Empowering your future in technology
As one of only nine institutions nationwide to hold all three National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence designations, DSU’s Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences is renowned for its excellence in cybersecurity education and research. Through a combination of classroom theory, hands-on learning, and real-world applications, Beacom College prepare students for successful careers in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, cyber operations, and more.
Your program options
The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences is your launchpad for a career in technology. Our academic programs build essential skills like critical thinking and collaboration while offering hands-on experience with advanced technologies, including quantum computing applications tied to cybersecurity and national security research. Whether you’re a future student or a working professional, you’ll be prepared for a dynamic career in the tech industry.
Majors & degrees
Doctoral
Master
Bachelor
- Artificial Intelligence, BS
- Computer Game Design, BS
- Computer Science, BS
- — Specializations
- —— Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- —— Software Engineering
- Cyber Operations, BS
- Network and Security Administration, BS
Associate
Minors & certificates
Minors
- AI Cyber Minor
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Minor
- Computer Science Minor
- Cyber Operations Minor
- Digital Forensics Minor
- High-Performance Computing Minor
- Mobile Application Development Minor
- Network Security Administration Minor
- Quantum Computing for Cybersecurity Minor
Graduate certificates
- Banking Security Graduate Certificate
- Computer Science and Cyber Education Certificate
- Cyber Operations Graduate Certificate
- Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate
- Data Privacy Graduate Certificate
- Ethical Hacking Graduate Certificate
- Quantum Computing for Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate
Certificate
- Creative Coding Certificate
- Cybersecurity Certificate
- High-Performance and Research Computing Certificate
- Network and Telecommunications Administration Certificate
- Network Services Certificate
- Object Oriented Programming Certificate
- Software Development Certificate
Gateway certificates
Center of Academic Excellence
DSU is one of only nine universities to hold all three of the Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designations.
CISCO Networking Academy
DSU is a Cisco Networking Academy offering courses to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.
ABET Computing Accreditation
Beacom’s Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited by ABET, a globally recognized standard of excellence in computing education.
Top undergraduate programs
Cyber operations, artificial intelligence, computer science, network & security administration, and computer game design
Top graduate programs
Cyber defense, cyber operations, artificial intelligence, computer science, and data privacy
Scholarships
Beacom students have access to a wide range of scholarship opportunities, including cybersecurity-specific programs such as the CyberCorps Scholarship and the Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA). Explore available scholarships to help support your academic and career goals.
Clubs & organizations
Get involved beyond the classroom through student organizations that build skills, community, and professional connections. Opportunities include the Computer Club and the CybHER Security Institute, which support hands-on learning, collaboration, and growth in cybersecurity.
Conferences & competitions
DSU offers hands-on cybersecurity experiences through events, competitions, and student organizations. Students compete in national and international challenges, including the Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition, CyberForce, the Digi-Key Collegiate Computing Competition, HTB University CTF, the NSA Codebreaker Challenge, the International Collegiate Programming Contest, the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, and the National Cyber League.
Research in renowned labs
Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs®) is DSU's hub for cybersecurity and cyber operations research, providing secure lab environments for student and faculty innovation. Through partnerships with government, industry, nonprofits, and higher education institutions, MadLabs® creates opportunities for hands-on research, internships, and career pathways.
Meet the faculty & staff
Our team at The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences comprises some of the nation’s leading experts in preventing, detecting, and combating digital crime. We also have a dedicated staff committed to enhancing our students' educational experiences and contributing to their long-term success.
DSU's Cyber 27 Initiative
Dakota State is based on a culture of never settling. Through the seven pillars of our Cyber 27 Initiative, we are on our way to becoming not only the top cyber program in the country but the next chapter for cyber everywhere.
Invest in the future of cybersecurity
Support The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
The future of cybersecurity starts with today’s students. Your gift to Beacom supports hands-on cyber education and research that prepares graduates to protect businesses, governments, and communities from digital threats. Together, we can build a stronger cyber workforce and a safer digital future.
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News
DSU to host annual Global Game Jam site
Dakota State’s Computer Game Design program is hosting a Global Game Jam site the weekend of January 30-Feburary 1.
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DSU Ph.D. student Hemanth Tadepalli was recently named one of the Top 20 Voices in Automotives by Automotive IQ.
Dakota State Introduces Online Data Privacy Master’s Degree
Dakota State University is launching a Master of Science in Data Privacy (MSDP) created through a deliberate, interdisciplinary collaboration among three colleges: The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Business and Information Systems.
The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
Madison SD 57042