School Details
Dakota State University is a four-year, public institution offering technology-driven education in a student-centered environment. An innovative curriculum prepares students to contribute advanced skills and knowledge to local, national, and global societies. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are supplemented by excellent teaching, research, technology resources, scholarship, and a commitment to service.
Online associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are available through Dakota State University. Programs include computer science, education, general studies, analytics, cyber defense, and more. Online certificates are also available in a convenient and affordable academic format. Courses are available completely online, making DSU a beneficial choice to the nontraditional or working adult student.
Accreditation & Licensing
Dakota State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Dakota State University offers an online Associate of Arts in General Studies degree. This liberal arts degree is designed for students who are still undecided about their future career path, providing them freedom to explore diverse disciplines for options. In addition, this can be used as an entry program for those who want to enter higher education programs but need more credentials first. General education courses make up half of the credit hours with students choosing additional credits and electives from any discipline, allowing them to test different areas of study. You can build your own liberal arts degree program and tailor it to fit your needs. Regardless of the courses you choose to complete this degree, you will become knowledgeable and comfortable with technology in a variety of venues as it is integrated into all degree programs.
Dakota State University offers an online Bachelor in General Studies degree for students who are still undecided about their future career path. This liberal arts degree allows students to explore diverse disciples while deciding which direction to go. This is also an option for those with college credits in several distinct fields who want to complete their bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. The curriculum is flexible, allowing you to build your own program with a general studies major that provides a well-rounded liberal arts education and is tailored to fit your needs. Students will complete general education requirements and then choose 15 credits each from three areas of emphasis with the remainder of the degree coming from any discipline.
Areas of emphasis available include:
- Allied Health
- Business
- Education
- Fine Art
- Humanities
- Science and Mathematics
Business
Dakota State University offers the online Associate of Science in Business Management. With this degree, you will learn the fundamentals of business and accounting. Business classes include the extensive use of spreadsheets, internet applications, and QuickBooks accounting software. Depending on your background and aptitude, jobs range from customer service representatives to assistant managers.
Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree online. Accounting plays an important part in business. You can specialize in such areas as auditing, taxes, and accounting information systems while also developing a deep understanding of the social and ethical responsibilities of the business world.
This online accounting degree curriculum focuses on the logistics of accounting. You will examine technology in the field, including QuickBooks, Sage 50, and tax preparation software. Communication is a key component of this program.
This program can be used for a variety of accounting careers but is not meant for those pursuing their CPA.
Dakota State University offers the online BBA with a concentration in Business Technology. Students will develop an understanding of modern business practices and prepare to lead a technical team. This program will prepare students to learn to write and maintain computer programs and information systems that make businesses more effective.
Potential career opportunities:
- Project/product Implementation Coordinator
- Software/Product Development Manager
- Business intelligence analyst
- Project manager
Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree online. This degree is designed for a goal-oriented individual with an interest in money management, negotiations, and company assets. The curriculum helps students organize and analyze financial data with statistical models and data analysis tools. In addition to finance knowledge and skills, this program also promotes ethics and social responsibility in business decision-making along with advancing communication skills.
As an online finance degree program, students are able to study when and where it is convenient. This allows you to advance your career without sacrificing your current life.
Dakota State University offers the online BBA with a concentration in Management. This degree provides a solid foundation for students wanting a general business focus. You will learn the business basics with a technical edge that can help you manage a family-owned business, Fortune 500 corporation, or your own start-up. Students will develop highly sought after leadership skills that are needed in many professions.
Potential career opportunities:
- Human Resources Specialist or Generalist
- Store, Location or Territory Manager
- Real Estate Manager
- Business Analyst
Dakota State University offers the online BBA with a concentration in Marketing. This degree combines the creative aspects of marketing with solid business processes. In your studies, you will develop marketing plans, create promotional campaigns for actual businesses, and work with other students on a variety of creative projects. This program integrates existing and new technologies into the traditional marketing coursework.
