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DSU is a place where innovation meets opportunity. We are a nationally recognized leader in technology-driven education, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With hands-on learning experiences, expert faculty, and cutting-edge facilities, we prepare you for modern careers. Choose from a wide range of affordable, forward-thinking programs that allow you to shape your own path. Your future begins today.

Majors & Degrees

Cyber Leadership and Intelligence, BS

Program Quick Facts

Credits

120

Start Terms

Fall

|

Spring

|

Summer

Available

On Campus

|

Online

Tuition

$8,956.50

estimated cost per semester

More tuition details

If you’re a natural-born leader with a passion for world cultures, international politics, and cyber systems, our Bachelor of Science in Cyber Leadership and Intelligence is the perfect fit.

One of only a few programs of its kind in the nation, it offers a truly unique academic experience. You’ll challenge yourself through courses in leadership theory and practice, professional ethics, and effective communication. You'll also explore digital forensics and examine the intersection of world affairs and human behavior—developing the skills and knowledge needed to lead in today’s complex cyber landscape.

Curriculum and experience highlights

Choose your path in leadership

Customize your education with one of the following specializations:

Digital Forensics Specialization

Potential career paths

Pursue your passion for investigation with a specialization in digital forensics. This specialization prepares you to detect and analyze cyber threats while developing the leadership skills needed in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Through historical and theoretical perspectives, you will explore the use of operating systems, foundational networking concepts, and the key practices involved in computer forensic investigations. Study the role of portable devices in forensic investigations and examine network architecture and communication protocols while being equipped with a strong understanding of global issues and their impact on cybersecurity.

This program specialization offers insight into the U.S. intelligence community, the evolution of cyber science, and national security policy, along with its connections to U.S. foreign affairs. You’ll build sharp analytical and critical thinking abilities that allow you to thrive in high-demand fields like digital forensics and cybersecurity and even prepare you for law school with a focus on cyber law.

The specialization curriculum is flexible, allowing you to add a minor in areas such as cyber operations, foreign language, history, or sociology, so you can customize your education to match your goals.

World Affairs and Human Behavior Specialization

Potential career paths

If you are interested in how human behavior connects to cybersecurity, this is a strong fit. The world affairs and human behavior specialization allows you to explore how national security has developed over time and how different parts of the U.S. government and other countries handle cyber threats.

As you study the history and evolution of cybercrime, you’ll learn what drives people to commit these crimes and how psychology and culture influence their actions. Through courses in social deviance and intercultural communication, you’ll explore the norms, values, and governing structures that shape nations across the globe.

This specialization gives you a strong understanding of how human behavior, global affairs, and cybersecurity are all connected. By the end of the program, you will be prepared to lead teams and solve problems in international relations and global security. With strong critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to write, collaborate, and stay organized, you’ll be ready to thrive in almost any setting—public or private.

If you'd like to add a minor, this program gives you the flexibility to choose one that fits your interests, such as cyber operationsforeign languagehistory, or sociology.

Learning that goes beyond the classroom

Past students have completed internships with leading organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the United States Air Force, and many more. These opportunities provide direct exposure to real-world cyber investigations, digital forensics, and intelligence operations, giving you a competitive edge and valuable professional connections to jumpstart your career.

Hands-on training in AI technologies

You’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technologies and explore their strategic uses and challenges across business, national security, law, and public policy. The program also teaches critical skills in open-source intelligence (OSINT), training you to analyze publicly available data and combat misinformation, a growing global threat.


$93,060

Mean salary for computer occupation roles in South Dakota

#2

South Dakota is the second-fastest in the nation for cybersecurity and AI industry growth, expanding 350% over the past decade

100%

Placement rate for graduates seeking employment or continuing education

Why choose DSU?

Austin Slaughter helps students achieve success through veteran education benefits

Military leverage

“DSU’s CLI program, on-campus and online, is accessible for current military members. Current military students will receive a discounted tuition rate and have scholarships available to them. DSU has been a designated Military Friendly school since 2012 by the Military Times."

- Shane Farmer, DSU StudentLearn more about our veteran benefits

DSU work study student in the Cyber Leadership and Intelligence program

Renowned expertise in cyber

DSU meets some of the highest cybersecurity education standards in the nation, reflecting our expertise and commitment to excellence. As a student, you'll benefit from top-tier instruction led by experienced faculty and have access to cutting-edge labs and resources that prepare you to lead in cybersecurity field.

Faculty

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Your future at DSU begins today.

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