B.S. in Cyber Operations

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $20

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 71 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

Dakota State University (DSU) recognizes the value of diversity and is fostering a global community of scholars. To support international students in their pursuit of higher education, DSU offers a range of scholarships designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and the unique contributions that international students bring to the university.  

Global Excellence Scholarships: The Global Excellence Scholarships are aimed at attracting top-tier international students to DSU. These scholarships are highly competitive and consider not only academic excellence but also leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and making a positive impact in the global community.

International Merit Scholarships: DSU's International Merit Scholarships are designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievements. These scholarships are merit-based and available to international undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic records. The amount awarded varies based on the student's academic qualifications.

Cultural Diversity Scholarships: DSU values cultural diversity and seeks to enhance its international student body. The Cultural Diversity Scholarships are designed to support students from underrepresented regions or those who contribute to the cultural richness of the DSU community. These scholarships aim to create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment.

Phi Beta Lambda Scholarship: DSU encourages participation in student organizations, and the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Scholarship is specifically geared towards international students involved in PBL. This scholarship recognizes achievements within the organization and supports students who demonstrate dedication to their academic and professional development.

Athletic Scholarships (if applicable): For international students with exceptional athletic abilities, DSU may offer athletic scholarships in various sports. These scholarships aim to attract talented athletes who can contribute to the university's athletic programs while pursuing their academic goals.

Cultural Diversity Scholarships: DSU values cultural diversity and seeks to enhance its international student body. The Cultural Diversity Scholarships are designed to support students from underrepresented regions or those who contribute to the cultural richness of the DSU community. These scholarships aim to create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment.

Graduates of the B.S. in Cyber Operations program at Dakota State University are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of exciting and rewarding careers in the field of cybersecurity.

Information Security Analyst: Many graduates begin their careers as information security analysts, where they are responsible for protecting an organization’s computer systems and networks. They monitor for security breaches, investigate incidents, and implement measures to prevent future threats.

Cybersecurity Consultant: Some graduates work as cybersecurity consultants, providing expert advice to organizations on how to strengthen their security posture. They assess vulnerabilities, recommend solutions, and help implement security policies and protocols tailored to the specific needs of clients.

Network Security Engineer: Graduates can become network security engineers, focusing on designing and implementing secure networks. They are involved in configuring firewalls, setting up virtual private networks (VPNs), and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted across networks.

Incident Responder: As incident responders, graduates play a critical role in managing and mitigating cybersecurity incidents. They analyze breaches, coordinate responses, and develop strategies to recover from attacks while minimizing damage to the organization.

Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester: Some graduates pursue careers as ethical hackers or penetration testers, conducting authorized simulations of cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems. They provide valuable insights into how to bolster defenses against potential threats.

Digital Forensics Specialist: Graduates can also work as digital forensics specialists, analyzing data from computers and networks to investigate cybercrimes. They gather and preserve digital evidence, often working closely with law enforcement agencies to solve cases.

Security Architect: Security architects design and build secure IT infrastructures. They create robust security frameworks and ensure that all systems are compliant with regulations and industry standards, making them vital to any organization’s cybersecurity strategy.

Cyber Threat Analyst: In the role of a cyber threat analyst, graduates monitor and analyze threat intelligence to identify potential risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate them. They play a key role in maintaining the security of an organization by anticipating and addressing emerging threats.

Compliance Officer: Some graduates choose to work as compliance officers, ensuring that organizations adhere to relevant laws and regulations related to cybersecurity. They develop and implement policies to ensure that all practices meet industry standards and legal requirements.

Further Education and Certifications: Graduates may also choose to pursue advanced degrees or professional certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), which can enhance their career prospects and earning potential.