< building the best cyber anywhere />

Relentless minds.
Next-level facilities.
Dynamic partners.
All united by one revolutionary vision.

That’s how Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, is accelerating the future of cyber everywhere.

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DSU’S Cyber Mission

DSU is a special focus STEM university with an emphasis in computing information technologies and cybersecurity. Through our close-knit learning community, we’ve established ourselves as a national leader in innovative higher education.

The next chapter for us is even bigger. New projects funded and in process include the extension of DSU’s Applied Research Corporation (ARC) to a new facility in Sioux Falls, expansion of the number of graduates from The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, and the launch of the statewide Governors Cyber Academy, a 9-12 cyber education program.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS

We’re making waves and making it happen, measuring our wins by the success of our students and faculty. These are just a few of the biggest things Trojans are doing.

SD BOARD OF REGENTS APPROVES AI MASTER’S DEGREE AT DSU

The new degree, starting in fall 2024, is the first of its kind in South Dakota.

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DSU RECEIVES $1 MILLION IN GRANTS FROM GOOGLE’S CYBERSECURITY CLINICS FUND

Cybersecurity clinics at higher education institutions provide free digital security services to under-resourced organizations. DSU is officially joining the effort.

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DSU, ARMYCYBER SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

The partnership will promote joint research programs and projects to help define future cyber career paths and protect our nation.

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DR. ASHLEY PODHRADSKY FEATURED AT Smithsonian

Dr. Ashley Podhradsky was one of 120 women featured at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., for Women’s History Month in 2022. The exhibit honors women making an impact in STEM fields.

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NSA CENTER OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN CYBER DEFENSE, RESEARCH & CYBER OPERATIONS

DSU is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), Center of Academic Excellence in Research (CAE-R), and Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).

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PRESIDENT GRIFFITHS ONE OF 50 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN AI

Dakota State University President José-Marie Griffiths has been named to the InspiredMinds! Community’s top 50 most influential women in 2022. These women represent businesses, government agencies, and academia from across the world.

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US CYBER TEAM TAKES 3RD AT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

The U.S. Cyber Team – featuring three Dakota State University Trojans – won third place in the first-ever International Cybersecurity Challenge.

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DSU SECURES $90M PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR CYBERSECURITY (2022)

The new initiative includes a new cybersecurity research center in Sioux Falls and a push to expand their role as a key contributor to national security and defense.

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DSU ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH NSA (2023)

In 2023, Dakota State University announced a partnership with the National Security Agency to enhance the resources and collaboration with both parties.

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<1 of only 10 universities to hold all 3 center of academic excellence designations (cae-cyber ops, cae-cyber defense, cae-research)/> <dsu runs one of the largest nsf cyber corp scholarship programs in the country with over 100 placed students/> <1 of only 21 universities designated as cae-cyber ops/> <dsu hosts the largest residential gencyber camps in the country, with a week-long gencyber co-ed camp for 9th - 12th graders/>
<1 of only 10 universities to hold all 3 center of academic excellence designations (cae-cyber ops, cae-cyber defense, cae-research)/> <dsu runs one of the largest nsf cyber corp scholarship programs in the country with over 100 placed students/> <1 of only 21 universities designated as cae-cyber ops/> <dsu hosts the largest residential gencyber camps in the country, with a week-long gencyber co-ed camp for 9th - 12th graders/>

Facilities

Cutting-edge classrooms. Next-level research labs. We’ve invested in dynamic spaces for learning and growth. Now, we’re growing our footprint and setting our sights on the next big thing.

The Beacom Institute of Technology at Dakota State University

THE BEACOM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (MADISON)

Since its opening in 2017, The Beacom Institute of Technology has been DSU’s home for all things cyber. This 31,300-square-foot building is the engine for DSU’s 88.5% placement rate among The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Science graduates. Here, students and faculty work in state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces designed specifically for the needs of cybersecurity and other tech-intensive programs. Counting both undergraduate and graduate students, The Beacom College has more than 1,300 students.

MORE ABOUT THE BEACOM
DSU Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs) facility

DSU MADISON CYBER LABS (MADISON)

Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs®) is an advanced hub for research, development, and economic opportunity at DSU. This 40,000-square-foot building is one of few buildings in the country that combines all facets of cybersecurity research on a university campus. With cybersecurity and cyber operations in mind, MadLabs® contains a secure lab, 15 labs, and 2 institutes allowing students and faculty researchers to pursue work that's critical to the growth of the cyber universe.

MORE ABOUT MADLABS®
Applied Research Lab, resource for private and public cybersecurity contractors

APPLIED RESEARCH LAB (SIOUX FALLS)

Set to open in 2026, the Applied Research Lab will be a national resource for private and public cybersecurity contractors.  The highly specialized facility will be home to 400+ full-time jobs. Its home is Sioux Falls, one of the fastest growing metros in the Midwest, and the #1 city in the country for young professionals.

