Calgary, AB (October 2025) — The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) has officially opened its cutting-edge Cyber Range, a state-of-the-art training facility designed to strengthen Alberta’s cybersecurity talent pipeline. Located at SAIT Downtown, the Cyber Range offers an immersive, hands-on learning environment that simulates real-world cyberattacks and defense scenarios — equipping students, professionals, and industry partners with vital digital defense skills.

The facility features specialized defender and attacker rooms, a central command centre, and over 50 customizable simulations where users can practice critical decision-making under pressure. Supported by a significant philanthropic gift and launched under SAIT’s Real Futures campaign, the Cyber Range represents a major milestone in digital technology education and workforce readiness.

“Cybersecurity is now at the core of every business,” says Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO. “By embedding this facility in Calgary’s core and expanding access, SAIT is fast-tracking the development of critical cybersecurity skills across Alberta for our students and our many partners.”

Building Cyber Resilience Through Education

Coinciding with this landmark facility, SAIT’s new Bachelor of Technology – Cyber Security degree program is now accepting applications for Fall 2026. Offered through the School for Advanced Digital Technology, this two-year program empowers students to anticipate, detect, and mitigate cyber threats using both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on training — including access to the new Cyber Range.

The curriculum blends cybersecurity principles, network security, operating systems, and cryptography basics, while emphasizing critical thinking, strategic communication, and a service-oriented mindset. Students gain not only technical expertise but also the professional confidence to manage complex cybersecurity challenges in today’s evolving digital landscape.

Program Highlights

• Credential: Bachelor degree
• Length: 2 years (60 credits, 20 courses)
• Format: In-person (Main Campus)
• Faculty: School for Advanced Digital Technology
• PGWP Eligible | CIP: 11.1003

Program Structure:

• Cyber security core – 30 credits (10 courses)
  
• Complementary core – 18 credits (6 courses)
  
• Junior electives – 9 credits (3 courses)
  
• Senior electives – 3 credits (1 course)
  
• Optional 10–12 week co-op or work-integrated learning term

Academic Pathway and Admission

Eligible applicants must have completed one of SAIT’s diploma programs with a minimum GPA of 2.3 (C+), including:

• Information Systems Security
• Information Technology Services
• Information Technology – Network Systems major
• Information Technology – Computer Systems major
• Information Technology – Telecommunications major

Students also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized designations such as CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well-prepared for a range of in-demand technology and security roles, including:

• Business Systems Specialists
• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Computer Network and Web Technicians
• Cybersecurity Specialists
• Data Scientists
• Information Systems Specialists
• Information Systems Testing Technicians
  

SAIT provides personalized career planning support, access to the Career Coach platform, and links to Alberta alis resources to help students explore pathways and build meaningful careers.

Meeting Alberta Cybersecurity Demand

With cybercrime incidents in Calgary rising 54% in 2024 and Canadian businesses spending $1.2 billion on recovery efforts in 2023, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. SAIT’s Cyber Range and Bachelor of Technology – Cyber Security program directly address this demand, equipping learners with advanced digital defense skills that protect businesses, governments, and communities.

“As we continue to elevate our cybersecurity program offerings, this new SAIT facility is exactly what Calgary needs to strengthen its position as a leader in advanced digital technology education,” says Cherie Bowker, Dean, SAIT’s School for Advanced Digital Technology.

Explore Your Future in Cybersecurity

SAIT’s Bachelor of Technology – Cyber Security degree and Cyber Range together create a powerful pathway for students ready to safeguard the digital world.
Applications for Fall 2026 are now open — start your cybersecurity journey today.

Learn more: SAIT Web and Digital Technology Programs

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Sources:SAIT opens immersive cyber range, building critical cybersecurity skills for students and industry, Bachelor of Technology – Cyber Security