Program Description
The Master of Science (MS) in Cyber Operations is designed to be a technical program firmly grounded in computer science and will emphasize applied research in cybersecurity. Students enrolled in the program will become a vital resource for research engineers, as well as for regional and national employers. The program aims to produce graduates with advanced technical expertise in cyber operations, applied research in cybersecurity, and innovation within computer science, emphasizing high-demand skills like malware analysis and software exploitation.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on specialized cyber operations skills, such as reverse engineering, malware analysis, penetration testing, and software exploitation. These competencies are crucial for roles within intelligence, military, and law enforcement agencies, as well as for positions in data-driven industries that demand high-level security expertise.
Location: Madison Campus and Online
Program Completion:
The program can be completed on a full or part-time basis, with classes offered in three academic terms, fall, spring, and summer. Time to complete really depends upon the number of credit hours taken per semester and the number of knowledge support courses needed. Full-time students (6 credit hours per semester) can complete the program in four semesters (assuming two knowledge support courses are required). Students must complete the program within 5 years of the semester of their admission.
Admission Requirements Specific to the MSCO
The Dakota State University Masters of Science in Cyber Operations program seeks highly motivated individuals with education and professional credentials that will enable them to be successful graduate students. Admission to the program is based upon a combination of the following requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree in computer science, cyber operations, or closely related field 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.
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on an alternative grading system).
- Students who are accepted into the program but do not hold a B.S. in Computer Science or B.S. in Cyber Operations may be required to show competency areas such as Data Structures, Assembly Language, Operating Systems, Language Processing, Programming Languages, Discrete Mathematics. These competencies may be met with transcripted coursework or less-formal means such as experiences which demonstrate to the Admissions Committee gained competence in a knowledge area. Any remaining knowledge deficiency requirements will be included as part of the student’s formal Plan of Study (POS) as additional required credits.
Program Faculty
Department Chair: Mike Ham
Faculty: Andrew Kramer, Cody Welu, Kyle Cronin, Pat Engebretson, Shawn Zwach, Tom Halverson, Tyler Flaagan
Program Requirements
Coursework
The program requires 30 hours beyond a baccalaureate. All students must take the following:
- Eight core courses (24 credits)
- Two elective courses (6 credits)
Students who do not meet specific admission requirements may have to take foundational classes as part of their coursework that gets added to their program of study.
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