Empowering your future in technology
Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences provides advanced training in technology, from software development and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and data protection. We combine the latest technical training with essential skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, to prepare you for a career that evolves with the industry. As one of only ten institutions nationwide to hold all three NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations, DSU is at the forefront of cybersecurity education and research, ready to help you shape the future.
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 cybersecurity, 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.
Undergraduate
Bachelor
- Artificial Intelligence, BS
- Computer Game Design, BS
- Computer Science, BS
- - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, BS
- - Software Engineering, BS
- Cyber Operations, BS
- Network and Security Administration, BS
Associate
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
Graduate
Doctoral
- Philosophy in Cyber Defense, Ph.D.
- Cyber Operations, Ph.D.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, Ph.D.
Master
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
Minors
Center of Academic Excellence Designations
Dakota State University is one of only ten 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.
“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.
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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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
DSU student studied microplastics in Utah over summer
Dakota State University international student, Basbo Ayelazono, spent the summer studying microplastics at the University of Utah in its mechanical engineering department.
DSU hosts AI in the Workforce Panel Friday
Artificial intelligence continues to rapidly transform how people work, live, and learn—and the demand for AI-ready talent continues to grow across every industry, not just tech.
Computer science program earns ABET accreditation
Dakota State University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science has earned accreditation from ABET, the premier global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
Madison SD 57042