Master of Science - Information Security and Digital Forensics

Academic Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements for admission to the MS. ISDF program at Niagara University in Ontario. As these are the minimum requirements, they do not guarantee acceptance into the program as space is limited. Niagara University in Ontario applies a holistic approach to the review process taking into consideration all components of the application.

1. Evidence of successful completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree in Information Systems, Management of Information Systems, Computer Science, or closely related field (minors in technology will also be considered) through the submission of official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. At least one of these transcripts must indicate the awarding of an accredited four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 using a 4.0-point scale, or a B average if letter grades were used.

• In keeping with Niagara University in Ontario’s mission, it recognizes that applicants who completed undergraduate degrees with GPA scores of less than the required 3.0, may have, since the completion of their degrees, gained significant professional experience, and possibly industry certifications that may provide additional information on which to judge success in graduate studies. Therefore, we encourage individuals who find themselves in this situation to apply.
• Applicants who have not received their degree from a Canadian or US institution where English is the official language of instruction, will be required to provide an official transcript evaluation as well as official English proficiency scores. For more information, please refer to the Applicants with International Degrees section below.

2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Official GRE scores from a test taken within the past five years. Students who are applying with an undergraduate GPA equivalent to a B+ or better, or who have already completed a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution are exempt from this requirement.

3. Completion of the Online Application

Which includes:

• Transcripts indicating successful completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree.
  • In the case where degrees were completed internationally, an international evaluation of the degree such as a WES must accompany the application.
• Two letters of reference (it is recommended that one letter speaks to the student’s academics and that the second to professional experience/qualifications)
• An up-to-date resume
• A personal statement
  • Two-page, double-spaced, typewritten statement discussing your academic and/or research background, your career goals, your personal philosophy related to your area of study, and how Niagara University in Ontario’s graduate program will prepare you to meet your career and educational objectives.

All credentials submitted for admission become and remain the property of the university. Misrepresentations on application forms may result in expulsion or degree revocation.

International Applicants

1. Study Permit

• International students wishing to study at Niagara University, for a period of more than 6 months, and who are not Canadian citizens, or permanent residents of Canada will require a study permit. Study Permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as a paper document that is usually attached to an individual’s passport at the Canadian port of entry. In order to obtain a Study Permit, an applicant must be studying at an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Please note that a study permit does not authorize re-entry to Canada should you decide to leave at any point during the time of your studies. In addition to the study permit, some individuals may also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA in order to enter and/or re-enter Canada.

2. Applicants with International Degrees

Together with the standard application requirements above, applicants to Niagara University’s Ontario programs who have not received their degree from a Canadian or US institution where English is the official language of instruction, must also submit the following items:

• Official credential evaluation of all undergraduate transcripts. Copies or emails for any test score or credential evaluation will not be accepted. Please choose the “comprehensive course by course evaluations” from either SpanTran or World Education Services.
• Evidence of English Language Proficiency through official TOEFL or IELTS scores sent directly from the testing service.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Language Requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Science in Information Security and Digital Forensics (ISDF) program at Niagara University, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. The following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

Applicants who have not received their degree from a Canadian or US institution where English is the official language of instruction are required to provide official English proficiency scores. These scores must be sent directly from the testing service to the university.

It is essential for prospective students to ensure that they meet these English language requirements to enhance their chances of admission into the program.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.