Information Access and Privacy: Policy and Practices Certificate
3 Courses
120 Hours
Online
Program Description
In today’s data privacy landscape, there’s a critical need for expertise in information access and privacy laws. Our certificate program provides a strong foundation in information rights, privacy governance, and data security, equipping participants to manage compliance and champion ethical practices confidently.
With around 157,000 cybersecurity positions unfilled in Canada in 2024, as reported by Fortinet, the demand for skilled professionals in privacy and data protection is urgent. Notably, 90% of organizations attribute security breaches to skills shortages.
The Information Access and Privacy: Policy and Practices Certificate program covers regulatory frameworks, best practices, and case studies, helping participants balance public access to information with personal data protection. It addresses privacy challenges in both the public and private sectors, focusing on digital security and evolving legal standards.
Designed for government employees, legal professionals, HR specialists, records managers, and compliance officers, this program is ideal for anyone passionate about information governance and privacy administration. Join us in shaping a secure and transparent future!
Questions? Please contact our program team: iappuofa@ualberta.ca
Who Will Benefit?
This program is ideal for professionals across sectors who are responsible for handling sensitive information, ensuring compliance, or managing access to data.
- 🗸 Government Employees responsible for managing access to information requests and ensuring compliance with privacy legislation across public services
- 🗸 Legal Professionals who support clients or organizations in interpreting and applying privacy and access laws within rapidly evolving regulatory environments
- 🗸 Human Resources Specialists handling sensitive employee data and are tasked with maintaining privacy compliance in hiring, onboarding, and records management
- 🗸 Records and Information Managers who oversee the secure handling, classification, and retention of information while balancing transparency and data protection requirements
- 🗸 Compliance Officers and Risk Managers developing and enforcing policies that reduce privacy-related risks and ensure adherence to regulatory and ethical standards
- 🗸 IT and Cybersecurity Professionals who play a crucial role in protecting digital infrastructure and aligning privacy protocols with technical controls and risk mitigation strategies
- 🗸 Policy Analysts and Public Administrators who design or influence policies that govern data access, transparency, and protection in public or non-profit sectors
- 🗸 Private Sector Leaders and Consultants advising organizations on compliance, data governance, and how to protect customer and employee data in an increasingly digital world.
What You'll Learn
- 🗸Gain knowledge of federal, provincial, and municipal legislation governing information access, data privacy, and security
- 🗸Learn key administrative practices to ensure compliance with legislation, uphold transparency, and protect sensitive information
- 🗸Identify emerging privacy issues, analyze their implications, and implement risk management strategies to safeguard personal and organizational data
- 🗸Develop the ability to navigate the complexities of public interest versus individual privacy rights within democratic and institutional settings
- 🗸Understand modern data protection principles, information security measures, and ethical considerations in managing personal information
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.