Cybersecurity Guide

Access to cybersecurity degree programs and professional training in South Dakota

Written by Cybersecurity Guide Contributors – Last updated:
In this guide

Students comparing a cybersecurity degree in South Dakota, looking for a cybersecurity school in South Dakota, or exploring cybersecurity programs in South Dakota will find pathways ranging from two-year, skills-focused options to advanced programs tied to applied research and workforce partnerships. This page focuses on degree and school pathways, and only references institutions when there is a distinctive workforce, research, or training initiative worth noting.

How we keep this page current

This page is updated using CyberSeek for state-level demand signals, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for statewide wage and employment estimates, the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) Labor Market Information Center for occupational projections and wage publications, the South Dakota Bureau of Information & Telecommunications (BIT) for statewide cybersecurity policy context, and NSF CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) for scholarship participation.

Program and initiative claims are verified against official institutional or state pages, and we review the page periodically to update or remove time-sensitive statements.

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Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Arizona State UniversityOnline MA in Global Security - Cybersecurity website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website

Cybersecurity workforce demand in South Dakota

CyberSeek provides a South Dakota view of cybersecurity demand using online job postings and supply/demand indicators (a demand signal, not an official employment count). See the state view on the CyberSeek heat map.

For longer-term planning, the South Dakota DLR’s statewide occupational projections (2022–2032) estimate Information Security Analysts (SOC 15-1212) will grow from 709 jobs (2022) to 977 jobs (2032) in South Dakota (a 37.80% increase), with 31 average annual openings during the projection period.

For wages and current employment estimates, the BLS OEWS statewide table for South Dakota (May 2023) reports 500 Information Security Analysts employed with an annual mean wage of $102,240. As a cyber-adjacent comparison, BLS reports 1,010 Computer Systems Analysts employed in South Dakota with an annual mean wage of $99,350.

What these metrics do (and don’t) mean: CyberSeek reflects posting activity (hiring signals), BLS OEWS reflects employment and wages (filled jobs and pay estimates), and DLR projections estimate future growth and openings—so the numbers should be used together for context, not treated as the same thing.

Learn more about cybersecurity programs

Cybersecurity degree pathways in South Dakota

South Dakota’s cybersecurity education pathways range from foundational programs designed for quick workforce entry to advanced degrees tied to hands-on labs, research, and public-sector partnerships.

Associate degrees

Associate degrees (often 2 years) can be a practical route into IT support, networking, and security-adjacent roles—especially when paired with certifications.

What to look for:

  • Clear transfer options into bachelor’s programs
  • Lab-based networking and systems coursework
  • Security fundamentals aligned to common entry certifications (e.g., Security+)

  1. Lake Area Technical Institute

    Watertown, SD
    Program: Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Networking and Cyber Security Specialist
    Credits: 70
    Cost per credit: $124
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Practical Training: Students practice in labs to get ready for real-world challenges.
    • Earn Certificates: The program prepares students for several IT certifications.
    • University Partnerships: After the program, students can continue their studies at partner universities.
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Southeast Technical Institute

    Sioux Falls, SD
    Program: Associate Degree in System and Network Security
    Credits: 68
    Cost per credit: $255
    Delivery method: Campus, Hybrid
    Program highlights:
    • Job Role: Students learn to plan security measures and manage computer systems.
    • Skills: They'll learn to set up firewalls, handle security issues, and improve system performance.
    • Scholarship: There's a full scholarship available called Build Dakota.
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Dakota State University

    Madison, SD
    Program: Associate of Science in Network and Security Administration
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $295 in state | $398 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Practical Learning: Students use labs to practice real tech tasks.
    • Learn from the Best: The teachers are experts in their field.
    • Further Study: Credits can be used for a higher degree.
    Learn more: Program details

  4. National American University-Rapid City

    Rapid City, SD
    Program: Information Technology Online Associate Degree
    Credits: 93
    Cost per credit: $380
    Delivery method: Online
    Program highlights:
    • What's It About? It covers important IT areas like web development, computer security, and networking.
    • Jobs After Graduation: Helping with computer issues, analyzing and managing network systems.
    • Quick Takeaway: The degree prepares you for real IT certifications.
    Learn more: Program details

Bachelor’s degrees

Bachelor’s programs (often 4 years) are a common credential for entry-level analyst roles and for building the foundation needed for security engineering or forensics tracks.

A distinctive initiative in South Dakota is Dakota State University (DSU), which holds all three NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence designations—Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), and Cyber Research (CAE-R)—and documents these designations on its official CAE page.

DSU also operates Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs®), a cybersecurity research and development hub used for applied research and workforce development activities.

  1. Dakota State University

    Madison, SD
    Program: BS in Cyber Operations
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $295 in state | $396 out of state (Campus) | $356 in-state | $465 out-of-state (Online)
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Activities: Students can join contests like the ACM Programming and National Cyber League.
    • Scholarship: DSU offers a scholarship for cyber students, covering tuition and giving a $25,000 yearly stipend.
    • NSA Approval: DSU's program is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a top cyber education center.
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Dakota State University

    Madison, SD
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Cyber Leadership and Intelligence
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $295 in state | $396 out of state (Campus) | $356 in-state | $465 out-of-state (Online)
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Unique Course: The CLI program is one of a kind, blending leadership skills with cyber knowledge.
    • Military Benefits: Military members can join this program easily, with lower fees and special scholarships.
    • Job Opportunities: Students can do internships and are trained for jobs like cyber investigator or intelligence officer.
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Dakota State University