MORE ABOUT THE APPLIED RESEARCH LAB

WORKING ON THE CUTTING EDGE

< Careers at Dakota State University />

Dynamic minds united by a passion for learning and teaching: that’s what makes us revolutionary. Our faculty work in a close-knit, collaborative environment where thoughts and passions are easily shared. We’re small enough where your ideas can be heard, with enough resources to do great things with them.

97
FULL-TIME FACULTY
11.29
AVERAGE YEARS OF SERVICE
41.6
%
TENURED FACULTY
3
DESIGNATIONS AS A CENTER OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
SEE MORE FACULTY STATISTICS
Pat Engebretson / Beacom Liaison for Rising II Initiatives and Program Coordinator for the Ph.D. in Cyber Operations
DR. ASHLEY PODHRADSKY / VP FOR RESEARCH & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ANDREW KRAMER / The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

LEADERSHIP, PROFESSORS & FACULTY

When you work at Dakota State, you become part of our Trojan family. We are caring, family-oriented, united, and inclusive. From training sessions to benefit packages, we strive to ensure our employees have what they need to succeed in their career – and their personal lives. In our dynamic, driven community, you’ll have optimal chances to excel in your career.

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José-Marie Griffiths

President

Mary Bell

Dean, Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

Pat Engebretson

Beacom Liaison for Rising II Initiatives and Program Coordinator for the Ph.D. in Cyber Operations

Ashley Podhradsky

VP for Research & Economic Development

Joel Wohnoutka

Executive Director of Applied Research Lab

Tom Halverson

Associate Dean of The Beacom Undergraduate Programs

Yong Wang

Professor / Associate Dean of The Beacom Graduate Programs

Stephen Krebsbach

Professor / Coordinator for Ph.D. in Computer Science Program

Austin O’Brien

Associate Professor/Coordinator for M.S. in Computer Science

Mark Spanier

Associate Professor

Kyle Cronin

Associate Professor

Chris Olson

Associate Professor

Michael Ham

Associate Professor

John Hastings

Associate Professor

Jihene Kaabi

Associate Professor

Kyle Korman

Assistant Professor

Edward Dennis

Assistant Professor

Andrew Kramer

Assistant Professor

Quentin Covert

Assistant Professor

Youssef Harrath

Assistant Professor

Varghese Vaidyan

Assistant Professor

Cody Welu

Assistant Professor

Shawn Zwach

Assistant Professor

Tyler Flaagan

Assistant Professor

Peter Hoesing

Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development

Kathy Engbrecht

Instructor

Jennifer Schulte

Instructor

Jason Mixon

Instructor

Kanthi Narukonda

Instructor

Robert Richardson

Instructor

Aaron Ingalls

Instructor

Alexander Maxey

Instructor

Jennifer Funke

Instructor

Jason Jenkins

Instructor

OPEN POSITIONS
AT DSU

We are always interested in hearing from prospective faculty. Please call (605) 215-6029 or email us with questions or for more information.
graduation cap icon
ACADEMICS
INSTRUCTOR - Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Services
VIEW DETAILS
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ACADEMICS
Instructional Designer for the Governors Cyber Academy
VIEW DETAILS
Professor and student at DSU
SEARCH MORE CAREERS

The South Dakota Board of Regents database is home to all DSU career postings. To search, choose Dakota State University under the “institution" tab.

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in the news

CREATING YOUR CYBER FUTURE

< the student perspective />

Here, it’s not just about what you learn. It’s the environment you learn in. Hear from two DSU students about why they chose Madison. First, Ann Scripture, a cyber operations student, shares the story of what led her to DSU, and how a welcoming community makes a world of difference. Followed by Janessa Palmeri, a SFS CyberCorps Scholar, explains how she’s found opportunities she never thought possible.  

ANN SCRIPTURE
JANESSA PALMERI

FActs & Stats

In 2022, we conducted a survey of Trojan alums, gathering information about salary, job satisfaction and more insights into the professional world of cyber. Here are the highlights, along with more facts about DSU.  

99%
PLACEMENT RATE FOR THE BEACOM COLLEGE OF COMPUTER & CYBER SCIENCES GRADUATES
Read Full REport
22:1
STUDENT
TO
FACILITY RATIO
$9,572
AVERAGE FINANCIAL
AID AWARDED
(2023)
81%
GRADUATES EITHER
LIKE OR LOVE
THEIR CURRENT JOB
48%
SAID DSU HELPED THEM
GET A JOB IN THEIR
FIELD OF CHOICE
45%
SAID DSU HELPED
THEM FURTHER
THEIR EXPERTISE
45%
SAID DSU HELPED
THEM EARN
A HIGHER WAGE
39%
SAID DSU HELPED
WITH NETWORKING

19%
SAID DSU RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BENEFITTED THEIR CAREER
19%
SAID TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BENEFITTED THEIR CAREER

How satisfied are you with the education you received AT DSU?

