Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Dakota State The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

Smarter cyber starts at Dakota State

Are you dreaming of founding the next unicorn startup? A budding scientist obsessed with artificial intelligence? A white-hat hacker plotting ways to channel your mad skills for a greater good?

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences offers elite training in the latest tech alongside a stellar foundation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and team-building skills that, unlike the latest device or app, will never be obsolete.

That’s just one of the reasons why DSU has Center of Academic Excellence designations from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DSU is one of only ten institutions nationwide to hold all three prestigious NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations for cyber security education and research. 

Become Part of the Future of Computer Science and Cybersecurity

The Beacom Institute of Technology is your technology-forward launchpad. In addition to the best education, you'll work in state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces designed especially for the needs of cybersecurity and other tech-intensive programs.

Students also learn from the best as DSU faculty members are some of the nation's top authorities on preventing, detecting, and battling digital crime, focusing on cyber security, ethical hacking, and cyber operations. With a blend of classroom theory, hands-on learning, and practical application, they prepare students for real-world careers with noteworthy opportunities.

DSU has robust relationships with the NSA, DHS, and the US National Science Foundation. Some students have the opportunity to work on actual NSA-sponsored cyber projects in a secure lab on the DSU campus, side-by-side with NSA staff and expert DSU faculty. These opportunities give you the hands-on experience needed to secure a job in the cyber world.

You can also bring the knowledge you've already learned on the job to Dakota State and receive credit! National Security Agency (NSA) employees (military and civilian) can transfer up to 56 National Cryptologic University course credits to Dakota State’s bachelor’s degree in online cyber operations.

Apply Today!

Seals of the National Security Agency and Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity

Center of Academic Excellence Designations

DSU is one of only ten universities in the nation to carry all three of the Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA). The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences serves as DSU's established Center for Cybersecurity where the designated programs are housed. These designations represent the high quality of our cybersecurity programs and enable our students to apply for scholarships and grants through Federal and DoD programs.

Our designated Programs are:

#2

Most affordable online cybersecurity PhD programs - Cybersecurity Guide

#4

Most affordable online bachelor’s in cybersecurity - Cybersecurity Guide

#17

Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology programs for Veterans - U.S. News & World Reports

“I’ve talked to other friends attending different colleges...The things that we do here are incredible, and they are leaps and bounds ahead of what some of them are doing in their respective programs.”

Connor Starrett, B.S. Cyber Operations, '24

DSU's Cyber 27 Initiative: the next chapter for Cyber everywhere

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.

Get the details on DSU Cyber 27

standing woman

Scholarships

As a Beacom student, you're eligible for financial aid and a number of scholarships designed for future innovators just like you. The CyberCorps Scholarship program is just one example: full-ride scholarships, stipends, research opportunities and a guaranteed security job in federal, state, local and tribal government organizations once you graduate.

Pursue CyberCorps

Learn about Champion Scholarships

Outdoor image of the southwest corner of MadLabs® building

Madison Cyber Labs

Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs®) is a prominent hub for research, development, and economic opportunity at DSU. With cyber security and cyber operations in mind, MadLabs® contains secure labs so student and faculty researchers can pursue work that's critical to the growth of the cyber universe. 

MadLabs® has also formed partnerships with the government, businesses, nonprofits, and other higher education institutions. These partnerships are beneficial for our students, as they create the potential for internships, employee recruitment, and more. 

Discover more

beadle statue

Honors program

Challenge yourself intellectually with advanced courses and peers who crave the same. Connect with faculty who cheer you on. The General Beadle Honors Program is an option for any major, in any college.

Level Up

student sitting at desk writing in notebook

4+1 program

You not only have the goal of completing a bachelor’s degree, but you also want to push yourself to obtain your master’s degree. Our 4+1 program gives you the unique opportunity to finish both degrees in just five years. The program is offered in various disciplines to fit your career aspirations.

That's Me

Student working on coding on desktop computer

Conferences and competitions

The annual three-day DakotaCon Security Conference is hosted by corporate and government sponsors to discuss the latest cybersecurity developments. You can interact with top minds from all over the world, attend training, and network with other professionals.

Our cyber students also compete and succeed in national and international competitions. DSU teams master practical skills as they attack and defend simulated networks. These are some of the competitions/challenges that our students regularly compete at:

Want to get involved? DSU has a very active Computer Club focusing on programming, offensive security, defensive security, and all things computer-related. The computer club is an excellent place to sharpen your skills and learn new things. Also, check out the CybHER Security Institute, a place for girls and women in cybersecurity to foster positive and encouraging relationships within the cybersecurity industry.

Faculty

Annual Newsletter

The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences provides you with the foundation for success in any field. We are excited to share the news of our past year and look forward to another year of excellence at DSU.

News

Pictured l-to-r: Coach Dr. Austin O’Brien, with team members Joshua Ganschow, Nora Sandison, and Dax Patel.

DSU programming team advances to North American Championship

Dakota State University’s International Competitive Programming Competition (ICPC) team will compete at the North American Championship in May.

Beacom

DSU to offer accelerated degrees

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

AI EXPO

DSU to be a sponsor for upcoming AI Expo for National Competitiveness

“SCSP’s greatest strength lies in its ability to convene, through its global reach, the wide variety of parties involved with AI and emerging technologies." President José-Marie Griffiths. DSU is pleased to be a sponsor for their upcoming AI Expo for National Competitiveness.

More news

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

820 N Washington Ave.
Madison SD 57042