Program Description
The Master of Science in Data Privacy (MSDP) equips graduates with the expertise to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of data privacy. This program explores the critical role of data in government, corporate, and nation-state contexts, applying technical, legal, and policy frameworks to ensure its protection and ethical use.
Students develop in-depth knowledge in privacy regulations, data governance, and privacy-enhancing technologies, gaining the skills to design policies, implement safeguards, and measure compliance effectively. Designed for working professionals, this fully online, asynchronous program provides students with the flexibility to advance their career while mastering the future of data privacy.
Location: Online and Madison campus
Goals and Objectives
The Master of Science in Data Privacy (MSDP) degree is designed to prepare professionals who will have the skills to:
- Develop comprehensive privacy solutions to address complex data privacy challenges from technical, ethical, legal, and policy perspectives.
- Assess the degree of which privacy-enhancing measures align with evolving regulatory frameworks.
- Apply regulatory applications of data governance to real-world privacy scenarios.
- Design a comprehensive data privacy risk management program.
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 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 five semesters. Students must complete the program within 5 years of the semester of their admission.
Admission Requirements Specific to the MSDP
The Dakota State University Masters of Science in Data Privacy 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 from an institution of higher education with full regional accreditation for that degree.
- International students must have an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree that is equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree in the U.S.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Program Faculty
Kyle Cronin (Department Chair), Bill Bendix, Quentin Covert, Chad Fenner, Kanthi Narukonda, Renae Spohn
Program Required Coursework
The program requires 30 credits beyond the baccalaureate. 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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