88%
SATISFIED
3%
NEUTRAL
9%
UNSATISFIED

How likely are you to recommend a program from DSU to a colleague, friend or family member?

87%
Likely
4%
Unsure
9%
Not Likely

A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Helping You Reach the Next Level

What’s the DSU difference? Next-level access to cutting edge technologies, all in a close-knit learning community. When you join the Trojans, you either online or on campus, you’ll shape tomorrow with today’s latest tech.  That’s why 99% of our grads find a job or go on to post-graduate education – we prepare them for what’s next.

PROGRAMS
ONLINE @ DSU
ADMISSIONS
DSU students walking on campus in Madison, South Dakota
Skilled students working on computers developing cyber qualifications
 Student working at stand-up computer
DSU students on campus working on computers at Dakota State University campus
Campus at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota
Students talking while sitting in chairs
DSU student participating in Cyber Games, an inter-collegiate competition

Helping You Reach the Next Level

What’s the DSU difference? Next-level access to cutting edge technologies, all in a close-knit learning community. When you become a Trojans, either online or on campus, you’ll shape tomorrow with today’s latest tech.  That’s why 99% of our grads find a job or go on to post-graduate education – we prepare them for what’s next.

PROGRAMS
ONLINE @ DSU
ADMISSIONS

B.S. in computer science

Our curriculum is dynamic, covering topics from programming language to data structures and algorithms to operating systems. You'll also analyze computer foundations from the beginning to the latest tools and applications.

Program details

Helping You Reach the Next Level

What’s the DSU difference? Next-level access to cutting edge technologies, all in a close-knit learning community. When you become a Trojans, either online or on campus, you’ll shape tomorrow with today’s latest tech.  That’s why 99% of our grads find a job or go on to post-graduate education – we prepare them for what’s next.

PROGRAMS
ONLINE @ DSU
ADMISSIONS

B.S. IN cyber operations

DSU's Cyber Operations program shows you how to discover and investigate attacks like data breaches, malware infections, and software vulnerabilities. This degree is also part of our 4+1 Program, which means you can complete your BS in Cyber Operations and your MS in Computer Science in just five years.

Program details

Helping You Reach the Next Level

What’s the DSU difference? Next-level access to cutting edge technologies, all in a close-knit learning community. When you become a Trojans, either online or on campus, you’ll shape tomorrow with today’s latest tech.  That’s why 99% of our grads find a job or go on to post-graduate education – we prepare them for what’s next.

PROGRAMS
ONLINE @ DSU
ADMISSIONS

B.S. in artificial intelligence

In our new AI program, you’ll explore the different types of artificial intelligence from reactive to theory of mind, investigate applications that make AI possible, and learn to ethically utilize it through a variety of operations.

Program details

Helping You Reach the Next Level

What’s the DSU difference? Next-level access to cutting edge technologies, all in a close-knit learning community. When you become a Trojans, either online or on campus, you’ll shape tomorrow with today’s latest tech.  That’s why 99% of our grads find a job or go on to post-graduate education – we prepare them for what’s next.

PROGRAMS
ONLINE @ DSU
ADMISSIONS

M.S. IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (MSAI)

The MSAI program equips graduates with advanced knowledge for excelling in AI. Its curriculum covers core AI foundations, including computer science, math, and contemporary models. As one of the few online master’s degrees in AI, this program provides a solid foundation in programming and algorithms, along with expertise in data science, computer vision, and natural language processing for practical applications in various sectors.

Program details

Helping You Reach the Next Level

What’s the DSU difference? Next-level access to cutting edge technologies, all in a close-knit learning community. When you become a Trojans, either online or on campus, you’ll shape tomorrow with today’s latest tech.  That’s why 99% of our grads find a job or go on to post-graduate education – we prepare them for what’s next.

PROGRAMS
ONLINE @ DSU
ADMISSIONS

M.S. in computer science

Other programs emphasize theoretical aspects of computer systems and computability. Our program builds upon these foundations with a focus on career outcomes: pragmatic, market-based applications of computer science, like cyber security.

Program details

Helping You Reach the Next Level

What’s the DSU difference? Next-level access to cutting edge technologies, all in a close-knit learning community. When you become a Trojans, either online or on campus, you’ll shape tomorrow with today’s latest tech.  That’s why 99% of our grads find a job or go on to post-graduate education – we prepare them for what’s next.

