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

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

  1. 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.
  2. Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on an alternative grading system).
  3. 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.

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Contact Us

Office of Graduate Studies and Research
(605) 256-5799
Email

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