- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Cybersecurity certifications
- Cybersecurity in South Dakota
- Jobs in South Dakota
This guide is about cybersecurity degree programs in South Dakota. Also included in the guide are some of the economic conditions that are supporting the growth of the cybersecurity industry in the state.
Agriculture is big business in South Dakota. The agriculture industry pumps about $7 billion a year into the state’s economy. And many assume, because of South Dakota’s location and history, that farming is South Dakota’s most important industry.
In truth, it’s not, the state’s most important industry is something that few would guess: finance.
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In 2018, New York state banks had about $1 trillion deposited in commercial and savings bank accounts. California had $800 billion. South Dakota, on the other hand, had an incredible $3.1 trillion deposited in its banks according to FDIC data.
All of that money deposited in South Dakota has led to thousands of finance jobs. These jobs range from traditional finance jobs like bankers and investors as well as supporting economic activities such as a boost in the construction industry as finance corporations build new headquarters.
Citibank, for instance, recently completed a building in Sioux Falls which will become their new South Dakota headquarters. The building will be home to some 1,300 employees.
Why choose South Dakota? Citibank CEO Michael Corbat explained; “Location. Competitive labor force. All those pieces come together. We think that it’s a terrific place to come to work and do business.”
Citibank isn’t the only financial institution with a presence in South Dakota. Wells Fargo and TCF Bank also call the state home. In all the financial industry accounts for about 15 percent of the state’s economy.
All of that money makes the state a lucrative target for cybercriminals. Well aware of the problem, South Dakota takes cybersecurity seriously as a result.
Cybersecurity in South Dakota
ABC recently reported on a group of North Korean hackers that have been attempting to gain access to government systems in South Dakota. Of 142 hacking attempts, none were successful.
Given that North Korea has a sophisticated hacking network, far more sophisticated than would be suggested by the state of the country, it’s impressive that South Dakota was able to defend its systems so well.
For those who are interested in learning more about cybersecurity, South Dakota is home to the annual conference: DakotaCon.
Besides listening to keynote speakers, guests can also learn from hands-on workshops designed to teach specific cybersecurity skills.
Related resources
Given that the conference has been going on for a decade it’s safe to assume that it’s providing a valuable service to the cybersecurity community in South Dakota.
Speaking of education, South Dakota has a wide array of excellent cybersecurity programs. Dakota State University is, “home to one of 13 designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations designated by the National Security Agency.”
The NSA (National Security Agency) also designated Dakota State University as a “Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.”
Here are some of the cybersecurity organizations in South Dakota:
- Dakota State University (DSU): Located in Madison, DSU is well-known for its strong focus on cybersecurity education and research. They offer various programs in cyber operations and related fields and are involved in numerous cybersecurity initiatives.
- South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT): BIT provides technology support for state government agencies in South Dakota and includes cybersecurity as part of its responsibilities.
- South Dakota Fusion Center: This center, part of a nationwide network, collaborates with various agencies and organizations to share information related to cybersecurity threats and other safety concerns.
- South Dakota National Guard: The National Guard often has units or personnel who are trained in cybersecurity and are involved in both state and national cybersecurity initiatives.
- South Dakota Cybersecurity Alliance: While its existence as of 2023 isn’t certain, such alliances often exist within states to bring together professionals, businesses, and academic institutions in the field of cybersecurity.
- Local chapters of national cybersecurity organizations: Groups such as ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), (ISC)² (International Information System Security Certification Consortium), and others might have local chapters or affiliated groups in South Dakota.
Cybersecurity education in South Dakota
South Dakota recognizes the importance of a cybersecurity-literate workforce in today’s interconnected world.
The state has made significant investments in cybersecurity education, offering a variety of programs and initiatives to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely.
South Dakota fosters a collaborative approach to cybersecurity, recognizing that collective effort is essential to effectively combat cyber threats. The state actively engages with federal agencies, neighboring states, and private-sector organizations to share intelligence, best practices, and resources.
Cybersecurity associate degrees in South Dakota
Unfortunately, many cybersecurity jobs require a bachelor’s or higher, however, an associate degree does have some advantages.
It can land the candidate a good entry-level position, also, credits earned via an associate’s may transfer to a bachelor’s degree. This makes it a good choice for someone who might want to pursue further education in the future.
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.
Southeast Technical Institute
Sioux Falls, SDProgram: 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.
Dakota State University
Madison, SDProgram: 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.
National American University-Rapid City
Rapid City, SDProgram: 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.
Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in South Dakota
For many students, a bachelor’s degree will be the best choice. A four-year degree is still relatively affordable and can be acquired either on campus or via online classes.
Since most positions require a bachelor’s degree or higher this is a good choice for anyone considering a career in cybersecurity.
Dakota State University
Madison, SDProgram: 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.
Dakota State University
Madison, SDProgram: 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.
Dakota State University
Madison, SDProgram: 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.
Cybersecurity master’s degrees in South Dakota
While a master’s degree represents an additional two or three years of study, graduates may find that their lifetime earnings more than offset the cost of the program. Master’s degree holders earn more, on average than those with a bachelor’s.
Dakota State University
Madison, SDProgram: 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.
Cybersecurity certifications in South Dakota
Certification programs are designed to teach a specific skill in the cybersecurity field. Some jobs may require a specialized certification before a candidate will be considered.
Dakota State University
Madison, SDProgram: 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.
Dakota State University
Madison, SDProgram: 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.
Cybersecurity jobs in South Dakota
CyberSeek, a cybersecurity jobs data aggregator, suggests that there are currently 1,177 cybersecurity positions open in South Dakota. A majority of the available 316 jobs are located in the Sioux Falls region. Not coincidentally, this is also where many of the aforementioned banks are headquartered.
CyberSeek also mentions that the current supply of cybersecurity technicians in South Dakota is very low. It appears that this shortage is unlikely to change in the future as South Dakota has experienced a 212 percent increase in cybersecurity technicians in the last five years. That makes it the fastest-growing cybersecurity job market in the USA!
This uptrend suggests that students should expect to find plenty of jobs to choose from after they graduate. There is a shortage of cybersecurity workers today and as the world becomes even more digitized that shortage is only set to grow.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that, security analysts in Alabama were earning an average hourly wage of $49.15, and the average annual salary was $102,240.
Cybersecurity in South Dakota
With $3 trillion on deposit in banks across the state, South Dakota must take cybersecurity seriously. Indeed, North Korea’s attempted infiltration of state systems shows that foreign actors know about South Dakota’s role as a financial hub and they’re interested in disrupting it.
Thankfully South Dakota is aware of the problem and is taking proper steps to counter the threat. The annual DakotaCon is free on the first day, encouraging community attendance. The state’s cybersecurity educational programs are also well-ranked and have received accolades from the likes of the NSA.
Altogether South Dakota has demonstrated itself to be a state with a keen eye on security. Aspiring cybersecurity technicians might well consider studying here as the above-average salary combined with South Dakota’s affordable cost of living make this an ideal place to settle down after graduation.