Work-Integrated Learning: How Westcliff Canada is Shaping Tomorrow’s IT Leaders
A Leader with Global Perspective
Dr. Tony R. Lyons brings more than 25 years of executive experience in corporate IT and higher education leadership to his role as Dean of the College of Technology and Engineering at Westcliff University. Having served across industries including financial services, healthcare, global manufacturing, and IT service delivery, his expertise lies in aligning technology with business strategy and building high-performing teams.
Starting at Westcliff in 2022, Dr. Lyons has been shaping programs that bridge academic excellence with real-world impact and has been integral in bringing that to Westcliff Canada’s MIST program. Reflecting on his own journey, he shared, “To join Westcliff’s program is definitely an investment in oneself. I think back to when I decided to pursue advanced degrees, and that investment still holds true today. Our goal is to make students market-ready and prepared to progress in their careers.”
Meeting the Needs of Today’s IT Professionals
The Master of Information Systems & Technology (MIST) program at Westcliff Canada is designed with career-driven professionals in mind. Built for those who already have experience in IT and are looking to take the next step, the program combines advanced technical expertise with leadership training.
Students gain hands-on skills in critical areas such as cybersecurity, smart manufacturing, data analytics, infrastructure management, and emerging technologies. The program’s 36-credit curriculum is structured for working professionals, offering flexible hybrid learning with one evening class per week plus online coursework. “Our program is uniquely designed and tailored to working individuals who want to further their careers,” Dr. Lyons explains. “It’s about adding to your existing skill set, giving you practical, hands-on opportunities, and preparing you to hit the ground running.”
Learning by Doing: Work-Integrated Opportunities
One of the standout features of the MIST program is its work-integrated learning model, which provides students with opportunities to apply theory in real-world environments.
Located within Toronto’s ventureLAB, Westcliff Canada is positioned to connect students with corporate partners, live labs, and simulation-based learning experiences. For example, in smart manufacturing, students may run simulations inside an operational environment—tackling real-world problems and driving efficiencies.
“When we say work-integrated, we mean giving students the chance to work with actual partners, in actual environments,” Dr. Lyons emphasizes. “This isn’t just a classroom exercise, this is real-world training that builds real-world confidence.”
A Faculty of Practitioners and Scholars
Westcliff’s approach also draws on a blended faculty model: full-time professors combined with part-time instructors who are active professionals in the field. “Our faculty members are practitioners who bring real-world analysis and scenarios directly into the classroom,” says Dr. Lyons. “That mix of working professionals with academic professors makes the classroom really exciting. Students get real answers to real questions.” This model ensures that students are constantly engaging with the latest trends and challenges facing the IT industry today.
Why Cybersecurity and Smart Manufacturing?
With technology advancing at breakneck speed, Westcliff Canada has tailored the MIST program to two of the most in-demand fields: cybersecurity and smart manufacturing.
“Cybersecurity is paramount to almost every industry now, and there simply aren’t enough experts to meet demand,” notes Dr. Lyons. “At the same time, manufacturing processes are evolving, and the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and operations makes smart manufacturing such a high-growth field.”
By preparing graduates for these critical industries, Westcliff aims to fill an urgent skills gap across Ontario and beyond.
A Global Institution with a Practical Edge
As part of Westcliff University’s global network, Westcliff Canada blends innovation, practicality, and career readiness into its curriculum. The MIST program emphasizes applied research, project-based learning, and industry collaboration, all designed to give graduates a competitive edge.
“We are truly a global institution. We are innovative, we are practical, and we embed all of that into our curriculum,” says Dr. Lyons. “For students, it’s an outstanding opportunity to increase your expertise and step into leadership in your field.”
An Investment in the Future
Ultimately, the MIST program is about creating opportunities for IT professionals to advance their careers, while also supporting organizations that need skilled leaders in cybersecurity and smart manufacturing. “It’s an investment not only for the individuals, but for the organizations as well,” Dr. Lyons affirms.
For mid-level IT professionals ready to elevate their careers, Westcliff Canada’s MIST program offers a path forward, one that combines academic rigor, hands-on experience, and industry partnerships to prepare graduates for the next chapter in their professional journey.