Potential career opportunities:
- Product/Brand Manager
- Advertising Manager
- Account Executive
Dakota State University offers the online Bachelor of Science in Professional Accountancy. This program takes you beyond traditional accounting and prepares you for certification. You’ll learn the essentials of accounting, but you’ll also get a solid background in the technical systems underlying modern accounting. This will help you understand, manage, and lead accounting teams—or start your own business.
Potential career opportunities:
- Financial Analyst
- CPA Firms
The online MBA with a concentration in General Management offers deep knowledge of management and other business skills that will make students stand-out supervisors, managers, project leaders, or business owners. Using a pragmatic approach, the curriculum focuses on the specific skills and knowledge that can made immediate positive differences. Graduates will understand the areas of accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and management. They will also be prepared to use analytical, technical, and critical thinking skills to anticipate, identify, analyze, and solve business problems. You will use ethical principles and legal reasoning to make sound business decisions.
Computer Science & IT
Learn the fundamentals of security, systems, and networking with this Associate of Science in Networking and Security Administration. The online degree program from Dakota State University allows students to practice real-world applications of their learning through virtual and physical lab experiences. Students will get hands-on practice of skills such as defensive hacking and network forensics.
Graduates can apply their credits toward a bachelor’s Network Administration degree online or immediately enter the workforce in entry-level positions. Students will be skilled in working with the information technology infrastructures found in today’s business environment.
Career opportunities for those with a Network Administration degree include:
- System administrator
- Network system engineer
- Systems analyst
- Network analyst
- Network application developer
- Technical consultant
If you wonder about how software is created for computers, phones, and other technology and how the process works, you may be interested in pursuing the online Software Development degree from Dakota State University. Courses answer these questions and allow students to work on real-world problems and situations in a virtual environment.
Throughout the program, students work on creating software to showcase their abilities and prepare them for future career opportunities. The curriculum covers development, design, testing, and delivery of error-free software programs. Students will learn how to write programs in several coding languages.
Skills gained in this program include:
- Managing the development process
- Efficiently manipulating data
- Writing code
- Taking user needs into account
- Delivering successful and secure products
A degree in Web Development can be used to help organizations of all kinds improve their internet presence. Students will become familiar with technologies to increase their skills in web app programming and design.
This online Web Development associate’s degree program includes a virtual environment that allows students to test their work on multiple operating systems, work in a protected sandbox on security issues, and explore options on a variety of server operating systems. Students will learn at least three programming languages.
Students can choose courses including the following:
- Structured systems analysis and design
- Information security fundamentals
- Hardware, virtualization, and data communication
- Web application programming
- Database management systems
More and more businesses are embracing Computer Information Systems to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. The online Computer Information Systems bachelor’s degree from Dakota State University prepares students to help organizations efficiently and effectively conduct their operations.
The curriculum includes studies of programming languages, application development, database administration, data analytics, networking, project management, and more. Courses examine both client and server-side web programming. Graduates will have knowledge and skills in both business and IT related competencies.
Three specializations are available to students in the online CIS degree program:
- Application Development
- Business Analytics
- Project Management
The bachelor’s in Computer Science online degree from Dakota State University gives students a strong foundation in both the theoretical and applied areas of Computer Science. Courses focus on the technical and conceptual aspects of computer programs and systems.
The specialization in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning allows students to explore predictive analytics, generative deep learning, reinforcement learning, and the mathematical foundations of Artificial Intelligence. Students will learn how to apply problem-solving skills and Computer Science knowledge to solve real world problems. Students in this program may be eligible for DSU’s 4+1 program that allows bachelor’s degree students to get a jumpstart on earning credits for their master’s degree.
Core classes cover topics such as:
- Software security
- Object oriented design
- Programming languages
- Parallel computing
- Networking
Combine math skills with technical knowledge with the bachelor’s degree in Computer Science focusing on Software Engineering from Dakota State University. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of software development and computer hardware and architecture.
