Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Network and Security Administration (AS)

Securing your future

Installing firewalls and working with routers or switches is just a small part of what you will  encounter with a degree in Network Security and Administration. Our program trains you to understand the fundamentals of basic security, systems, and networking.

Did we mention that we have virtual and physical labs? As a student, you’ll have access to these labs, including our Academic Server Room. These labs are in a secure environment and will enable you to work with network set-ups and exploits, use enterprise-level hardware - like VoIP phones, - and practice real configurations, such as defensive hacking and network forensics. The replication of real-life work situations makes homework more fun!

Network with others

If you want to explore outside of your classes, check out our clubs and activities. We have the Computer, Red Team, Defensive Security, Gaming clubs, and more! But the excitement doesn’t stop there. We also have LAN parties, network defense competitions (like the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition) and many research opportunities.

At DSU, our faculty is highly trained. They’ll incorporate their knowledge into the classroom and inspire you to ask questions. Besides your professors, you’ll also form professional connections with industry leaders, a giant perk when seeking an internship.

student working in lab

Integrated technology

DSU is unique for its virtual and physical labs. So whether you earn this degree on-campus or online, you'll have a great deal of equipment and supporting services to help develop your skills and gain experience. 

Career possibilities

Our program will prepare you to be the best of the best for your dream job. This means you’ll have knowledge that covers an array of responsibilities like penetration testing, installing and configuring a variety of software and hardware, or working with data and computer networks.

What’s the best part? If you decide you want to continue your education, your associate degree courses will count towards your bachelor’s degree.

Once you finally have your degree in hand, you’re ready to take on the security world. Take heart in knowing that your degree is in high demand. Defend systems, support security in organizations, and train colleagues to follow suit.  

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the AS degree in Network and Security Administration, students will:

  • Maintain network systems.
  • Monitor functional network use (e.g., performance and traffic).

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