Overview
Dakota State University of Madison, South Dakota, Is a Public University Offering Undergraduate Through Doctoral Degrees
Dakota State University (DSU) is in Madison, a small town in the southeastern region of South Dakota. Dakota State University was established over 100 years ago as a private teacher's college. It now offers dozens of degree programs - from undergraduate to doctoral programs - to its nearly 3,000 full- and part-time enrolled students. DSU is a coeducational public university that is led by a faculty of nearly 100 dedicated members.
Education at DSU Is Deeply Planted in Technology; Computers Are an Essential, Integral Part of the Learning Paradigm
The thrust of education at DSU is technological in character. It is the belief of the administration and professorial staff that students can learn faster, more easily, and more efficiently by integrating the use of direct electronic communication among students and teachers, both in traditional classes and for those who learn outside of that setting. Every single student who enrolls at Dakota State University is given a tablet personal computer and is taught not only foundational computer use in class but also more complex programming, which is mandatory. Computer technology is an essential, integral part of the learning paradigm. On campus, students can use wireless laptop computers and other related devices at all times to tap into the several local and international online networks available to them. Graduate students use computers similarly.
Cutting-Edge Graduate Programs in Technology Prepare DSU Students for Professional Careers in Future-Proof Fields
There are several majors for graduate students to choose from on Dakota State University's technologically focused campus. The Master of Science in Educational Technology (MSET) program focuses on developing professionals who will teach other educators about the continuously evolving methods with which they teach their students. It also provides a deep understanding of how the students of today and tomorrow understand new types and volumes of information in an increasingly high tech and global society. The program offers specializations in distance education and in technology systems. A K-12 Educational Technology Endorsement is also available.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) Program are positioned as health professionals in the field that develops, manages, and designs cutting-edge information systems specifically addressing medical industry needs. Many such systems deal with storing and acquiring patient records, scheduling medical applications and procedures, and generating invoices for healthcare insurance companies.
The Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA) Program prepares graduate students to create security systems for valuable information held by government agencies and private corporations, such as banks, electronic commerce centers, and computer networks. The highly specialized program, considered one of the best in the country, is recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency as a center of excellence. Three 12-credit hour specializations are available to MSIA students: banking and financial security; wireless and networking security; and internet and E-commerce.
The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) Program provides a tech-driven understanding of business operations and problem solving. Students in the information systems program learn more about the actual processing of business information than the concepts of business supported in a traditional M.B.A. program, making the MISIS program substantially more technical. After taking the majority of their core courses, students select a 9-credit specialization in data management; electronic commerce; network administration and security; or healthcare information systems. A "general" specialization, comprising the first course from the data management, electronic commerce, and network administration and security specialization plus additional electives, is also available to MSIS student.
The Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Program in information systems is also offered. Graduates of the program take multidisciplinary approaches to comprehensive tech-driven research, and finding ways organizations and their management teams can better apply information systems and information technology. The program's intention is to produce graduates with a commanding knowledge of information systems and of applications and research in information systems. Students in the D.Sc. program can pursue specializations in decision support, knowledge, and data management; information assurance and computer security; and healthcare information systems.
The Faculty at DSU Is Led By Nationally Renowned Scholars and Researchers and the Region's Top Professors
The stellar graduate faculty at Dakota State University includes sociology Professor Roger Reed, Ph.D.; published author and Professor of College of Education, Robert Warren, Ph.D; professor, educational administration specialist, and researcher Dorine Bennett, Ph.D; Professor of Business and Computer Information Systems, Richard T. Christoph, Ph.D., and many others.
DSU Is Accredited by Several Important Accreditation Bodies Representing a Number of Fields of Study
The Dakota State University is accredited by several agencies in the U.S., including the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education; the State Approving Agency for programs that are eligible for veterans' benefits; Division of Education of the South Dakota Department of Education and Cultural Affairs; Commission on Accreditation of the Allied Health Education Programs; Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care; Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education of the American Health Information Management Association; and others.
DSU Offers Graduate Assistantships and Research Fellowships to Help Cover Costs of Graduate Education
There are several costs to consider when attending graduate school at DSU. The various information systems and technology programs are available on campus and online, and specific financial assistance is available for some graduate students who become assistants or research fellows. The graduate assistantships and research fellowships aid covers up to 33 percent of annual tuition.
