Local Focus, Global Mindset: Westcliff University Building Toronto’s Tech Future
When prospective students visit Westcliff University’s new Canadian campus in Markham, the first person they’re likely to meet is Jordan Becker, Director of business development. Whether you’re touring the facility, exploring programs, or applying to study, Jordan is your first point of contact.
For him, that personal connection is what makes his role at the University special. “Being part of Westcliff’s launch has been an incredible opportunity,” Jordan shares. “The institution is entrepreneurial, innovative, and nontraditional in the best way. We’re moving fast to keep our curriculum up to date, and our students will graduate ready to lead.”
Jordan is no stranger to building programs that connect learners with opportunities. Over the past decade, he has worked at the intersection of higher education, economic development, and innovation ecosystems. He helped launch various university campuses in Toronto and Vancouver, led supply chain resilience initiatives for Toronto Global, and supported startups at Toronto Metropolitan University’s world-renowned DMZ incubator. Now at Westcliff, he is channeling that experience into shaping a program designed to meet Canada’s most urgent tech needs.
Westcliff Canada’s First Program: The MIST
The Master of Information Systems and Technology (MIST) is the flagship program for Westcliff’s Canadian campus. With concentrations in cybersecurity and smart manufacturing, it is specifically designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers in high-demand fields.
“Our MIST program was uniquely designed with industry leaders and government stakeholders to address today’s talent gaps,” Jordan explains. “Students get practical, real-world experience in every single course and apply it in an extended capstone. They leave not just with technical expertise, but also leadership and communication skills that make them stand out.”
What sets the program apart is its dual focus on technical depth and practical skills. Alongside emerging technologies, students build foundations in communication, leadership, and project management, skills that employers consistently rank as critical for future leaders.
Learning in the Heart of Canada’s Tech Corridor
Westcliff’s Canadian campus is strategically located inside ventureLAB, a leading innovation hub in Markham’s tech corridor, the second largest in Canada. ventureLAB is a thriving ecosystem of founders, scale-ups, and corporate partners, all dedicated to advancing Canadian innovation and keeping intellectual property within the country.
“Having our first Canadian campus located within ventureLAB is a really unique approach,” Jordan says. “Our learners can take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it in real-world settings, while connecting with the very employers who may hire them.”
The location also reflects strong community ties. Westcliff was personally invited to explore the Markham region by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who traveled to California to visit the university’s main campus in Irvine. This collaboration ensures Westcliff Canada is rooted in both local support and global vision.
A Curriculum Built with Employers in Mind
At Westcliff Canada, courses aren’t designed in isolation, they are built in direct collaboration with employers and industry partners. By staying agile and frequently updating curriculum, Westcliff ensures its graduates are prepared for today’s labor market and tomorrow’s opportunities.
“We work directly with employers to really understand today’s talent gaps,” Jordan explains. “That way, we can infuse those outcomes into our curriculum and ensure our students are ready to make an impact on day one after they graduate.”
This close alignment means graduates won’t need retraining or “upskilling” once they enter the workforce. Instead, they bring both the technical knowledge and the workplace skills that organizations need immediately.
Small Classes, Engaged Faculty, Global Network
Another defining feature of Westcliff Canada is its intentionally small class sizes and engaged faculty. Professors aren’t only academics, they’re active professionals who apply what they teach in real-world settings. This ensures students gain not only theory but also tangible examples of how lessons play out in industry. “Our Canadian faculty are extremely engaged, and our classroom sizes are kept small on purpose,” Jordan notes. “That way, students have a dynamic and personalized experience.”
At the same time, students are part of a much larger global network. With campuses across the world, Westcliff offers the unique benefit of a local experience with a global perspective.
“One thing I’ve noticed is that Westcliff really cares about the local student experience, but still approaches education with a global mindset,” Jordan reflects. “Our students learn what they need to succeed here in Canada, but they also understand how to apply those concepts globally.”
An Invitation to Students and Partners
Westcliff Canada is more than a campus, it’s a growing hub for education, innovation, and collaboration. Industry leaders are invited to connect with Westcliff to help shape capstone projects or co-develop customized professional development programs. And for students ready to accelerate their careers in cybersecurity or smart manufacturing, the MIST program offers the flexibility and relevance they need.
For Jordan, the opportunity to help guide students through this journey is the most rewarding part. “I really enjoy working for Westcliff because we take a nontraditional approach to education,” he says. “Things are changing very rapidly, and our role is to ensure students aren’t just learning today’s technologies, but also the leadership and communication skills that make them successful in the long run.”
Ready to Learn More?
Westcliff University Canada is now accepting applications for the Master of Information Systems and Technology program. Whether you’re an IT professional seeking to specialize in cybersecurity, advance in smart manufacturing, or broaden your leadership skills, this program is built with you in mind.
Schedule a tour of our Toronto campus today to meet Jordan Becker in person and see how Westcliff Canada is shaping the future of tech education.
Contact canada@techsb.westcliff.edu to learn more!