Cybersecurity Degrees in South Dakota- This guide is about cybersecurity degree programs in South Dakota. Also included in the guide are some of the economic conditions that are supporting the growth of the cybersecurity industry in the state.
In South Dakota, agriculture is major business. Agriculture contributes around $7 billion to the state’s economy each year. Many people assume that farming is the most important industry in South Dakota because of its location and history.
In reality, the state’s most important industry is finance, which few people would expect.
About $1 trillion was deposited in commercial and savings bank accounts in New York state institutions in 2018. California had $800 billion in its coffers. According to FDIC data, South Dakota had an astonishing $3.1 trillion deposited in its banks.
Thousands of finance employment have resulted from all of the money put in South Dakota. These professions include typical finance jobs such as bankers and investors, as well as jobs that support economic activity such as a boost in the building industry as financial companies establish new headquarters.
Citibank, for example, just constructed a building in Sioux Falls that will serve as the bank’s new headquarters in South Dakota. A total of 1,300 people will work in the building.
Why did you pick South Dakota? “Location,” Citibank CEO Michael Corbat explained. A labour force that is competitive. All of those components come together beautifully. Obviously, we think it’s a fantastic place to work and conduct business.”
Citibank isn’t the only bank with a presence in the state of South Dakota. The state is also home to Wells Fargo and TCF Bank. In total, the financial sector accounts for around 15% of the state’s GDP.
Because of all of this cash, fraudsters see the state as a valuable target. As a result of its awareness of the situation, South Dakota takes cybersecurity seriously.
Cybersecurity Degrees in South Dakota
A squad of North Korean hackers has been attempting to break into government systems in South Dakota, according to ABC. There were 142 hacking attempts, but just one was successful.
Given that North Korea has a sophisticated hacking network, far more proficient than the country’s current situation would suggest, South Dakota’s ability to safeguard its networks is amazing.
South Dakota hosts the yearly DakotaCon conference for those interested in learning more about cybersecurity. Guests can participate in hands-on workshops aimed to teach specific cybersecurity skills in addition to listening to keynote speakers.
Given that the conference has been going on for a decade, it’s safe to infer that it’s benefiting the South Dakota cybersecurity community.
When it comes to education, South Dakota offers a diverse range of great cybersecurity degrees. Dakota State University is home to one of the National Security Agency’s 13 approved Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.
Dakota State University was also named a “Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations” by the National Security Agency.
South Dakota has a lot going for it in terms of cybersecurity education and they offer a number of educational options, from an associate’s degree all the way up to a Ph.D.
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREES
Many cybersecurity professions, unfortunately, demand a bachelor’s degree or higher; nevertheless, an associate’s degree has some advantages.
It can lead to a respectable entry-level job, and credits gained through an associate’s degree may transfer to a bachelor’s degree. This makes it an excellent option for someone who plans to continue their studies in the future.
Campus-based cybersecurity associate’s degrees in South Dakota
South Dakota students can apply for one of two campus-based associate’s degrees. Both are available through a technical institute.
- An Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Security Specialist is available at Lake Area Technical Institute.
- An Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Security is available from Southeast Technical Institute.
Online cybersecurity associate’s degrees in South Dakota
- South Dakota currently offers only one online associate’s degree.
- Dakota State University provides a Network and Security Administration Associate of Science degree.
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
A bachelor’s degree will be the greatest option for many pupils. A four-year degree is still reasonably priced and can be obtained on campus or through online classes.
Because most careers in cybersecurity necessitate a bachelor’s degree or higher, this is an excellent option for anyone contemplating a career in the field.
Campus-based cybersecurity bachelor’s degree in South Dakota
In South Dakota, there is currently only one campus-based bachelor’s degree programme.
- Dakota State University offers a Cyber Operations (BS) Bachelors
Online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree in South Dakota
South Dakota’s online programmes make up for the state’s lack of campus-based education. Students can work while obtaining their degree in an online programme because it is more flexible than a campus-based programme.
There are various outstanding online programmes available in South Dakota. For more information, please see the list below.
MASTER’S DEGREE
While a master’s degree requires two or three more years of study, graduates may discover that their lifetime earnings more than compensate for the cost of the school. On average, master’s degree holders earn more than bachelor’s degree holders.
Online cybersecurity master’s degrees in South Dakota
There are currently no campus-based cybersecurity master’s degrees available in South Dakota. However, they do provide an online option.
- Dakota State University offers a Master of Science in Cyber Defense
PH.D. DEGREE
In the realm of cybersecurity, a Ph.D. is the highest level of study available. Because Ph.D. graduates are in high demand, a degree holder with this level of education can expect to pick and choose where they want to work.
Online Ph.D. degrees in South Dakota
South Dakota offers a single Ph.D. programme.
- Dakota State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Operations
CERTIFICATIONS
Certification programmes in cybersecurity are meant to educate a certain skill. Before a candidate may be considered for some positions, they may need to have a specialist certification.
Online certification programmes
There are various online certification programmes available in South Dakota.
- A Graduate Certificate in Banking Security is available from Dakota State University.
- A Graduate Certificate in Ethical Hacking is available from Dakota State University.
| School | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Area Technical Institute | Watertown | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems – Security Specialist |
| Southeast Technical Institute | Sioux Falls | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Security |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Associate of Science in Network and Security Administration |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Leadership and Intelligence |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Cyber Operations, B.S. |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Master of Science in Cyber Defense |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Operations |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Graduate Certificate in Banking Security |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Graduate Certificate in Ethical Hacking |
Cybersecurity Jobs in South Dakota
According to CyberSeek, a cybersecurity job aggregator, there are now 740 cybersecurity jobs available in South Dakota. The Sioux Falls area is home to the majority of the available jobs. Not surprisingly, many of the aforementioned banks have their headquarters here.
According to CyberSeek, the present supply of cybersecurity technicians in South Dakota is extremely limited. South Dakota has seen a 212 percent rise in cybersecurity technicians in the last five years, indicating that the scarcity is unlikely to change in the near future. That makes it the United States’ fastest-growing cybersecurity job market!
This upward tendency means that students will have a wide range of work options after graduation. Today, there is a cybersecurity labour deficit, which is only expected to worsen as the world gets more computerised.
Cybersecurity in South Dakota
South Dakota has a responsibility to take cybersecurity seriously since it has $3 trillion in bank accounts across the state. North Korea’s attempted infiltration of state networks demonstrates that foreign actors are aware of South Dakota’s significance as a financial centre and want to destabilise it.
Thankfully, South Dakota is aware of the issue and is taking appropriate measures to address it. DakotaCon is free on the first day, which encourages community participation. The state’s cybersecurity instructional initiatives are likewise well regarded, with the National Security Agency (NSA) praising them.
Overall, South Dakota has proved that it is a security-conscious state. Aspiring cybersecurity experts should consider studying here because the above-average salary combined with the low cost of living in South Dakota make this an attractive spot to settle down after graduation.
