About the Program

The Cybersecurity Specialist diploma at Eastern College is a 65-week program—including a 12-week internship—designed for students looking to build skills in systems administration, networking, and cybersecurity. Delivered through live, instructor-led online classes with small class sizes, the program combines broad IT training with focused, hands-on security work.

You'll receive training in desktop and server administration, Linux and Windows environments, networking, IT service management, and infrastructure security. Through hands-on labs, projects, and real-world scenarios, you'll learn to identify vulnerabilities, monitor systems and networks, respond to security incidents, and apply both defensive and offensive security techniques—graduating prepared for roles in IT administration and cybersecurity, and well positioned to pursue certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and CWNA.

Classes are held at scheduled times through the Microsoft Teams platform, so you can ask questions, join discussions, and get instructor support in real time—without commuting to campus. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify, monthly payment plans are offered, and Eastern's dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you explore your funding options.

What You'll Learn

• Windows client and server administration, including Windows Server 2022, Active Directory, and PowerShell scripting, plus Linux systems management
• Advanced networking with Cisco routers, switches, and wireless technologies, aligned with CCNA and CWNA certification exams
• Applied cybersecurity—vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, security auditing, and incident response, with AI-assisted tools for professional security reporting
• ITIL-based service management and career preparation, plus a 240-hour internship with job placement assistance after graduation

Career Opportunities

Organizations across Atlantic Canada and beyond face a persistent shortage of cybersecurity talent, making specialists who can both administer and secure systems highly sought after. The credentials you earn here also stack: many advanced security certifications build directly on the CompTIA exams this program covers.

Career paths include:

• Cybersecurity Analyst – monitor systems, investigate incidents, and defend against attacks
• Security Specialist – implement and audit security controls across enterprise environments
• Windows Server / Active Directory Administrator – manage and secure Microsoft infrastructure
• Cisco Administrator – configure and support enterprise routing, switching, and wireless

Salary Range: $45 – $80 per hour (Government of Canada Job Bank, Nov 2025)