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.
Undergraduate
Bachelor
- Artificial Intelligence (BS)
- Computer Game Design (BS)
- Computer Science (BS)
- - Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (BS)
- - Software Engineering (BS)
- Cyber Operations (BS)
- Network and Security Administration (BS)
Associate
Certificate
Graduate
Doctoral
- Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense (PhDCD)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Operations (PhDCO)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhDCS)
Master
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)
- Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
- Master of Science in Cyber Defense (MSCD)
Graduate Certificates
- Banking Security Graduate Certificate
- Cyber Security Graduate Certificate
- Data Privacy Graduate Certificate
- Ethical Hacking Graduate Certificate
- Quantum Computing for Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate
Minors
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:
- CAE Cyber Operations (CAE-CO)
- Center POC: Dr. Michael Ham
- CAE Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
- Center POC: Dr. Kyle Cronin
- CAE Cyber Research (CAE-R)
- Center POC: Dr. Yong Wang
“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 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.
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.
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.
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
Fall research grants awarded at DSU
Dakota State University offers funded research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students through mentored research initiative programs. Sixteen undergraduate and seven graduate students were awarded funds to complete their research projects for the 2024-25 academic year.
Waldner appointed director of Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program
Dakota State University and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announce the hiring of Mike Waldner as director of the newly established Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program. This initiative, funded through Senate Bill 187, will enhance the cybersecurity infrastructure of South Dakota's municipalities.
AT&T donates to CybHER
AT&T is continuing its partnership with CybHER® to bring technology outreach and digital literacy training to the state’s tribal students through local Boys & Girls Clubs.
The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences
Madison SD 57042