COURSE CURRICULUM

Sheridan’s 1-year Operations Technology (OT) Cybersecurity program (Program Code: POTCR) provides specialized training to defend critical infrastructure in sectors such as healthcare, government, military, and manufacturing. Designed as an accelerated pathway, the program consists of two semesters of intensive coursework, with an optional co-op work term for eligible students to gain hands-on experience in real-world OT environments. In Semester 1, students build foundational skills in security fundamentals, Python programming, OT and ICS networking protocols, threat and vulnerability assessment in OT systems, OT simulations, and OT/ICS security standards and compliance, totaling 20 credits. Semester 2 expands technical expertise with courses in cybersecurity threats and defense strategies for OT, AI edge devices, incident response and recovery, modern OT network architecture based on the Purdue Model, smart manufacturing, IIoT and MES integration, and case studies applying AI in OT cybersecurity, totaling 21 credits (22 for co-op students). Co-op students may complete an additional third semester with a 360-hour work term, providing practical industry exposure and networking opportunities that enhance employability. The program emphasizes hands-on application, simulations, and the use of industry-standard tools, preparing graduates to address the unique challenges of OT cybersecurity. Upon completion, students emerge with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to protect critical operational technology systems in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.