{"id":387,"date":"2021-09-28T14:39:32","date_gmt":"2021-09-28T14:39:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/he-cyberdegrees-org-sonic.lndo.site\/?p=387"},"modified":"2023-03-15T19:05:48","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T19:05:48","slug":"cybersecurity-programs-in-south-dakota","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/listings\/south-dakota\/","title":{"rendered":"Cybersecurity Programs in South Dakota"},"content":{"rendered":"

In addition to South Dakota's natural beauty, the state is recognized for its business-friendly climate. With South Dakota's low tax rates and high investment in new business development, technology companies can establish themselves in the state at a fraction of the cost of operating in other locations.<\/p>\r\n

As a result, the cyberdefense industry in South Dakota is growing, and new cybersecurity experts can find a burgeoning professional community in the Mount Rushmore State. According to the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development<\/a>, as of 2021, the state houses 1,179 cybersecurity companies, and 3,491 state residents work in the industry.<\/p>\r\n

Explore this article to learn more about cybersecurity degrees, careers, and employers in South Dakota.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

South Dakota at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
\r\nAverage Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations, 2021<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\n

$77,210<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\nPercentage of Workforce in Tech<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\n

3.3%<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\nEconomic Impact of Tech Industry<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\n

$2 billion<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\nNumber of Higher Learning Institutions<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\n

21<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Sources:<\/strong> Cyberstates™<\/a>, NCES<\/a>, OEWS<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n

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Why Go to In-Person or Online Colleges in South Dakota?<\/h2>\r\n

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics<\/a> (NCES), 50,849 students were enrolled in postsecondary education programs across South Dakota in 2020. These learners pursue degrees at every level — from associate to doctoral programs — in diverse fields, including cybersecurity.<\/p>\r\n

These schools offer valuable resources for students: For example, Dakota State University (DSU) recently added Madison Cyber Labs — a research, development, and economic opportunity hub — to their cybersecurity program. The lab allows DSU students to learn from cutting-edge researchers and developers.<\/p>\r\n

Other public and private schools in South Dakota also offer robust cybersecurity education experiences<\/a> at economical prices. At four-year schools, public tuition is lower than national averages for in-state and out-of-state enrollees, and private schools also charge lower-than-average tuition.<\/p>\r\n

Learners from nearby states may qualify for tuition reciprocity agreements that offer lower educational costs. In-state learners can benefit from state-sponsored scholarships. The South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations<\/a> maintains a list of scholarships specifically for Native American students in South Dakota.<\/p>\r\n

South Dakota offers a variety of learning experiences<\/a>. The state is home to public schools, faith-based institutions, and community colleges. Students can pursue degrees at schools in urban areas or in rural locations. They can take classes online or in person.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n

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Education Statistics for South Dakota<\/h3>\r\n

According to NCES data, 53.2% of students in South Dakota were enrolled in at least some distance education classes in 2021. While online enrollment has trended upward in recent years, this particular data likely reflects the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nHigher Education Statistics<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\nSouth Dakota Data<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\nNational Data<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
\r\n

Four-Year Colleges<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

16<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

2,520<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Two-Year Colleges<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

5<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

1,216<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Students Enrolled in Distance Education<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

53.2%<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

59%<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Source:<\/strong> NCES<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Accreditation for South Dakota Schools<\/h3>\r\n

When exploring cybersecurity degrees in South Dakota, look for accredited schools. Accreditation means a school has submitted to a rigorous review of their academics, finances, policies, and governance. In South Dakota, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the region's institutional accrediting agency. The HLC regularly evaluates its member schools to ensure they meet accepted standards of quality.<\/p>\r\n

Some cybersecurity programs also hold programmatic accreditation with agencies like ABET<\/a>. Programmatic accreditation helps assure these schools that their programs are providing relevant, industry-leading cybersecurity education. Three South Dakota institutions hold ABET accreditation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Considerations for a Cybersecurity Degree in South Dakota<\/h2>\r\n

Prospective students should consider a variety of factors as they determine which schools best align with their academic and professional goals.<\/p>\r\n

Is an associate or bachelor's<\/a> more appropriate? Should the program focus on hands-on technological service or emphasize research and computer science theory?<\/p>\r\n

Tuition is another major concern. State-supported schools provide South Dakota residents with a low baseline price. Private schools may offer financial aid packages to make their programs more affordable.<\/p>\r\n

Finally, aspiring students need to decide whether to pursue an online, in-person, or hybrid program. Online education means enrollees do not have to relocate to earn a degree, but distance learning requires self-discipline and time management. Students who want face-to-face interaction with peers and professors may prefer an in-person experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n