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 serves as your launchpad for a career in technology. We offer academic programs that incorporate essential skills such as critical thinking and teamwork, equipping you 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 Designations
Dakota State University is one of only nine universities nationwide to hold all three National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations. These prestigious designations reflect the high quality of our programs and provide students with access to exclusive scholarships and funding opportunities through federal and Department of Defense initiatives.
Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco Networking Academy at Dakota State University’s offers flexible, hands-on training aligned with the Cisco Certified Network Associate curriculum, preparing students, alumni, and non-degree learners for certification and careers in networking, cybersecurity, and IT. The program complements DSU’s networking courses and provides a direct path to industry credentials and career advancement.
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: 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.
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.
Madison Cyber Labs
Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs®) is a prominent hub for research, development, and economic opportunity at DSU. With cybersecurity 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.
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:
Digi-Key Collegiate Computing Competition
International Collegiate Programming Contest
HTB University CTF
NSA Codebreaker Challenge
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.
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News
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.
DSU named No. 1 most affordable by Cybersecurity Guide
Dakota State University’s online PhD cybersecurity programs have been named the No. 1 most affordable in Cybersecurity Guide’s 2026 rankings.
Two DSU students named RSAC Security Scholars
Two Dakota State University students, Catherine Hoier and Paige Phinney, have been selected for the highly competitive RSAC Security Scholars.
The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
Madison SD 57042