Originally from Colombia, Felix Velasquez moved to Canada at the age of four. His curiosity for science grew as he did, pushing him toward subjects that explain how the world works. That interest led him to study astrophysics at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Science.
In his final year, he completed a thesis in quantum information theory, which introduced him to the field of quantum applications and sparked a strong interest in the subject. Around that time, he learned about the newly launched Quantum Computing program.
“Since the program is a one-year accelerated option that would give me the skills to enter the workforce, it stood out as a strong career path after my undergrad,” he says.
As we continue to shift toward a fully digital world, the need for professionals who understand advanced technologies is growing.
UCalgary’s Professional Graduate Programs in the Faculty of Science were created with this momentum in mind. These course-based programs support people who want to become skilled technical professionals in a rapidly changing digital environment. Whether you’re entering a new field or expanding your existing skills, the programs offer a graduate-level credential designed to match industry needs as much as prepare you for the next stage of your career.
One such program is the Master’s in Quantum Computing. UCalgary is recognized as one of Canada’s leading quantum institutions and offers what is considered the world’s first hands-on, industry-oriented Quantum Computing program. Students learn the core distinctions between classical and quantum computers, the types of problems quantum computers can solve, and how to use them effectively in practice. They are also introduced to the ways these new capabilities can be integrated into modern workplaces.
Among the many opportunities to collaborate with professionals, Velasquez found qConnect most notable, a conference dedicated to connecting quantum computing researchers with potential end users. Source: University of Calgary
To support different learning needs, the program emphasizes instructor access through smaller class sizes and is structured with laddered learning where each semester expands on the last, helping to keep students focused with fast-paced content.
“The one-year structure of the program kept the content fresh and exciting, keeping me engaged and motivated throughout the year,” Velasquez says. “The structure also helped me see clearly how the content builds on each other and how it can be applied to real-world work settings.”
As digital work expands across industries, data continues to shape how decisions are made and how challenges are interpreted. For those who are interested in stepping into this space, the Master’s in Data Science and Analytics gives you the foundation to do so. It offers four specialization areas that support different career paths. The Health Data Science stream, for example, introduces you to Alberta’s health data environment, epidemiology, and biostatistics. This pathway is beneficial if you enter the program with limited experience but a strong interest in the field. As data-driven practices accelerate, it helps students position themselves effectively in a fast-growing field.
Cybersecurity is another area where skilled professionals are urgently needed. Organizations continue to seek people who can identify risks, secure systems, and adapt to evolving digital threats. The Master’s in Information Security responds directly to this demand by combining theory-based learning with extensive hands-on experience. Students work with real tools and real scenarios so they can apply their skills with confidence.
The program is the first in Canada to be named an International Academic Partner by ISC2, the global leader in cybersecurity credentials. Through this partnership, students can complete the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential as part of their studies.
For Angelica (Heli) Meza, the one-year structure and internship made scheduling easy and boosted confidence in applying the degree. Source: University of Calgary
All programs share a strong balance of theory and hands-on practice, something that helps students build their confidence early. Chile-born Angelica (Heli) Meza saw the value of this approach throughout her learning experience.
“Using ENFOCOM’s Cyber Range in the Ethical Hacking course allowed me to gain practical, hands-on experience rather than relying solely on textbook learning,” she says. “In one of our classes, my group conducted a full free cybersecurity assessment for a non-profit organization and developed a comprehensive cybersecurity policy for them as our project. The internship component further reinforced my confidence that I could successfully apply this degree in a real-world environment.”
No matter which program students choose, the courses are taught by experienced faculty selected for their expertise and industry insight. Each instructor brings a different teaching style and strengthens your learning through real examples and relevant guidance. Meza felt this deeply.
“All of my professors were industry experts who work or have worked in cybersecurity,” says Meza, who is now Director of Information and Cybersecurity with ENFOCOM Cyber. “Professor Dr. Ken Barker was exceptional and even facilitated the introduction to my employer.”
Likewise, Velasquez credits his experience at UCalgary for shaping his career. It gave him the fundamentals and confidence to enter the quantum industry. “Currently, I am part of a startup with a small team of four working on building a quantum computer; as such, my responsibilities range from software development to business strategy development, even to speaking at public events,” he says.
Learn more about the University of Calgary’s Professional Graduate Programs.
Follow the Faculty of Science on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
