybersecurity is constantly evolving to combat the latest cybercrimes. To keep up, you need exceptional talent.
Where can you find such specialized, skilled workers?
Here in Waterloo region, there is a deep pool of cybersecurity talent. Our three post-secondary schools—the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College—are well-known for educating the next generation of top professionals in cybersecurity.
With specialized programs in cryptography, data security and cyber systems engineering, and hands-on training experiences like co-operative education, these schools produce top-quality talent. Students go on to make a big impact in Waterloo’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
We’ve compiled a list of the top programs from each institution.
Key Takeaways
- Hire graduates with specialized experience in cryptography, computer science and software engineering from the University of Waterloo, one of the top mathematics schools in the world
- Conestoga College’s programs in cyber systems, computer application security, digital forensics and blockchain bolster Waterloo’s cybersecurity workforce
- Wilfrid Laurier University offers cybersecurity courses to computing and engineering students
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo (UWaterloo) is globally ranked 47th in mathematics and 33rd in computer science, showcasing the exceptional quality of talent at UWaterloo. Math and computer science are both central to cybersecurity, and these programs offer courses and specializations in security, cryptography and privacy.
Beyond its cybersecurity-focused programs, UWaterloo is also home to several related research centres, such as the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute (CPI). The CPI is an internationally recognized hub for cybersecurity, privacy, cryptography, data science and quantum computing. With 70+ faculty members across 16 departments, the CPI offers unique learning opportunities for graduate students.
Here are some of the top UWaterloo programs educating the next generation of cybersecurity changemakers:
- Computer Science (Undergraduate): Includes in-depth courses on privacy and cryptography, as well as network, data and computer security
- Computer Engineering (Undergraduate): Applicable to security-relevant systems, networks and hardware
- Accounting and Financial Math (Undergraduate): Includes courses on emerging issues related to cybersecurity management, governance and control
- Mathematics (Undergraduate): Opportunities to focus on the mathematics of cryptography, for which the department is recognized worldwide
- Mathematics – Combinatorics & Optimization (Graduate): Strong theoretical foundations supporting cryptography, with expert instructors internationally recognized for their accomplishments in the fields of cryptography and cybersecurity
- Quantum Information (Graduate): Interdisciplinary graduate program offered through the Institute for Quantum Computing, designed to provide knowledge of quantum information, including theory and implementations, and help students develop advanced expertise in their research area, including quantum cryptography
Wilfrid Laurier University
Wilfrid Laurier University, located in close proximity to UWaterloo, is known for its business programs and academic emphasis on technology, science and entrepreneurship. Computing and engineering degrees at Laurier offer courses in cybersecurity and software systems, so students gain the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
Here are a handful of program offerings at Laurier applicable to cybersecurity:
- Computer Science (Undergraduate): Includes applied cryptography and security coursework
- Software Engineering (Undergraduate): Includes courses in software security and embedded software systems
- Master of Applied Computing (Graduate): Features courses in cyber attacks and defence
Conestoga College
In 2025, Conestoga College’s cybersecurity programs were ranked among the best in Canada. The polytechnic institution equips its students with the technical expertise and skills to solve pressing cybersecurity challenges in our digital world. Plus, several programs at Conestoga offer hands-on experience with a capstone project or co-operative education component.
Here is a sample of cybersecurity-related programs and certificates offered by Conestoga:
- Cyber Systems Engineering (Undergraduate): Direct focus on cybersecurity and secure system design
- Cyber Security (Graduate Certificate): Combined skills in information security, network infrastructures and industry best practices to protect against fraud and data breaches
- Computer Application Security (Graduate Certificate): Application-level security training, providing practical knowledge of security models, protocols and techniques for secure software programming
- Information Technology Network Security (Graduate Certificate): Focus on network defence and infrastructure, with courses in computing hardware
- Digital Forensics in Cybersecurity (Graduate Certificate): Provides students with practical skills for forensic processing of cybersecurity incidents
- Blockchain Application Development (Graduate Certificate): Specialized program designed for skill development in applications using blockchain technology
Cyberattacks are some of the most critical threats to businesses and government today. As a result, cybersecurity companies are in high demand to protect and safeguard against threats. Equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to face those challenges head-on, students from these programs secure the ranks of Waterloo region’s cybersecurity workforce.