Computer science has become one of those fields that quietly sits behind almost everything we use today. From simple mobile apps to the systems that run hospitals, banks, farms, and entire cities, there is always someone writing code, analyzing data, or keeping networks safe. Because of that, the demand for people who truly understand how technology works keeps rising, and the field continues to open doors for anyone ready to learn and get hands-on with real problems.
It is also one of the most rewarding paths you can take right now. The earning potential is strong, and there are many career options to choose from. Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, cloud engineers, and AI specialists all enjoy solid pay and steady growth. But these opportunities do not come automatically. In tech, your value is tied to your skill level, and the quality of your output depends heavily on the kind of training you receive.
This is why the school you attend matters. A good computer science program gives you the right foundation, steady support, and enough practical experience to prepare you for competitive work environments.
South Dakota may not be the first place people think of when it comes to tech, but the state has several institutions offering strong computer science programs with different strengths and learning styles. We compared the best of them, looking at their curriculum, hands-on opportunities, career outcomes, and overall consistency.
Best Colleges for Computer Science in South Dakota
1. University of South Dakota (USD)
At USD, the Computer Science (CS) program is built to give you both theory and real-world chops. As a CS major, you don’t just sit in lectures; you get hands-on experience, internships, and chances to do research.
They offer B.A. and B.S. degrees, and even specialized tracks in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The student-to-faculty ratio is pretty low (about 20:1), which means your professors will know you and can mentor you well.
Their BS program is ABET-accredited, which is a big plus; it shows that USD meets high standards for computer science education. After you graduate, about 98% of students find jobs or go on to further studies, which is strong.
On the graduate side, USD has a flexible M.S. in Computer Science, with options to specialize in AI or informatics/data science. The program is designed to help you tackle cutting-edge topics like machine learning, cyber security, the Internet of Things, and more.
2. South Dakota State University (SDSU)
SDSU has a well-structured Computer Science program that’s both rigorous and practical. Their B.S. in Computer Science is very broad, covering things like data structures, operating systems, compilers, programming languages, and computer architecture. On top of that, they require math-heavy courses (discrete math, probability, statistics) to build a strong theoretical foundation.
For graduate students, SDSU offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs. Their master’s degree goes deep into research-ready areas: software engineering, parallel processing, medical image processing, GIS, cybersecurity, and more. The Ph.D. program emphasizes machine learning, data analytics, and applying those topics to things like agriculture or energy.
SDSU’s goals for its CS graduates are not just technical: they want you to solve difficult technical problems, work well in teams, make ethical judgments, and keep learning after school. The fact that their program is ABET-accredited shows they are serious about quality.
They even offer a 5-year B.S./M.S. combined track, so if you’re ambitious, you can finish both faster.
3. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSM&T)
At South Dakota Mines, the Computer Science program is very applied and technically deep. Their B.S. in Computer Science is ABET-accredited, meaning it meets internationally recognized standards.
The curriculum includes core CS taught practically, you learn algorithms, data structures, computer architecture — but you also do real hands-on work. Because of its technical bent, you get to dive into things like AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and software engineering.
If you go further, their M.S. in Computer Science & Engineering brings together CS, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. You study in-depth topics like robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent automation.
The department has great labs and maintains strong industry ties. Also, when you graduate, the job placement is really good; Mines advertises a 97% job placement rate.
4. Dakota State University (DSU)
DSU offers both Bachelor’s (B.S.) and Master’s (M.S.) degrees in Computer Science, and even a Ph.D. The B.S. comprises 120 credits and is very flexible. You can study on campus or take classes online. There are specializations like AI & Machine Learning, Software Engineering, and more.
The M.S. (30 credits) goes deeper into theory and real-world problem-solving; areas like AI, data science, and cybersecurity are covered.
The Ph.D. program is a research-heavy program, with a strong balance between theory and application. You’ll work on things like AI, machine learning, data analytics, and cyber operations.
DSU has a very flexible setup, plus strong faculty support. Their Ph.D. program is even tied to a research lab (Madison Cyber Labs), giving students exposure to real cybersecurity work.
5. Augustana University
Augustana offers a Computer Science major and minor, plus a Computer Information Systems (CIS) track. As a CS major, you’ll learn core topics: algorithms, data structures, programming languages, architecture, networks, and databases.
What’s cool is that Augustana is a liberal arts school, so you’re not just stuck doing code — you can mix CS with other interests like psychology, art, or business. In your later years, you also work on a major team project: you design, implement, and test a real software application, while also thinking about its social impact.
They strongly support internships: students work with local companies (like John Deere), or do part-time tech work on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is South Dakota a good place to study Computer Science?
Yes, especially if you prefer smaller class sizes, direct access to faculty, and programs that focus on real, practical skills. Schools like USD, SDSU, Mines, and DSU give students a mix of theory and hands-on work. Many programs are ABET-accredited, which means employers take them seriously.
2. What jobs can I get with a Computer Science degree from a South Dakota school?
Graduates go into software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud engineering, and IT consulting. Many students also land roles with regional tech companies or remote jobs with national firms. Schools like Mines and USD report high job placement rates.
3. Do South Dakota universities offer online Computer Science degrees?
Yes. Dakota State University is one of the strongest options if you need flexibility. They offer a full online CS program at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, and the setup is designed for working students. Some schools also blend online and on-campus learning.
4. Which school is best for someone who wants to study AI or cybersecurity?
USD, DSU, and Mines all have strong courses in AI. For cybersecurity, DSU stands out because of its dedicated research labs and advanced cyber operations programs. Mines also offers strong applied security work within engineering projects.
5. Are Computer Science degrees from these schools recognized outside South Dakota?
Yes. The ABET accreditation at USD, SDSU, and Mines gives national credibility. DSU graduates also do well because the school is known for cybersecurity and online tech programs. Your degree will be recognized anywhere.