    Madison, SD
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $295 in state | $396 out of state (Campus) | $356 in-state | $465 out-of-state (Online)
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Practical Labs: Students can practice tech skills in real-world-like settings.
    • Join Tech Clubs: There are clubs and events for more learning and fun.
    • Job Ready: Graduates can get jobs like System Administrator or Penetration Tester.
    Learn more: Program details

Master’s degrees

Master’s programs (often 1–2 years) are commonly used by:

  • IT professionals moving into security leadership or architecture
  • Students targeting advanced technical areas (forensics, malware analysis, applied research)
  • Career changers with a technical undergraduate background

When comparing options, prioritize:

  • Research labs or applied institutes that connect students to employers or public-sector partners
  • A capstone or practicum tied to real systems and realistic threat scenarios

  1. Dakota State University

    Madison, SD
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Defense
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $471 in state | $581 out of state
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Delivery method: Online
    Program highlights:
    • Program Goals: The course aims to teach students how to stop cyberattacks, handle security incidents, and keep data safe.
    • Awards & Recognition: The university is highly regarded in cybersecurity and has received top awards from national agencies.
    • Teachers: The program has a strong team of professors.
    Learn more: Program details

Certifications and workforce programs

Certificates and short-term programs can complement degrees, particularly for students seeking:

  • Faster entry into security-adjacent roles
  • Credential stacking alongside an associate or bachelor’s degree

CyberSeek can help students understand typical skill clusters and role progressions so certificate choices stay aligned to employer demand.

South Dakota also publishes state wage tables that can help students calibrate expectations when comparing entry-level vs. advanced roles.

  1. Dakota State University

    Madison, SD
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Banking Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 9
    Cost per credit: $471 in state | $581 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Program Content: Students learn practical skills to protect computer networks, online apps, and wireless systems in banks.
    • Expert Teachers: The course is taught by well-known professionals in cybersecurity.
    • Job Opportunities: This certificate can lead to jobs like Security Analyst or Audit Support Professional.
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Dakota State University

    Madison, SD
    Program: Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $471 in state | $581 out of state
    Delivery method: Campus, Online
    Program highlights:
    • Online Safety: The course highlights the importance of protecting the digital world, especially as more devices connect online.
    • Practical Skills: Students learn about online safety tools like encryption and how to spot and handle cyber threats.
    • Job Prospects: After finishing, students can aim for jobs like software engineer or security analyst. The certificate can also help in getting promotions in tech roles.
    Learn more: Program details
Learn more about cybersecurity certifications

Scholarship for Service (SFS)

The NSF CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program provides scholarships for cybersecurity students who commit to working in government after graduation.

For South Dakota, the official SFS participating institutions directory lists Dakota State University as a participating institution and links to DSU’s program page.

Unique state cybersecurity initiatives

South Dakota’s statewide cybersecurity policy context is centralized through the Bureau of Information & Telecommunications (BIT), which publishes state cybersecurity resources and security policy guidance.

  • BIT maintains a public cybersecurity resource landing page intended to support secure practices across organizations and users.
  • BIT also publishes an Information Technology Security Policy describing statewide cybersecurity expectations for state IT environments (including guidance and references to required procedures).

University-affiliated initiatives that support community or workforce pipelines (examples with primary sources):

  • DSU MadLabs operates SecureSD, a program that supports municipalities and counties in improving their cybersecurity posture (a community-facing pipeline for applied work).
  • DSU MadLabs operates DigForCE, a digital forensics support program for law enforcement (relevant to forensics-oriented student pathways).

Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity degrees in South Dakota

How many cybersecurity jobs are in South Dakota?

BLS reports 500 Information Security Analysts employed in South Dakota (May 2023). CyberSeek also provides posting-based demand indicators for the state.

What is the average cybersecurity salary in South Dakota?

BLS reports an annual mean wage of $102,240 for Information Security Analysts in South Dakota (May 2023).

What is the best cybersecurity degree in South Dakota?

There isn’t one universal “best.” For many entry-level security roles, a bachelor’s degree plus internships/labs is a common path, while associate + certifications can work for security-adjacent roles. If you want research, cyber operations, or specialized labs, look for programs with documented applied facilities and partnerships.

Are there online cybersecurity programs in South Dakota?

Some South Dakota institutions offer online or hybrid options, but formats change. Confirm modality, accreditation, and required in-person components directly on the institution’s official program pages.

Does South Dakota have cybersecurity bootcamps or short-term training?

Short-term certificate programs and workforce training options exist (often through colleges and workforce partners). Use CyberSeek role/pathway tools to keep short-term training aligned to actual job requirements.

What certifications are most requested in South Dakota?

Certification demand varies by employer and seniority. CyberSeek provides posting-based signals and pathway context that can help you prioritize common certifications by role.

Is cybersecurity in demand in South Dakota?

South Dakota DLR projections estimate Information Security Analysts will grow from 709 (2022) to 977 (2032) with 31 average annual openings.

Can I start with an associate degree?

Yes. Associate degrees can be a strong entry point into IT and security-adjacent roles, especially when paired with certifications and a clear plan to build experience through labs and internships.

How long does a cybersecurity degree take?

Typical timelines are: associate (2 years), bachelor’s (4 years), master’s (1–2 years), though transfer credits and part-time enrollment can change the timeline.

Does South Dakota participate in Scholarship for Service?

Yes—South Dakota has an SFS participating institution listed in the official directory (Dakota State University).

What industries in South Dakota hire cybersecurity graduates?

Cybersecurity roles exist across government, healthcare, finance, education, and professional services. Students interested in public-sector cybersecurity should review statewide cybersecurity policy context through BIT.

Are there entry-level cybersecurity roles in South Dakota?

Entry-level roles often include SOC analyst, junior security analyst, and IT security specialist. CyberSeek’s pathway tools can help map common entry roles and skill progressions.

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