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
DSU is one of only nine universities nationwide to hold all three designations as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.
DSU is a Cisco Networking Academy offering courses to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.
Beacom’s Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited by ABET, a globally recognized standard of excellence in computing education.
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.
Madison Cyber 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.
Conferences & competitions
DSU offers hands-on cybersecurity experiences through events, competitions, and student organizations. Students compete in national and international challenges, including:
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.
RISE WITH US.
Want to hear from DSU? Sign up below.
Sign up to get the latest information about DSU and upcoming deadlines.
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