Timelines & Requirements
Application information
Dakota State University seeks highly motivated individuals with education and professional credentials that will enable them to be successful doctoral students. Students must have a bachelors, or master's degree in cyber, data privacy, computer science or a technology-oriented degree to apply. The PhD in Cyber Defense program admits students for the fall semester only, though classes are offered in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education with full regional accreditation for that degree. International students must have an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree that is the equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree in the US Students must have a bachelors, or master's degree in cyber, data privacy, computer science or a technically-oriented degree.
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on an alternative grading system).
- Satisfactory GRE scores on a test taken within the last five years*
*You do not need the GRE if you meet one of the following requirements.
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
- Official admission into and demonstrated success in a regionally accredited graduate program in the U.S. Demonstrated success is defined as grades of A or B in at least 9 hours of graduate work.
- Graduation from a regionally accredited college/university in the U.S. at least 15 years ago or more.
Application deadline
All application materials must be received by April 1 for admission for the following fall semester.
Entry Semesters: Students enter the program in the Fall semester only.