Dakota State University students walking around campus

Rise with us

DSU is a place where innovation meets opportunity. We are a nationally recognized leader in technology-driven education, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With hands-on learning experiences, expert faculty, and cutting-edge facilities, we prepare you for modern careers. Choose from a wide range of affordable, forward-thinking programs that allow you to shape your own path. Your future begins today.

Majors & Degrees

About DSU

general cy posing
beadle hall building

This is DSU

Dakota State University is a public, four-year university in Madison, SD, offering on-campus and online programs in humanities, sciences, business, and education. We are nationally recognized for technology and cybersecurity education. We are deeply committed to growth, innovation, and community. As our campus expands and our programs advance, we invite students who are ready to rise with us and shape what’s next.

historical photo of campus

Little college on the prairie into a cyber powerhouse of the plains

Dakota State University is located in the ancestral territory of the Oceti Sakowin, represented today by South Dakota’s nine federally recognized tribes. In 1881, DSU began as a teacher education institution and has since evolved into a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity, technology, and STEM education. Today, DSU remains committed to providing students with the tools and knowledge to succeed in any career.

More about our history & traditions

1881

DSU was founded

3,842

Students enrolled in fall 2025

#20

among public universities in the Midwest (U.S. News)

Stepping into the future

Dakota State University is preparing leaders, advancing technology, and redefining what a STEM university can be. Here is a look at DSU on the rise.

Our ambitions

At Dakota State University, our mission, vision, and values define how we support students, strengthen our community, and continue to rise. We foster an environment where students grow as innovators, leaders, and lifelong learners, while focusing on what’s next. 


president griffiths speaking at commencement

Meet Dr. Jose-Marie Griffiths

President Griffiths stepped into her role in 2015 and has led DSU into transformational growth and advancement. Originally from London, Griffiths holds strong industry ties to the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Department of Energy, and various intelligence and military agencies, as well as major corporations like Apple and IBM, and has worked with NATO and the United Nations.

Visit the office of the president

Where everyone’s welcome


Our alumni

Over 16,000 Dakota State University alumni are making an impact in all 50 states and 19 countries, staying connected to their alma mater through the Dakota State University Foundation.

Dakota State Foundation & Alumni

dsu student smiling at commencement with cap and gown

16,923

active alumni

dsu faculty posing with general cy

9,957

living in South Dakota

womens trojan basketball team celebrating during game

All 50

states have alumni residents

two dsu students posing for camera and smiling at Downtown Madtown

19

countries have alumni residents


RISE WITH US.

VISIT DSU     BECOME A TROJAN


News

Dr. Alex Dececchi headshot on the left with gray shading behind him.

Research reveals Microraptor could glide

Dr. Alex Dececchi and an international team of researchers have made another discovery related to dinosaurs and early flight.

Kim DeMaria, Cam DeMaria, and Anthony DeMaria.

Anthony and Kim DeMaria gift $350k to DSU

Longtime baseball supporters, Anthony and Kim DeMaria, will impact Trojan baseball players for years to come with their recent $350,000 gift for a brand-new baseball locker room within the Beacom PREMIER Complex.

A student demonstrates robots used at CybHER outreach events.

CybHER to host Girl Scout Badge Day

DSU’s CybHER® program will host a Girl Scouts Badge Day on Saturday, February 7 in The Beacom Institute of Technology.

More news