Cyber Security, DSc

Program Description

The Doctor of Science (DSc) in Cyber Security is intended to be a technical program firmly grounded in computer science and will emphasize applied research in cyber security. Students enrolled in the program will become a vital resource for DSU researchers, as well as for regional and national employers. The proposed program is intended to produce graduates with a commanding knowledge of cyber security, of the applications and research in cyber security, and of supporting technology in computer science.

The program will provide a particular emphasis on technologies and techniques related to specialized cyber operations activities, including data collection, software exploitation, analysis of malicious code, and reverse engineering. These technologies and techniques are critical to intelligence, military and law enforcement organizations, as well as to employers in data-intensive industries.

Residency Requirements

Students will be required to complete three on-site research seminars (CSC 890 , one credit each, taken three separate times) in a face-to-face setting at the Madison, SD campus. These research seminars will be held annually and take place over multiple days. 

Program Completion

The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, with classes offered in three academic terms: fall, spring, and summer. Full-time students with a master’s degree in computer science should be able to complete this program in 3 years. The program must be completed within 7 years of the semester of the students admission.

Admission Requirements Specific to the DSc in Cyber Security

Dakota State University seeks highly motivated individuals with education and professional credentials that will enable them to be successful doctoral students. Students must have a bachelors or master’s degree in computer science to apply.

DSc Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education with full regional accreditation for that degree. International students must have an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree that is the equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree in the U.S. Students must have a bachelors or master’s degree in computer science.
2. Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on an alternative grading system).

Program Faculty:

Jared DeMott, Tom Halverson, Stephen Krebsbach, Josh Pauli, Wayne Pauli, Ashley Podhradsky, Josh Stroschein, Yong Wang