PROGRAMS
ONLINE @ DSU
ADMISSIONS

PH.D. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Invent and design new approaches to the computer science field while obtaining your PhD degree in Computer Science. You can be part of a field that continuously discovers innovative ways to use technology. This doctorate is available on-campus only.

Program details

Helping You Reach the Next Level

What’s the DSU difference? Next-level access to cutting edge technologies, all in a close-knit learning community. When you become a Trojans, either online or on campus, you’ll shape tomorrow with today’s latest tech.  That’s why 99% of our grads find a job or go on to post-graduate education – we prepare them for what’s next.

PROGRAMS
ONLINE @ DSU
ADMISSIONS

PH.D. IN CYBER OPERATIONS

Gain a foundation in cyber operations while specializing in data collection, software exploitation, analysis of malicious code, and reverse engineering. Our PhD in Cyber Operations is a technical program grounded in computer science with an emphasis in cyber security.

Program details

2023 CYBER GAMES

In 2023, four DSU Trojans represented the US Cyber Team at the International Cybersecurity Competition in San Diego. For two days, they competed with teams from around the world, representing the United States on the highest stage.

the winning mindset

Inter-collegiate competitions are just one way our students shine. Here’s a sample of the hardware Trojans have brought home in the past few years.

Five DSU students sitting around the Digi-key Collegiate Computing Competition Award
Four DSU students posing on the stairs
A group of DSU students holding award at competition
Eight DSU students sitting in two rows on the bleachers smiling at the camera in their DSU gear
Three DSU students leaning on a ledge smiling
A DSU student smiling
  • 1st Hivestorm 2020

  • 1st MetaCTFs’s CyberGames 2020

  • 1st CUCTF 2020

  • 1st MetaCTF’s CyberGames 2019

  • 2nd National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition 2022

  • 2nd Place eSentinal North American Open 2021

  • 3rd National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition 2021

  • 5th National Security Agency Codebreaker Challenge 2023

YOUR CYBER PARTNER

< connecting for smarter cyber & better graduate outcomes />

Outside partners come to DSU because of our graduates. The breadth of our students’ training – across six programs related to computer science, cyber operations and artificial intelligence – means our grads hit the ground running. That’s why we work closely with the Department of Homeland Security, US National Science Foundation, and a regional health care leader, among others. By creating more jobs in South Dakota, we’re able to keep our grads closer to home.

EVOLVING HIGHER EDUCATION

President Griffiths shares her vision for public-private partnerships, and how cyber isn’t an industry unto itself, but a vital tool across every industry.

Partner Highlights

National Security Agency logo

National Security Agency

Dakota State University partners with the National Security Agency through an Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA). According to Dr. Pat Engebretson, Beacom Liaison for Rising II Initiatives and Program Coordinator for the Ph.D. inCyber Operations, “An EPA is an agreement between NSA and an education institution to transfer or enhance technology and provide technical assistance to the institution.”

about the nsa
Army Cyber

ARMYCYBER

In June of 2023, DSU and ArmyCyber (ARCYBER) reached an agreement to promote joint research, collaboration and additional educational programs between the two organizations.  

"We are proud and excited to broaden our relationship with Dakota State University," said Lt. Gen Maria Barrett, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cyber Command. "DSU's students and faculty have proven to be innovative, skilled, and forward-thinking — just the kind of talented, focused, and driven young minds our nation needs in its cyber workforce…”

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Sanford Health logo

Sanford Health

Brad Reimer, Chief Information Officer at Sanford Health, on the organizations’ strategic alignment: “DSU educates some of the most in-demand students for national security agencies and large tech companies around the world. Sanford Health’s robust investments in healthcare technology, research and innovation offer an ideal platform for the partnership.

Initially, our alliance will focus on Sanford Health’s and DSU’s well-matched present needs and interests, including talent acquisition, development and retention.”

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Sanford Health logo

The Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics

The new DSU Cybersecurity Clinic will give Dakota State University students the opportunity to learn cybersecurity and AI skills in an effective, hands-on manner while simultaneously helping to protect vulnerable organizations and critical infrastructure, such as local small businesses, hospitals, schools, and energy grids, from cyber-attacks.

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advantages of south dakota

WHY SOUTH DAKOTA MAKES SENSE

Forward-thinking strategies and a friendly tax climate are just two reasons South Dakota is good for business. See how we slash red tape for more opportunity, and how the right incentives make it easier to start.

Economic Development Information
SECOND BEST BUSINESS TAX CLIMATE IN THE NATION(TAX FOUNDATION)
ACCESS TO HIGHLY-SKILLED DSU GRADUATES
ADVANCED CAPABILITIES AND SECURITY CLEARANCE IN THE APPLIED RESEARCH LAB

Contact

Get In Touch

Find out more about what we’re building in Madison and beyond.

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