Courses in this online Software Engineering degree emphasize ways to apply problem-solving skills and knowledge of Computer Science to solve real world problems. The curriculum includes studies of algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and compilers. Math courses such as algebra, trigonometry, discrete math, and calculus help sharpen Computer Science skills.
Online software development degree graduates can pursue positions including the following:
- Software engineer
- Senior systems administrator
- Software developer
- Tech startup entrepreneur
- Penetration tester
- Programmer/Analyst
Businesses have a critical need to keep their networks up and running while maintaining security. The skills gained from a bachelor’s degree in Network and Security Administration can help make you a valued part of any organization.
Students learn networking, business management, cyber security, virtualization, and forensics. Courses in this network administration online degree program develop networking and security skill sets that will provide a foundation for a lifelong career. Graduates will have a solid business management background so they can be more effective communicators and leaders in the workplace.
The curriculum includes studies of topics such as:
- Hardware, virtualization, and data communication
- Routing and switching
- Windows, UNIX, and Linux administration
- Defensive network security
- Computer science
The Data Analytics certificate from Dakota State University is designed to combine business knowledge and computer science technical skills. Graduates of the program will be prepared to solve data-driven business problems and help organizations make analytics-driven decisions.
Online data science programs teach students how to use technology and computing languages to create analytical solutions. Students gain knowledge of database concepts and design principles. Graduates will additionally be skilled in communicating analysis results to stakeholders with a variety of graphics, visuals, and written and verbal communication.
Use the Certificate in Data Analytics to pursue positions such as:
- Business analyst
- Analytics manager
- Marketing analyst
- Analytics developer
Knowledge in network hardware and software technology can open the door to new career opportunities in the IT field. This Certificate in Network Services from Dakota State University teaches students how these components interact and communicate and how they can be fixed when issues arise.
Courses cover LAN planning, installation, and problem determination procedures. Students learn how to manage and troubleshoot digital networks. Credits from this certificate can be applied toward DSU’s bachelor’s degrees in Network and Security Administration, Computer Science, or Cyber Operations.
Potential job titles for graduates with a Network Administration degree online include:
- Help desk support
- Desktop support technician
- Customer support specialist
Dakota State University offers an online Certificate in Software Development for those wanting to increase their skill set in system and application programming. With abilities in digital platform development, graduates can find employment in nearly any industry.
Students gain knowledge in programming, coding, algorithm development, and more. Projects allow for real-world experience devising applications and creating systems that run devices or control networks on smartphones and tablets.
The online Software Development certificate covers topics such as:
- Computer Science
- Software Security
- Object Oriented Design
Dakota State University’s online PhD in Information Systems is multidisciplinary in focus, applying IS to organizations and management systems in a practical way. Students in this program have the opportunity to conduct research and produce a written dissertation regarding cutting-edge Information Systems.
Courses address the most contemporary issues in the field. Students will focus on gaining an in-depth understanding of IS theory and practice, qualitative design, and quantitative research techniques. Graduates of this computer information systems degree online possess advanced skills in mastering, developing, and supporting new innovations in information technology.
Potential career opportunities include:
- University professor
- Academic researcher
- Government or corporate researcher
- IS director in business or finance
The online Graduate Certificate in Ethical Hacking provides practical, hands-on training that can be useful in any field requiring information assurance. Students in this graduate program from Dakota State University will learn ways to detect flaws in security systems before hackers do to keep information secure.
This nine-credit information security program includes studies of web and network hacking, managing security risks, and more. Courses discuss common security tools, comparing and contrasting their features and purposes.
The curriculum is made up of the following classes:
- Software Exploitation
- Computer Forensics
- Offensive Security
The online Graduate Certificate in Information Technology provides students with exposure to emerging technologies so they can adopt advanced technology into business environments. The program is ideal for non-IT professionals taking on IT responsibilities, as well as current IT professionals looking to advance their careers.
