DSU to offer accelerated degrees

April 10, 2024

Dakota State University is developing new academic options to help students enter the career field sooner.

Beginning in fall 2024, the institution will offer fast-track opportunities in Network and Security Administration (NetSec), in Computer Science, and Cyber Operations. Other accelerated degree options are being explored in education.

Students interested in these programs of study will be able to earn their bachelor’s degree in three years instead of four. The “degree in three” option provides students with the exact same course work and curriculum as a traditional four-year degree, just in a different timeframe, said Dr. Pat Engebretson, Associate Professor in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences.

The Network & Security Administration associate degree can also be fast-tracked to be completed in 18 months. These options will be available to incoming freshmen in the fall of 2024, whether they are on campus or online.

“The ‘degree in three’ is a fantastic option for students who are looking to fast-track their college degree,” Engebretson said. In addition to cost savings, “this gives our students the option and opportunity accelerate their learning and join the workforce sooner.”

Offering these options to interested students will “hopefully encourage more students to complete a college degree,” Engebretson said.

Creating more graduates will also benefit industries and businesses dealing with workforce shortages. There are an estimated 600,000 cybersecurity job openings around the country. Graduates who can implement and safeguard any organization’s computer system and network infrastructure will help address the almost daily news reports of major cybersecurity breaches.