Gateway to Digital Technology Certificate
Jumpstart a career in digital technology during high school
Explore a wide variety of interests in digital technology – while still in high school. The opportunities in tech are vast including disciplines like computer science, information systems, networking, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, web development, health informatics, and data analytics.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in computer and information technology are projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations from 2023-2033.* In South Dakota, information security analysts and software developers, analysts and testers rank #4 and #9 in the top ten occupations with the highest projected growth between 2020 and 2030.** Dakota State University is the premier university in South Dakota and beyond providing degrees in technology and cyber security. The Gateway to Digital Technology certificate allows high school students to learn about the varying professions in Tech. Students can apply the earned credits to many majors at DSU.
The certificate is available on DSU’s campus, online, and as In-District High School Dual Credit delivery in approved school districts. Students can take the courses at the reduced dual-credit rate if qualified, saving time and money to spark their professional path.
*Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024)
**South Dakota e-Labor Bulletin (2022, September)
Emerging leaders in technology
This certificate is intended for high school students considering majors or degree programs in digital technology fields. The certificate is stackable with programs in:
- Artificial Intelligence (BS)
- Computer Game Design (BS)
- Computer Science (BS)
- Cyber Operations (BS)
- Network and Security Administration (AS)(BS)
- Software Engineering (BS)
- Software Development (AS)
- Computer Information Systems (BS)
- Cyber Leadership and Intelligence (BS)
Earned credits can also be used as stackable general education electives for other major programs.
Students can apply up to 14credits to DSU’s majors in the College of Arts & Sciences, The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, or College of Business & Information Systems.
Looking for more opportunities in cyber career pathways for high school students?
Certificate courses
The Gateway Certificate is stackable with many possible majors. Contact us if you have any questions about the best dual-credit courses to take toward a specific degree at DSU.
We’re here to help you explore your interests and jumpstart your career pathway!
Available courses for this certificate
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CSC 115 | Test-Driven Software Development |
| CSC 150/L | Computer Science I |
| CSC 155/L | Introduction to Computer Science |
| HSC 110 | The Interprofessional Health Team |
| CSC 170/L | Programming for Engineers and Scientists |
| INFO 101 | Introduction to Informatics |
| CSC 101 | Digital Humanities |
| CSC 134 | Introduction to Cyber |
| CSC 163 | Survey of Artificial Intelligence |
| EPSY/ HDFS 210 | Hardware, Virtualization, and Data Communication |
| MATH 114 or higher | |
| INFO/ | |
| PHIL 102 | |
| PHIL 200 | Introduction to Logic |
| PHIL 220 | Introduction to Ethics |
| SOC 285 | Society and Technology |
Learning outcomes
- Apply foundational programming concepts including sequence, selection, repetition, functions, and arrays to develop algorithms and solve problems effectively using basic computer programming skills.
- Demonstrate awareness of the functions, applications, and potential impacts of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics to build foundational knowledge for navigating and utilizing these technologies effectively.
- Discuss ethical issues related to the use of technology, such as privacy, data security, and the impact of digital technologies on society.
- Demonstrate competence in mathematical principles and techniques essential for advanced study in digital technologies.