Coursework includes topics in information systems, web application development, and more. Students in this online IT degree will gain skills in creating dynamic websites.
Some of the courses available to students include:
- Information systems
- Project and change management
- Web application development
- IT infrastructure, technology, and network management
- Enterprise modeling and data management
The online Computer Science program at DSU focuses on applying theoretical aspects of computer systems and computability to tangible career outcomes. Graduates can build a career in cyber security, software development, or advance in their current IT role.
The program gives students high-level skills in coding and troubleshooting. Students in this Computer Science degree online learn how to solve problems with computational analogues and design algorithms. New and emerging technologies are studied in a lesson of how to adapt to real-world issues.
Core courses cover topics such as:
- Structure and design of programming language
- Operating systems and parallel programming
- Theory of computation
Advance your IT career with leadership and business skills with the Master of Science degree in Information Systems. This online degree program from Dakota State University integrates management skills with a solid foundation in technology.
Graduates will be equipped to adapt to new technologies, understand user requirements, and effectively manage applications. Courses in the online computer information systems degree program examine database management, internet commerce, network operating environments, and more.
Specializations are available in the following areas:
- Application Development
- Data Management
- Information Systems Cyber Security
- Network Administration and Security
- Healthcare Information Systems
- General
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Gain an understanding of the people and cultures who may execute an attack on computer networks with this online cyber security degree. Prepare to effectively defend these computer networks. The curriculum teaches leadership concepts and practices, professional ethics, and communication skills. Study digital forensics, world affairs, and human behavior as you develop your skills.
An important component of this unique program is the internship. This allows you to develop the skills real companies need.
Learn about data breaches, malware infections, and software vulnerabilities with this online cyber security degree. Students study the mentality, motivations, and techniques of the hackers who execute these attacks. Gain a strong base of programming, math, and networking, and then apply that knowledge to the most technical areas of cyber security. Graduates understand reverse engineering and know how to analyze malware and exploit software while discovering vulnerabilities in widespread computer systems.
This online cyber security degree is part of the 4+1 Program. This allows you to complete the BS in Cyber Operations and the MS in Computer Science in just five years.
Prepare to handle all levels of cybersecurity with this online cyber security degree. This includes websites, mobile apps, and mission-critical data management systems. The curriculum provides in-depth knowledge of theory and helps develop knowledge of security models, risk assessment, secure systems development, and crisis management. You will also study legal, regulatory, and compliance issues while examining access control, encryption, network security, and social engineering.
Courses in this online cyber security degree meet the core or elective requirements of various related degrees at both the associate and bachelor’s degree levels. They can count towards these degrees if you decide to further advance your education.
This online cyber security degree provides learners who possess a solid foundation in computer science (BS or MS) an opportunity to pair their computer science emphasis with applied research in many forms of IT security. Hackers, malware, and data breaches are threats to government agencies and organizations. Begin to defend the elite and address growing cyber threats with this online cyber security degree.
Learn about the important technical aspects of cyber defense and leadership, ethics, and management concepts. You will study the latest techniques in specialized cyber operations activities including data collection, software exploitation, analysis of malicious code, and reverse engineering.
As you study you will learn from faculty who are experts in the field. You will also enjoy the flexibility to study wherever it is convenient.
Complete a technical program that emphasizes cyber security with this online cyber security degree. This program is grounded in computer science and provides a foundation in cyber operations. Specialize in data collection, software exploitation, analysis of malicious code, and reverse engineering. Graduates will have a commanding knowledge of cyber security, making them essential attributes to any company.
As you study you will make connections with real-life professionals and organizations. On-site research seminars not only acquaint you with cyber security issues but also with faculty.
Help create a safer cyber world with this online cyber security degree. The internet and the devices connected to it are growing, leading to the growing need for cybersecurity professionals. Amplify your cyber training and meet this demand.
