Information Access and Privacy: Essentials Certificate
3 Courses
120 Hours
Online
Program Description
With the rising importance of digital transparency and growing concerns about data protection, professionals must have a solid understanding of information access, privacy laws, and governance principles.
According to Cisco’s 2024 Data Privacy Benchmark Study, 96% of organizations now view data privacy as a vital business imperative. On average, organizations experience a 1.6× return on their privacy investments, highlighting the importance of developing privacy expertise in today’s environment.
The Information Access and Privacy: Essentials Certificate program provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of information rights, data privacy, and public accountability. By exploring legislative frameworks, ethical considerations, and best administrative practices, learners will understand the critical role of information access in a liberal democracy and examine the legal protections surrounding personal data. Participants will also gain the ability to assess privacy risks, implement compliance measures, and manage information access in government, legal, and corporate settings.
Questions? Please contact our program team: iappuofa@ualberta.ca
Who Will Benefit?
This certificate program is ideal for professionals and individuals seeking to strengthen their knowledge of privacy, access to information, and governance in today’s increasingly digital and regulated environment.
- 🗸 Public Sector Employees working in government or public institutions who manage records, respond to access-to-information requests, or ensure regulatory compliance
- 🗸 Privacy Officers and Compliance Specialists responsible for implementing data protection policies, managing risk, and aligning with evolving privacy laws and frameworks
- 🗸 Legal and Policy Advisors providing legal guidance on privacy, FOIP, or access-related matters in corporate, public, or nonprofit sectors
- 🗸 Information and Records Managers tasked with maintaining secure and compliant information systems, records retention, and data access protocols
- 🗸 IT and Cybersecurity Professionals who support secure information systems and are involved in privacy protection, threat mitigation, or compliance technology
- 🗸 Corporate Executives and Risk Managers looking to improve governance, build trust, and safeguard organizational reputation through strong information management practices
- 🗸 Researchers, Journalists, and Advocates focused on transparency, accountability, and democratic access to information in public discourse.
Equip yourself with the critical skills to lead in privacy, compliance, and public accountability—enrol today and help shape a more transparent, secure, and informed society.
What You'll Learn
- 🗸 Gain in-depth knowledge of the legal, ethical, and administrative frameworks governing access to information and data privacy in a democratic society.
- 🗸 Examine federal, provincial, and municipal legislation, including key acts and policies, to ensure compliance in public and private sector organizations.
- 🗸 Learn how to develop, implement, and manage policies that balance transparency with privacy protection in professional and governmental settings.
- 🗸Explore privacy challenges, risk management strategies, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding personal data protection.
- 🗸Understand the role of information access in governance, policy-making, and public administration while ensuring responsible data management practices.
What You'll Earn
- 🗸 Some certificates may also provide a pathway toward a diploma. Please refer to the program map to confirm eligibility.
- This certificate program requires three courses. Courses are 40 hours each, for a total of 120 instructional hours.
- EXIAPP 8171 Information Access and Protection of Privacy Foundations is a prerequisite for all other courses in this program. Once you complete EXIAPP 8171, other courses can be completed in any order.
- It’s a flexible online experience, with courses offered asynchronously. More info about online delivery formats can be found here.
- It’s designed for part-time study and can generally be completed within one year.
- You have the flexibility to schedule courses around your availability. Most students complete 1-2 courses per semester.
- Grading is through assessments, which might include quizzes, exams, discussion forums, papers, and presentations.
- Course materials are shared in ConEd Canvas, the University of Alberta’s Learning Management System. Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks.
- Please note that continuing education classes are not eligible for student loans.
- If you're seeking financial assistance for these courses, please explore the scholarship, bursaries and funding opportunities specifically designated for continuing education students.
- Approximate cost of the full program: $2,745 CAD.
- Flexible payment options: register and pay for all courses at once or pay course-by-course as you go.
- Courses are GST-exempt.
- Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks.
- This program may be eligible to stack toward a diploma program. For more information, please contact iappuofa@ualberta.ca.
- To learn about transferability from other institutions, see our Transfer Credit information.
- International Students are welcome to enroll and pay the same course fees as local students.
- Proficiency in English and a stable internet connection are needed to participate and succeed in our courses.
- Please note that non-credit programming does not qualify for a study permit, therefore, this program cannot be used for immigration to Canada. For more information, please contact University of Alberta International Student Services.