DSU adds BBA specialization in Cybersecurity Management
April 17, 2025
Dakota State will now offer a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in cybersecurity management. This degree will prepare graduates to make business decisions while effectively communicating technical cybersecurity information in business environments.
“In today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape, a business foundation is essential for any technology professional aiming to lead and innovate at the highest levels,” explained Dr. Deb Tech, associate professor and chair for the business department at Dakota State.
“While technical cyber degrees provide deep expertise in cybersecurity and technology, they often lack the critical business skills necessary for roles like Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Innovation Officer (CIO).”
The new program will help address the gap by equipping students with robust technical knowledge and necessary business acumen to make strategic, high-level decisions.
Inspiration for the new degree came from a presentation on building a cyber arsenal led in part by a Dakota State University alumna at the 2023 Win in Workforce Summit in Sioux Falls.
Dr. Katie Schuck, who earned her master’s degree in cyber operations with a certificate of cryptography and a doctoral degree in cyber defense at DSU, explained the importance of having intermediaries who can talk cybersecurity with upper management and C-suite employees.
The presentation highlighted the important skills needed in cyber industry roles, such as technology ethics, soft skills, coding basics, and risk assessment and analysis.
“This combination is exactly what aspiring tech executives and entrepreneurs need to thrive in high-responsibility roles, ensuring that technology decisions align with organizational goals and market demands,” Tech said.
This program will be available beginning fall 2025. For more information on this new degree, contact Dr. Deb Tech at deb.tech@dsu.edu.