This program develops knowledge of security models, risk assessment, crisis management, and more. You will examine:
- Access control
- Encryption
- Network security
- Social engineering
Graduates are prepared for careers in software engineering, programming, computer science, military positions, and other computing professions.
Prepare to secure and protect information on computer networks from cyber attacks with this online cyber security degree. Students will also take classes in data privacy, computer forensics, hacking, and intrusion detection while learning to prevent digital attacks and develop security strategies for any organization. You will learn to stay ahead of hackers and ensure the availability of information systems. Graduates know how to lead strategic technical efforts and know they need to consider all aspects of a network as it relates to the industry they are working within.
As you study you will work with world-class faculty. Enjoy a flexible program that allows you to study wherever it is convenient, balancing an education with personal and professional obligations.
Education
Gain vital skills in curriculum development and classroom management with the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree. Graduates of this program will be poised to make a difference in the lives of their young students.
Hands-on practice is gained through a yearlong residency program. Program participants also learn how to utilize modern technology to enhance learning and help children develop creativity, curiosity, and compassion. Students can earn endorsements in K-12 Technology, Kindergarten, English as a New Language, and Coaching, alongside minors in PK-12 Reading and English as a New Language.
Graduates may find employment in the following roles:
- Elementary general education teacher
- K-12 technology teacher
- ESL teacher
Learn the foundations of pedagogy and curriculum in education with an online Certificate in Teaching and Learning. This undergraduate program will help you get your start in a number of educational roles.
You will learn how to become an effective teacher and build learning environments that promote creativity and compassion. This online teaching program consists of 12 credits and five courses.
Classes cover topics such as the following:
- Educational assessment
- Online teaching and learning
- Universal design and accessibility for online instruction
- Multimedia web development in education
- K-8 science and math technology
With a Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education, you will learn about advanced topics in the methods and practice of teaching. This online secondary education program focuses on lesson plans and learning activities for students in middle and high school grades.
Learn how to adapt your lessons to benefit various learning styles. Courses also detail effective ways to track student progress and ensure that assessments are aligned with instructional outcomes. You will benefit from coursework covering methods to create safe and respectful classroom environments.
The online Master of Science in Educational Technology program prepares students to create tech-infused learning environments and curriculums, allowing them to demonstrate leadership in educational technology. This program makes students experts in multimedia, web authoring, instructional programming, computer hardware, and more, enabling them to integrate technology-based educational tools and products into instruction. Coursework provides proficiency in finding, evaluating, and using current educational research to support continuous improvement in the classroom and in using a variety of software, hardware, and programming languages.
Healthcare
The online Associate of Science in Health Information Technology prepares students to keep accurate medical records and help prevent medical complications, helping them become vital to the operation of medical record departments in any healthcare facility. Courses may include Basic Medical Terminology, Introduction to the Health Info Management, Introduction to Health Info Systems, and Management and Supervision of HIM. Graduates find careers as health data analysts, insurance claims analysts, records technician specialists, clinical coding specialists, patient information coordinators, and more.
The online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration combines the disciplines of medicine, management, finance, law, and information technology, preparing students for careers in a variety of traditional and non-traditional healthcare settings. Courses teach students to design and manage health information systems to ensure they meet medical, legal, and ethical standards. Students also learn to administer computer information systems, collect and analyze patient data, use classification systems and medical terminologies, manage records departments, and serve on administrative committees.
The online Certificate in Health Care Coding is designed for students who want to be employed as medical coders and possibly work on their associate’s or bachelor’s degrees later. Courses focus on industry standards like ICD and CPT coding and third-party reimbursement as students learn how to assign and apply the appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes based on medical record documentation which are then used in healthcare databases and in claims to be paid by insurance carriers. Graduates are prepared to take the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate exam.
The online Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management prepares students to make differences in the future of healthcare. Courses teach students how to use healthcare information for practical and research purposes; share their expertise with doctors, nurses, and other IT staff; and make smart, health-centric decisions.