One of the top options for pursuing a degree in South Dakota (on campus) is degree at Dakota State University in the general subject of cyber operations.

NSA CAE Designated Institutions for Cyber Security in South Dakota

The CAE designation is a joint effort from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to accredit institutions that have the best curricula to prepare eventual graduates for their cybersecurity career.

Dakota State University is the only institution with a campus location in South Dakota that has received recognition from the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) and it holds them in operations, defense, and research. There are other cybersecurity programs in South Dakota that do not hold this designation (as well as online cybersecurity degrees).

Here is a list of South Dakota cybersecurity degrees that are from NSA CAE Designated Institutions:

Dakota State University

Click to jump to the full list of South Dakota cybersecurity schools.

Online Cyber Security Programs in South Dakota

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University provides an online Cybersecurity Certificate for those that are looking for entry level security positions or preparing for further education in the subject.

Students will be able to interpret vulnerability issues within the IT sector and they will be comfortable with the analytical tools needed to succeed in the profession. The university also has undergraduate programs available online.

Master's in Cyber Security Degrees in South Dakota

Another advanced program through DSU is the Master of Science in Cyber Defense. This curriculum will provide competency in many aspects of cybersecurity, such as risk assessment, penetration testing, and incident response. They will also gain skills in cryptography and computer forensics, and all of these are divided up into separate courses.

Prior to taking the program, students that do not have an undergraduate degree in a related field will need to take an IT knowledge course. Admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA, a personal essay related to cybersecurity, and GRE scores from the last five years.

Getting Started Working in Cyber Security in South Dakota

As mentioned, Dakota State University is the only institution that is recognized by the CAE in South Dakota, but they have education opportunities at each graduate level.

You might consider online cybersecurity program or a non CAE designation institution. Be sure to speak with the university's admissions or cybersecurity department (often the computer science or engineering department) to ensure it is an accredited university with a quality cybersecurity program.

Dakota State University Cyber Security Programs

Here is a list of other degrees and certifications that will contain cybersecurity courses and are available online and at the Sioux Falls campus:

• Associate of Science in Network and Security Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Leadership and Intelligence
• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations
• Ethical Hacking Graduate Certificate
• Information Technology Graduate Certificate

South Dakota Cyber Security Careers and Organizations

Tech employment in the state of South Dakota is on the lower end when compared to the rest of the United States. There are over 21,930 currently employed in the sector according to CompTIA, but that number is trending positively, and IT services have jumped 5.7 percent year-over-year. Based on Salary.com, cybersecurity analysts will make between $59,593 to $83,529 on an annual basis, and there tends to be more opportunities for employment in the Sioux Falls area.