Why Dakota State University?
The online Master of Science in Cyber Defense offered by Dakota State University accepts applications from individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in Bachelor’s Degree in Networking, Network Administration, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Security, Information Technology, Information Assurance or similar fields.
Dakota State University, a small public university in Madison, South Dakota, does not require applicants to present standardized test scores. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Dakota State University |
| Location | Madison |
| State | South Dakota |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cyber Defense |
| School or Department Administering Program | Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $470.50 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $14,115.00 |
| Test Requirements | GRE |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Principles of Information Assurance
· Managing Security Risks · Incident Response · Computer Forensics · Cryptography · Offensive Security · Wireless Security · Intrusion Detection · 2 Electives |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Comprehensive Exam |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Four prestigious Centers of Academic Excellence Designations from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, including the most technical for Cyber Operations and the most prestigious as a Cyber Defense Consultative Regional Resource Center, one of only four university-based centers in the nation; Small class sizes; |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Respond to and recover from cybersecurity threats and incidents |
| Program Description | This 30-credit program the program emphasizes computer science skills and approaches. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. In lieu of a capstone, all students are required to take a comprehensive exam. The program follows a traditional course schedule. |
What will I Learn?
Students in this program develop the skills and knowledge to respond to and recover from cybersecurity threats and incidents.
Required courses begin with Information Assurance; Managing Security Risks and Incident Response. Students develop deeper knowledge in courses on Computer Forensics; Cryptography, and Offensive Security. They also learn Wireless Security and Intrusion Detection. All students may take 2 approved electives.
The program is home to four prestigious Centers of Academic Excellence Designations from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The department specializes in Cyber Operations, and is a Cyber Defense Consultative Regional Resource Center, one of only four university-based centers in the nation.
How much will the program cost?
Most students complete the program within 2 years and pay $470.50 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $14,115.00 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
All courses are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 2 years.
Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester. To support students, the university maintains small class sizes.
Summary
The lower-cost cybersecurity master’s program at this accessible university emphasizes computer science skills and approaches. The program follows a traditional course schedule.In lieu of a capstone, all students are required to take a comprehensive exam. Despite its low cost the program offers prestige through its designation as a center of excellence by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.